The Chanute times., 1901-10-18
CHAPTER XIV.

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, anu
when he saw the fellow leap, he was
not wholly unprepared. The blow IN
the face blinded him fer moment, puI
as soon as his eyes served him. he
caught his assailant by the throat anu
hurled him to the ground.
what sort Of a man are you? the
slave cried, as he held the rascal
down.
81 am a juggler," replied the Arab
holding fast upon Shubals 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
movement toward his horse; but ne
was too late to reach the saddle. Halt
a dozen strong hands were laid upon
him. while as many more were pusy
with the horses of the females. The
princess cried aloud for help, and
would have leaped from her saddle had
she not been held back.
Fair lady" spoke a rough voice, IN
harsh, strange dialect, you must
keep still, and give us as little troupie
as possible"
"But you will not harm me, good
sirs.'
"You have no occasion for fear,
lady. But tell me-who are you"
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-
tion but the story had been told.
Ulin innocently thought that the
name of her father would strike the
marauders with awe, and that they
would fear to molest her further, but
in this she was somewhat mistaken,
as subsequent events proved.
"By my life, comrades" cried he,
who seemed to be the leader OF the
marty. I'VE have found a rich prize.
Hold STILL noble lady We will not
harm YOU. Let us look to this un-
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,
so that she could observe and compre-
hend 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
ioned 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.
''You shall be restored to your horses
very 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 OF
nv 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.
Ah-here 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 u1in,
speaking in low tone to her bond
maiden.
wait" replied Abba, trying to con-
eeal her real suspicious. They may in
form us.
Before Ulin could ask another ques-
fion the Arab leader came forward
with two horses, upon which he direct
led his companion to fix the ladies' sad
ldles; and when this had been done he
turned to the princess, and informed
her that she might take her seat again.
She would have opposed the move
lment but strong hand was laid upon
her. and, almost before she knew it,
she was once more upon her saddle.
"You will excuse me-" the fellow
said, "but as this horse will not carry
you quite so easily as your own. will
secure you in your place"
AS he spoke he passed strong cord
about Ulin's body, and fastened it 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.
Il dare not guess" said Abba.
"Do not speak in that way" urged
Ulin. Tell me what you think-I
command you"
my dear mistress" replied the
bondmaiden, reluctantly. their mean
ing is evident enough These horses