The Red Cloud chief., 1901-10-18
CHAPTER XX1I.
The Executioners.

At an early hour the fobwing
morning he sent for Omar, VIII soon
answered the call.
II have one word to say--oe re-
quest to make" said Koran, aftf the
mornings greetings had passed II
wish you once more to tell md the
story of Helena's innocence. and
t~henceforth to remain silent upd the
subject. I may have dreamed home
Of the things that now startld my
thoughts: for ! am not clear at What
point you left m last night"
Thus called upon, the king Of ANppo
related all that he had told on the
previous evening, and then made Sme
further explanation of incidents witch
he had not before revealed. 1t wy e
plain. simple statement. bearing the
stamp of truth upon every word.
"O!" groaned Koran, clasping us
thin hands together, what wouldl l
give to call Helena back to life! ut
| II cannot be. She is gole-and se
was Innocent"
He started up from his seat, am
walked several times across the fioon
and when he next approached hi
royal guest, ne had grown calmer
and his lip had ceased its quivering!
Omar, I have no blame for you.
Henceforth let the book be sealed"
He had taken one or two more
turns up and down the apartment,
when a messenger entered with intelli-
gence that Benoni had arrived, and
desired audience.
"Send him in at once. Good brother,
you will remain with me-" This last
was spoken to Omar, who had turned
to leave.
In a little while Benoni made his
appearance, and Koran was sure he
could see the flush of victory upon his
brow.
Now. my captain, what word do
you bring?"
Good word, sire. We have cap
tured those whom you desired to see,
: and have also brought nj old man
and old woman who resided in the
cave"
"Have you brought the Lady Ulin-
and the robber chieftain-and Osmir
and Selim?"
Eyes, sire"
"And these Others are the old her.
NIT, Ben Hadad. and the woman who
lives with him?"
Eyes, sire"
by the crown I wear!" cried the
J monarch, leaping up and clapping his
hands. "this is enough to make me
forget the wrongs l have suffered. Let
the robber chieftain and the two
treacherous guards be brought before
me. But-hold. There was one Other
spoken of by the Arab--the lieutenant
-Hobaddan his name was"
He was not in the cave, sire; MOI
was he about the place"
Every we'll. Let the chieftain be
brought in"
The captain retired, and presently
returned, followed by Julian and the
two guards. They were heavily iron
ed, and six stout soldiers walked be-
hind them. The youthful chieftair
had schooled himself for the ordeal
and no sign of fear was manifest. Os'
mir and Selim stood like two deal
mutes. seeming to care nothing for the
fate that surely awaited them.
THAT Is ALL" said Horam, after III
had looked at the prisoners. Take
them out, and guard them well. Place
twenty of your most trusty men ovel
them, and remember that those twenty
heads shall answer for the safety O.
the charge"
"Shall I conduct them to a dun
geon, sire?"
"No.-there is no need Of it. They
will not live to behold the setting o
this days sum-"
Ben Hadad did not tremble when h
stood before the king; nor did Ezabe
seem much frightened.
"Old man." said Koran, Il under
stand that you have harbored and pro
tected the notorious Scourge, Julian.
HE hath found shelter with me. a
' have all who yer sought It," replied
the hermit.
"And you also harbored the lad!
Ulin. You knew who she was. ant
that she had fed from her home"
YES"
And perhaps you knew why sh'
Hed?"
She told me her story, sire"
1T is enough" cried the king, i'm
patiently. II wish to hear no more
You both stand condemned, and tn
degree of your punishment shall b
made known to you soon enough. !.
Omar was u-7n the point of maxim
some remark, when Benoni entered.
Now, Benoni," said Koran. wit
more In his manner tina
he had before exhibited. II have a sc
rious question TO ask you; and ! dc
sire that you should answer m
promptly and truly. You have notice
the conduct of the princess Ulin?"
Yes, sire. she is In love with Julia
the robber."
Benoni again went out; but he di
I not have to go far. az he met Abol