The Lamar register., 1901-12-11
CHAPTER XXI.
The Executioners.

The Executioners.
At an early hour the following
morning he sent for Omar, who soon
answered the call.
II have one word to say-one re-
quest to make" said Horam, after the
mornings greetings had passed. 1
wish you once more to tell me the
story of Helena's innocence, and
! thenceforth to remain silent upon the
subject. l may have dreamed some
of the things that now startie my
thoughts; for am not clear at what
point you left me last night"
Thus called upon, the king of Aleppo
related all that he had told on the
previous evening, and then made some
further explanation of incidents which
he had not before revealed. 1t was e
plain, simple statement, bearing the
stamp of truth upon every word
"O!" groaned Horam. clasping his
thin hands together. what would 1
give to call Helena back to life! But
1t cannot be. She is gole-and she
was innocent!'
He started up from his seat. and
walked several times across the floor;
and when he next approached his
royal guest, he had grown calmer,
and his lip had ceased its quivering.
"Omar, 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 little while Benoni made his
appearance, and Horam 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 an old man
and old woman who resided in the
cave"
Have you brought the Lady Ulin-
and the robber chieftain-and Osmir
and Selim?"
/
"And these others are the old her
NIT. Ben Hadad. and the woman who
lives with him?"
"Yes, SIRE"
"By the crown I 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
treacherous guards be brought before
me-. But-hold. There was one other
spoken of by the Arab-the lieutenant
I-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
two guards. They were heavily IRON
ed, and six stout soldiers walked be-
hind them. The youthful chieftain
had schooled himself for the ordeal.
and no sign of fear was manifest. Os-
mir and Selim stood like two deaf
mutes. seeming to care nothing for the
fate that surely awaited them.
THAT is ALL" said Horam. after he
had looked at the prisoners. Take
them out, and guard them we'll. Place
twenty of your most trusty men over
them, and remember that those twenty
h.sds shall answer for the safety of
the charge"
Shall l conduct them to dun
geon. sire?"
"No.-there is no need of 1t. They
| xrilI tn hnh IN
this days sum"
Ben Hadad did not tremble when he
stood before the king; nor did Ezabel
seem much frightened.
"Old man." said Horam, II under
stand that you have harbored and pro-
tected 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 she
fed?"
She told me her story, SIRE"
"It is enough" cried the king, i'm
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.
Omar was upon the point of making
some remark, when Benoni entered.
Nov. Benoni." said Horam. with
more nervousness in his manner than
he had before exhibited, 81 have a Sc
rious question to ask you; and de-
sire that you should answer me
promptly and truly. You have noticed
the conduct of the princess Ulin?"
Il. LII