Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-09-13
LII (IxS n the Horrors
of War
Desert. ;, ; !. WELSH sss
CHAPTER vII.-(Continued.,
I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ChAfl EN- Nll.-tCOhtinueu-b
"You are a spy" said the Khalifa,
looking from under bent brows at Gle
land. as the dervishes paused, "and
spies have but one fate with mel" He
turned to the two dervishes. Take
him out and hang him behind the "a
reba."
Surely you will at least allow me
to say a word in my own defense?
exclaimed Cleland. Life is dear to all.
and though Paul Cleland was ready
to die in just warfare. as all brave,
loyal British subjects are. yet this con-
demnation to the most ignominious
and ignoble of deaths, wholly unde-
served as 1t was, sent a chill of horror
through him. Il am no spy, and 1t is
my misfortune that | am here to-
night. II you will allow me to explain
how came to be so | shall be under
debt of gratitude to your Excellency."
The Khalifa again waved his hand.
Then, as well as he could on account
of his imperfect knowledge of the Ian
guage, Cleland briefly related what
had passed since he lost himself in the
jungle, only keeping back. of course.
all mention of Rayburn's treaehery.
The Khalifa listened in silence.
When Cleland had finished he turned
to the dervishes and said something
in low voice; then turning again to
Cleland, he bowed.
They will take you where you can
rest tonight, and bring you something
to eat and drink. In the morning we
shall talk again of this"
Cleland would have thanked him;
but, with one wave OF his hand. the
Khalifa peremptorily stopped him.
He had again to follow his fierce
looking guides. They led him into a
small hut, whose sole furniture con-
sisted of mat on the floor and a
goats skin; then. disappearing, re-
turned with some dried apricots and
dates and little water. These they
left on the floor, and then, without
another word, withdrew. Cleland
tried to swallow the water; but his
mouth was so parched with the heat
anu uUSt lhdl II was SOAAC lihC DNAoAN
he could do so.
He got no sleep that night. The
hut was dirty, dark, and hot as an
oven; it was, moreover. swarming with
flies.
He felt faint with exhaustion and
feverish with heat. He hardly dared
think Of what fate might lie before
him; but he was able to commit him
self to the God in whom he trusted
with all his heart, and that brought
peace and comfort to his mind.
He was summoned early the next
morning to the Khalifa, who lay in
the same position on his mat, as il he
had never moved from 1t.
you may not be a spy" he said.
hut you are an infidel. Ours is the
only true religion. Great is God, and
Mohammed is His prophet! Behold
what great things we have already ac-
complished through Him. Renounce
of us, and | promise you your life
shall be spared"
mot for anything that you can give
me shall l renouce my faith" an
swered Cleland quietly, but without
hesitation. II shall choose death
even the most ignominious deaths
rather! You must choose another
price, Excellency"
None other, by the beard of the
prophet" exclaimed the Khalifa, his
deep tones vibrating with wrath. "On
no other condition shall your worth
less life be spared but that. If you
refuse, by the great name, you shah
hang on the nearest tree!"
Cleland bowed gravely
If it must be, 1t must be, Khalifa.
/ can die, even a criminals death. like
a man, hope; but cannot renounce
my faith like traitori"
Take him away" cried the Khali-
ia, wrathfully.
The two dervishes came forward and
led him away, to what fate Cleland
could not tell.