The Holly chieftain., 1901-09-27


wealth for Horam.
Just as the sun was rising, while Ju-
dab was In the wood after his horse.
he was accosted by Osmir, who had
been out on an errand for the chief
tain.
"Ah, my master" said the black,
gazing carefully around to sec that he
was not observed; Il am glad that l
have met ron. have been wondering
whether you meant to carry ont the
plan which brought W here"
why have you wondered at such .
thing?" asked judah.
Because" replied osmir, II have
made up my mind that II the choice of
masters were left to me l should
choose to serve Julian rather than the
king Of Damascus. I like him much
the best, He is not such terrible
man ~ he has been represented. He
is 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. am not so
determined. / shall follow you. Your
commands must be my law. II you say
proceed am with you"
And how ia 1t 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-
Dor chieftain as l 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 un-
easiness.
my good osmir." he said. with q
smile, concerning this Scourge of
Damascus feel much as you feel. I
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 q mo-
ment. what must be the result II we
take him. and convey him in safety to
Damascus. Think what people Will
say OF Osmir and Selim. Now the mer-
chants Of Damascus are in fear and
trembling ON account OF this terrible
Sconrge, and the king sits uneasily
upon hiS throne; but II NO arrest the
dreaded chieftain, and deliver him mp,
the merchants will rejoice. and the
king will be grateful. And upon whom
shall their thanks and their honors
fallf"
This speech pleased Osmir, and fred
him up to new zeal In the work he had
undertaken. Judah moved out from
the cover to observe II any one was ap-
preaching. and when he was satisfied
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 20 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, III we
are 1t all favored by fortune We shall
most surely succeed. Thus far fortune
has been upon our side. Your position
near the person Of Julian ID most ia
vorable. Impart our arrangements
carefully to Selim, and await my fur
ther 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 tb the
chieftain. he sought selim, and in a
little while the two were in secret con-
suitation.
Toward the middle Of the forenoon
the robber train was in motion. and
when It came night they camped in m
open 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 Its appearance.
Sometimes Julian took his tent with
him when leading his band upon long
expeditions, but on the present occa-
sion he had left 1t behind. choosing
that the place Of his encampment
should be a. little noticeable q pos
sible. After he had seen his ssntinsls
all posted, and given such directions
- he thought necessary, he sought a
place Of rest beneath = large tree.
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