The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-01

his presence had been observed, this ac-
tion would provide excuse for his noe
turnal wander!ngs. Rising, he crossed
again the broad square, and hurried up
the street by which he had entered It.
This street led 10 the northern gate, whose
dark arch he saw at the end OF 1t. and
just as he was about 10 turn down a lane
which led 10 his palace, he found him.
self confronted with a fourth prob.s
One leaf OF the ponderous gate swung IN
ward. and through the opening he caught
"a glimpse of the moonlit country beyond.
Knowing that the gates were never opened
at night. except through the direct order
of the prince. he paused for a moment.
and then saw man on horseback enter,
hn- himself hurrieGly from his steed. ieav-
Ing il in care of those in charge Of the
gates, and disappear down the street that
led directly to the princes palace. In
most perturbed state OF mind the ambas-
sador sought his own house, and there
wrote his final dispatch To Damascus. He
told or his discovery of the water tank,
and said that his former advice regarding
the diveriing OF the stream was no longer
Of practical value lie said he would in
vestigate further the reservoir under the
temple Of life, and discover. II possible.
how the water was discharged. If he Sue
ceeded in his quest he would e3deavor. IN
case Of along siege, TO set free Baaibek's
store OF water. but he reiterated his be-
lief that II was better 20 attempt the
capture Of the city by surprise ard fierce
assault. The message that actually went
to Damascus. carried by the third pigeon,
was again different in tenor.
Come at once II said; 'Baalbek Is an
protected, and the prince has gone on a
hunting expedition. March through the
pass OF El-Zaid. which is unprotected. be-
cause IL Is the longer route. The armies
OF Baalbek are at Tripog and az Antioch.
and the city Is without even a garrison.
The southern gate Will DO open awaiting
your coming"
DAYS passed and the ambassador paced
the roof OF fss house. looking in vain
toward the south. The stream flowed as
usual through the city. Anxiety At the
lack of all tidings from Damascus began TO
plow burrows IN his brow. He looked care
worn and haggard. To the kindly in
qures Of the prince regarding his health
he replied that there was nothing amiss.
One evening an urgent message came
from the palace requesting his attend
ance there TIE prince met him with con-
cern on his brow.
Have yoi. had word from your master,
Omar. governor OF Damascus since you
parted with him." asked Tsmael-
IT have had 10 tIdings," replied the am
bassador
"A messenger has just come n from
damascus. W no sass lftat oLiLfF - w uEdo-
IS peril i thought YOU should know this
speedily. and 80 sent for you"
of what nature IS the peril? asked the
ambassador. turning pale
The messenger said something OF his
falling prisoner. sorely wounded, IN the
hands Of his enemies.
'Of his enemies" echoed the a1shassa
dor He has many. Which one has been
~ctorious?'
L have had no particulars. and perhaps
the rews nag n5t De tue answered the
prince. soothingiy-
My / question your mess ngsrg
"Assurefly He has gone 10 the temple
~ life 10 pray for some 81 his own kin.
who are In danger. Let us go there to-
X Their and find him
But the messenger had ALREADY lef. the
temple before the arrival Of his master.
and the two found the great place entirely
eFnuty Standing near the edge OF the
slab before ire mammoth statue. he
prince said:
Sand upon this slab. facing The statue.
ard VIII tel you more faithfully thar
any r1esss ngs~ whether your master shall
I've or De. ard whsn''-
Il am 3 Mossern.'' answered Haz'ddks.
and pray 10 none hdt Allah"
In BaalEea,- said the prince. carelessly.
"alI religions are tolerated. Here we havs