Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1901-10-17
CHAPTER XIV.
The Arabs Purpose


AS Ulin sat upon the gre snsWard
with her back against a palm tree,
and one hand resting upon Albia's
arm, she could take clear view of her
captors. The sun was just tinging the
distant mountain tops with its golden
light, and the last shadow of the night
mad gone. The Arabs had watered the
horses and left them where they could
crop the green grass, and were now
gathered together. listening to the
words of their chief.
They were rough. dark looking men.
these Arabs. Their clothing was
sparse and poor, and their skin swart
and dirty; but their weapons were
bright and keen and their horses in
most perfect condition, both as to
health and cleanliness. A little while
they conversed together. and then one
of them brought forth the bundle
which had been taken from Shubal. 1t
was opened by the leader, and the ar
ticles of clothing which it contained
were spread out upon the ground,
Folded up in silken scarf was found
a purse. from which fell score or
more of broad gold pieces: whereupon
the marauders gave utterance to vari-
GUS explanations of satisfaction.
They are robbers" said Ulin, as
she saw them dividing the gold.
Certainly" responded Abba. II
have suspected that from the first"
Can they belong to Julian's band?"
why should you ask such a ques-
ton, my mistress? You know that
Julian would never have such men
about him."
AS she spoke, the Arab leader came
towards them, and after gazing upon
them for a few moments, he said, ad-
dressing the princess:
Il hope you find yourself none the
worse for this little deviation from
your original course; for, let me as
sure you, the meeting has afforded
me much pleasure. Does the princess
Ulin know who is speaking to herr"
mo, sir" replied Ulin.
Then she shall know into whose
protecting hand she has had the for
tune OF falling. am AL Abbas. Does
the name sound familiar"
mo. SIR"
1T is familiar enough to me-" said
Abba.
"Ah. pretty one-and what know
you of it?"
II have heard the name, sir, when
speech has been made touching a GER
tain Arab robber, whose deeds had
caused him to. be feared by honest
travellers"
The rascal seemed pleased with this
remark. and smilingly returned:
"You have hit the truth, my fair
damsel. ! am the robber. AL Abbas;
and I am terror to those who fear
to lose their money. But, my dear
lady" he continued. turning to the
princess. you cannot have any such
fears. We have found some little
money belonging to you. and I take
the liberty of asking you IL you have
any jewels about you"
He approached nearer as he spoke.
and held out his hand. Ulin knew not
how to refuse, and she furthermore
saw that refusal would be useless; so
she drew forth from her bosom cas-
ket of chamois skin, bound with bands
Of gold. and handed it over. The rob-
Der took 1t. and opened 1t; and as his
eyes rested upon the sparkling jewels
pearl. diamond. emerald, topaz and
opal-he gave utterance to an ex-
clamation of delight.
by my life. lady. you came we'll
provided. will take care Of these
gems for you. They will be much
safer in my custody"
Il understand you," said the prin-
cess. as she saw the fellow close the
casket and place 1t in his own bosom.
"You mean to keep those jewels, as
you do the gold which you have
found"
"You are shrewd at guessing, lady"
Il think have good grounds for my
op..rion. sir. Take them II you want
them; and In return only ask that
you let us go free. You are welcome