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

SitAI NIN.
As he spoke the Arab gave loud,
shrill whistle, at the same time leap
ing across the spring and striking the
slave in the face. But Shubal was not
to be overcome so easily by one man.
The whistle. had alarmed him, and
when he saw the fellow leap, he was
not wholly unprepared. The blow in
the face blinded him FIR moment. cut
as soon as his eyes served him. ne
caught his assailant by the throat ana
hurled him to the ground.
What sort of a man are your the
slave cried, as he held the rascal
down.
II am juggler." replied the Arab
Folding fast upon shubal's tunic. .
"Let go my clothing, or I'll kill you.
The slave might have carried out
his threat, but before he could make
any decided movement to that end ne
found himself surrounded by a body
Of armed men. Quick as thought ne
leaped to his feet, leaving a piece OF
his tunic behind him, and made a
movement toward his horse; but ne
was too late to reach the saddle. Hair
a dozen strong hands were laid upon
him. while as many more were busy
with the horses of the females. Inc
princess cried aloud for help, anu
would have leaped from her saddle mad
she not been held back.
Fair lady," spoke a rough voice, In
a harsh, strange dialect, you must
keep still. and give us as little trouble
as possible" !,
But you will not harm me, good
sirs."
"You have no occasion for fear,
lady. But tell me-who are your
81 am the daughter of About Cassem,
the prime minister of Damascus"
Could Abba have moved quickly
enough, she would have prevented her
mistress from answering this ques-
ton. but the story had bsen told.
Ulin innocently thought that the
name of her father would strike the
marauders with awe, and that they
would fear to modest her further, put
in this she was somewhat mistaken,
as subsequent events proved.
"By my life, comrades" cred he,
who seemed to be the leader OF the
party. 1--WE have found rich prize.
Hold still, noble lady. We viii not
harm you. Let us look to this IN
ruly slave of yours. and then you shall
be properly cared for. You might have
fallen into worse hands than ours
When Ulin had collected her senses,
an that she could observe and compre-
bend things about her, she looked to
see her real situation. She counted
eight of the Arabs, and she had no
doubt that they were robbers. Four
of them were securing the slave, while
the other four were watching the
horses. Shubal was very soon PIN
toned. and restored to his feet. after
which she and Abba were lifted from
their saddles.
Don't be alarmed" said the leader,
as the princess cried out for mercy.
lyon shall be restored to your horses
verv soon. We have horses close at
hand. and when they are brought, you
shall be on your way again
"You will set Shubal free?"
"He shall be free soon enough. Rest
easy a few moments, lady. One Oh
INV men has gone after our animals.
We left them upon the other side OF
the wood"
"But why have you taken us from
our horses?" asked our heroine.
"You will see that anon, fair lady.
Adhere comes my man. Now. my
fair damsels. you shall understand the
whole matter. These horses OF yours
are not such ones as | would have you
ride. / have some here much better
"what does he mean?' asked Vim,
sneaking in low tone to her bond
maiden.
"Wait," replied Abba, trying to con-
zeal her real suspicious. They may in
form us"
BEFORE Ulin could ask another ques-
tion the Arab leader came forward
with two horses. upon which he direct
ed his companion to fix the ladies' sad
dies: and when this had been done ne
turned to the princess. and informed
her that she might take her seat again.
she would have opposed the move
ment but a strong hand was laid upon
her. and, almost before she knew 1t,
she was once more upon her saddle.
"You will excuse me-" the fesow
said "but as this horse will not carry
YOU quite so easily as your own. | VIII
secure you in your place"
AS he spoke he passed strong cord
ahout Ulin's body. and fastened 1t to
the girth upon either side. The same
thing was done for Abba. and then
attention was directed to Shubal. who
was seated upon another strange
horse, and likewise bound in his place.
"What can they mean?" asked the
princess, gaining another opportunity
to speak to her attendant.
II dare not guess" said Abba.
"Do not speak in that way" urged
Ulin. "Tell me what you think
command you"
"My dear mistress" replied the
bondmaiden. reluctantly, their mean
ing is evident enough. These horses
will follow their masters"
"Ha!-and are We prisoners!
Il fear so. But let us hope Tor tne
best. We may not be harmed.
At this juncture the Arabs haa
mounted their horses. three OF them
taking the animals which belonged 10
their prisoners, and at word from the
leader they were on the move. YIN
instinctively chung to the rein to hold
herself steady, but her horse noticed