The Holly chieftain., 1901-12-13
CHAPTER XXI.

2 II have one word to say-one re-
5Quest to make" said Horam. after the
mornings greetings had passed. Il
+, wish you once more to tell me the
story Of Helena's innocence. and
subject. may have dreamed some
of the things that now startle my
thoughts; for am not clear at what
point you left me last night"
Thus called upon, the king Of Aleppo
! trelated all that he had told ON the
preyiQ,s evening. and then made some
furNIr explanation of incidents which
-sfhad not before revealed. 1t was \
plain. simple statement. beartY tho
stamp Of truth upon every word.
r"O! groaned Horam, clasping his
\ hands together, what would I
Sto call Helena back to lifsi But
1t cannot be. She is gone-and she
was Innocent"
I He started up from his seat. and
walked several times across the hoor;
and when he next approached his
royal guest. he had grown calmer.
and his lip had ceased fts Quivering.
"Omar, have NO blame for you.
Henceforth let the book be sealed. :
He had taken zone Or two mors
turns up and down the apartment.
when a messenger entered with intelh-
gence that Benoni: had arrived. and
desired audience. -t'.S : K
Send him In at once. Good brother,
you will remain with me-" This last,
was spoken to ohaar. sho had turned
to leave. "a e B.
In little while Benoni made his
appearance, and Horam was sure he
could see the flush of victory upon his
I 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 an old man
Z and old woman who. resided In the
eavs.r
"Hkve you brought the Lady ulin-
iap the robber chieftain-and Osmir
"a sslim!"
Eyes. SIRE"
"And these others are the old her-
lit, Ben Hadad. and the woman who
Nc with him?"
R"Y9x sire"
by the crown / wear!" cried the
monarch, leaping up and clapping his
hands. this is enough to make me
, forget the wrongs have suffered, Let
/ the robber chieftain and the two
Y treacherous guards be brought before
i 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; nor
was he about the place."
VERY well. Let the chieftain be
brought in"
The captain retired, and presently
returned, followed by Julian and the
4 two guards. They were heavily IRON
ed, and six stout soldiers walked be-
hind them. The youthful chieftain
4 had schooled himself for the ordeal.
and no. sign Of fear was manifest. o.
mir and Selim stood like two deaf
mutes. seeming to care nothing for the
tate that surely awaited them.
THAT is ALL" said Horam. after he
had looked at the prisoners. Take
them out, and guard them well. Place
twenty Of your most trusty men over
| thewCand remember that those twenty
kds shall answer for the safety Of
Che charge"
Shall conduct them to dun
geon, sire?"
.\No,-there IL NO need Of it They
wihnot live to behold the setting Of
this days sum-"
Ben Hadad did not tremble when he
stood before the king; nor did Ezabel
seem much frightened.
"Oad man." said Horam. II under
stand that you have harbored and pro-
tscted the notorious scourge. Julian. -
HE hath found shelter with me. as
have all who ever sought It." replied
the hermit.
"And you also harbored the lady
Ulin. You knew who she was, and
That she had fed from her home"
Yes"
"And perhaps you knew why shs
fed!" Y
She told me her story. SIRE
ut Is enough" cried the king, Inn
patiently. II wish to hear no more.
You both stand condemned. and the
degree Of your punishment shall be
made known to you soon enough.
s. ~ - -