The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1901-09-06
ODE ScOurge
efDamascus
A Story Of
the Cost.
SYLVANUS
COBB. JR.
Copyrighted 1891 by Robert Bonners Sons.

made up my mlnd that III tne cnoice Oh
masters were left to me / should
choose to serve Julian rather than the
king of Damascus. I like him much
the best. He Is not such terrible
man as he has been represented. He
is a kind, generous man, and / blame
him not for his hatred of Horam."
"Well, sir" said the Israelite, speak
ing quickly and sternly, do you THINK
Of turning your face from the work we
have to do?"
mo, no, my master. I am not so
determined. / shall follow you. Your
commands must be my law. If you say
proceed / am with you"
"And how is it with Selim?"
"You have nothing to fear, my mas
ter, from him. The two men whom you
selected to accompany you will not
betray you. Selim thinks of this rob-
Der chieftain as I do; but he is bound
to his duty, and will perform it,"
Judah knew the characters and dis
positions of the two and he felt no I'M
easiness.
my good Osmir," he said, with a
smile, concerning this. Scourge Oh
Damascus feel much as you feel. l
have long known that he was noble,
true-hearted man. But he is an enemy
of our king, and we have promised TO
capture him. Just think, for mo-
ment. what must be the result II we
take him. and convey him in safety to
Damascus. Think what people will
saw of Osmir and Selim. Now the mer-
chants of Damascus are in fear ana
trembling on account OF this terrible
Scourge, and the king sits uneaslly
upon his throne; but If we arrest the
dreaded chieftain, and deliver him up,
the merchants will rejoice, and the
king will be grateful. And upon whom
shall their thanks and their honors
fall?"
This speech pleased Osmir, and fired
him up to new zeal in the work he had
undertaken. Judah moved out from
the cover to observe if any one was APP
preaching, and when he was satished
that he was still safe, he returned and
gave Osmir such instructions as he
deemed necessary. He was careful That
all should be understood, and that each
projected movement should be so ar
ranged that there could be no possible
clashing. He knew the wit and tenn
per of his associates, and he had no
fear that they would disappoint him
by any blunder or mistake
"And now" said the Israelite, after
his directions had been given, "if we
are at all favored by fortune we shall
most surely succeed. Thus far fortune
has been upon our side. Your position
near the person of Julian is most IA
yorable. Impart our arrangements
carefully to Selim, and await my fur
Their signal"
Osmir promised obedience, and the
two men separated, Judah going IN
search of his horse while Osmir pro
ceeded directly to the camp, where,
having delivered a message to the
chieftain, he sought Selim, and in
little while the two were in secret con-
sultation.
Toward the middle of the forenoon
the robber train was in motion, and
when it came night they camped in an
omen wood, between two hills, near to
the road which led from Caesarea Phil
ippi to Damascus; and here they were
to remain until the expected caravan
made it's appearance.
Sometimes Julian took his tent with
him when leading his band upon long
expeditions, but on the present occa-
sion he had left it behind, choosing
that the place of his encampment
should be as little noticeable as pos
sible. After he had seen his sentinels
all posted, and given such directions
as he thought necessary, he sought a
Mace of rest beneath a large tree,
where he soon sank into a dreamy
slumber. 1t must have been near mid
night when he was aroused by some
one moving near him, and on starting
I'D he was addressed by Osmir:
"My master, l have strange mes
sage for you"
The chieftain arose to sitting pos
ture.
as this Osmir?"
YES"
From whom bring you a message?'
From one, my master, whom I had
little expected to see here. AS walked
forth a short time since, a sentinel in
formed me that some one outside OF
the camp wished to speak with me.
went to the spot designated. and there
found a young bondmaiden Of Damas-
Gus. Her name was Abba"
"Albia!" cried Julian, starting to his
feet. why, such was the name of the
maiden who attended upon the prin-
cess Ulin."
AYE, my lord, she is the same"
What? Do you mean that the bond
maiden of UliH is at our camp?"
she is"
What is her business"
"She wishes to speak with Julian.
But her business-of what does she
/ wish 70 sneak?"