The Holly chieftain., 1901-10-04

wealth for Horan. ts;7sl
Just rs the sun was rising. while ~
dab was In the wood after his horse,
he was accosted by Osmir, who had
been out on an errand for tho chief
tain.
"Ah, my MASTER" said the black.
gazing carefully around to zee that he
was not observed; II am glad that
have met you. ] have been wondering
whether you meant to carry out the
plan which brought us here"
Why have you wondered at such
thingt" asked Judah.
Because. replied Osmir, IT have
made up my mind that II the choice OF
masters were left to mo / should
choose to serve Julian rather than the
king Of Damascus. like him much
the best. He Is not such 4 terrible
man as he has been represented. He
is kind. generous man, and blame
him not for his hatred of Horam."
Well. sir" said the Israelite, speak
ing quickly and sternly, do you think
OF turning your face from the work We
have to do?"
mo. no, my master l am not SO
determined. shall follow you. Your
commands must be my law. II you say
proceed I am with you"
"And how is 1t with Selim?"
You have nothing to fear, my mas
ter. from him. The two men whom you
selected to accompany you will not
betray you. selim thinks of this rob-
Der chieftain as do: but he is bound
to his duty. and will perform It,"
Judah knew the characters and dis
positions Of the two and he felt no un-
easiness.
my good Osmir," he. said. with
smile, concerning this scourge of
Damascus ! feel much as you feel. +
have long known that he was noble,
true-hearted man. But he Is an enemy
Of our king. and we have promised to
capture him. Just think. for mo-
ment. what must be the result II we
take him. and convey him In safety to
Damascus. Think what people will
say Of osmir and Selim. Now the mer-
chants of Damascus are In fear and
trembling on account Of this terrible
Scourge. and the king sits uneasily
upon his throne; but II we arrest the
dreaded chieftain, and deliver him up,
the merchants will rejoice, and the
king will be grateful. And upon whom
shall their thanks and their honors
fall?"
This speech pleased Osmir, and fired
him up to new zeal in the work he had
undertaken. Judah moved out from
the cover to observe II any one was ap-
preaching. and when he was satisfied
that he was still safe, he returned and
gave Osmir such instructions as he
deemed necessary. He was careful that
all should be understood, and that each
projected movement should be 30 ar
ranged that there could be no possible
clashing He knew the wit and tenn
per OF his associates. and he had no
fear that they would disappoint him
by any blunder or mistake. Q,
"And now" said the Israelite, after
his directions had been given. 'if we
arc at all favored by fortune we shall
most surely succeed. Thussfar fortune
has been upon our side. Your position
near the person Of Julian IL most IA
vorable. Impart our arrangements
carefully to selim, and await my fur
.ther signal"
! Osmir promised obedience, and the
two mon separated. Judah going in
search Of his horse, while Osmir pro-
ceeded directly to the camp, where.
having delivered message to the
chieftain. he sought selim. and fp a
little while the two were in secret con-
sultation.
Toward the middle Of the forenoon
the robber train was in motion, and
when It came night they camped IN an
opsn wood. between two hills. near to |
tho road which led from Caesarea Phil
ippi TO Damascus; and here they were
to remain until the expected caravan
made Its appearance. II
Sometimes Julian took his tent with
him when leading his band upon long |
expeditions, but on the present occa-
sion he had left 1t behind. choosing |
that the place Of his encampment |
should be a. little noticeable q Dos
sible. After he had seen his ssutinsls |
all posted, and given slch directions
- hS thought necessary. be sought q
place Of rest benssth Z large tree, I
where he soon sank Into dreamy