Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1901-08-08
CHAPTER /.
Julian the Scouge.

She asked II her father mad come.
mo, my sweet lady" returned Ho-
ram. HE was busy. 1t may appear
unseemly for me to come hither alone;
but my great love and my deep SO lei
tude for your welfare, must be my ex
cuse. / hope you have found it pleas
ant here"
The maiden said she could not have
asked for a more pleasant place of
abode.
The king was charmed by her smil-
ing speech-so different from what she
had ever before given him-and he
fondly believed that she was delighted
with his presence.
Ulin, fearing that the least sign of
GOODNESS or reserve might excite the
jealousy of the grey headed-monarch,
and bring down upon her some terrible
evil, exerted all her powers Of pleas
antness, and wore the smile upon her
face while a pang was in her bosom.
But Horams visit was destined to
be cut short. While he was, for the
sixth time making excuses for his
visit the door of the apartment was
unceremoniously opened and black
eptered-not one of those who had
been on guard in the valley but
stranger to Ulin, covered with sweat
and dust, as though he had been riding
hard and fast.
Hal" cried the king. starting to his
feet How now, Sadak? What is the
meaning of this?"
str 7 ~ thot
were thus engaged. They only told
me that you were here and | stopped
to inquire no further"
Not that-not that Sadak. Why
have you come from Damascus in such
hot haste?"
II came to inform you sire that Ju-
ian the Scourge of Damascus is APP
preaching our city!"
Death and devastation" cried Ho-
ram starting back with alarm. How
know you this?'
I'VE heard from him by way of a
merchant who was in a caravan that
he had robbed"
What caravan"
THE caravan from Tadmoor, with
the riches which were on their way
from Bassora."
Those riches were NINE" said Ho-
ram.
AYE, sire; and Julian took them
took all that belonged to you, but
spared the poorer merchants. But
that is not the worst. He sends word
that he will lay Damascus in ashes.
About Cassem babe me hasten hither
and give you warning"
The king was fairly beside himself
with fear and rage. The name of Ju-
liam was a terror to him. and at the
sound thereof he trembled exceedingly.
And he seemed to fear more than the
mere physical prowess of the Scourge
There was mystic quality in his fear
"a nameless dread of the avenger.
Where is the demon now" he ask
ed, after he had gazed awhile In 81 ,ence
upon the messenger.
He is not far from the city, sire.
Somewhere to the eastward, We think.
Your journey back. II you make haste,
will be SAFE"
81 will return" cried the monarch,
shifting his fists together; land will
bring out an army and sweep this ter
rible Scourge from off the face of the
earth!"
He babe Sadak go and make ready
for the start, and then he turned to
Ulin.
"You will be safe here. sweet one;
and 1t will not be long before our hap
piness shall be complete"
His words of parting were few, for
he was much excited. and his voice
trembled as he spoke. He turned back
once after he had reached the door,
as though he would say something.
but finally went away without giving
the intended speech. From a window
Ulin watched the royal cavalcade until
It had disappeared within the narrow
pass, and when the last man had gone
from her sight she turned to her COM
panion.
abba, what is 1t about this terrible
robber-this Scourge Of Damascus? !
have heard something about him. !
heard my father once speak of him,
but my little knowledge Of the world
did not lead me to be inquisitive. Do
you know anything about him"
II have heard great deal OF him.
my lady. He has been terror to Da-
mascus for great many years.
"How many years, Abba? was
thinking that my father SAID he had