The Holly chieftain., 1901-09-20


The black eyes of the Israslits snap
psd ana spGfkied like polished gsns.oe-
Jet. He strode across, the room, and
then walked slowly back.
''sire." be finally said. "Eive me un-
til tomorrow morning to think Of this.
In twelve hours from this you shall
have my answer. II l embark upon
this enterprise. I must have some hope
for success. / will converse with
those Of the slaves who have sssn tbs
robber and his men. and their ohssrva-
tions may help me-"
But, judah, you are not to breathe
. word OF this. Ny slaves must nat
mistrust your object"
II underseand you. sire; and will
be guarded. Shall 1t be ~ hare
said?'
yea only bear in mind that the
thing must be accomplished il &C.
complishment is possible"
Il understand you, sire; and be a. I
sured that my wits shall be stretched
to their utmost" .
"Aboul Cassem," said the king. after
Judah had gone. what do you think"
II think the fellow will study up
some grand plot between now and
morning. At all events. sire, do not
believe you can find better man for
your. purpose" Wt
At an early hour the king retired,
and all night long his sleep was trou-
bled with very unpleasant dreams. He
dreamed two or three times that the
Scourge OF Damascus had robbed him
Of his beautiful bride, and once he
dreamed that his throne had passed
from him. In the morning he was
more anxious for the apprehension Of
the robber than before. and impa-
tiently did he await the coming Of the
Israelite.
At the appointed hour Judah made
his appearance and announced that he
would undertake the task of delivering
up the terrible Scourge.
'"If succeed" he said. you will
hear from me NJ soon as success
crowns my efforts. II fail, you will
perhaps never hear from me again"
And when viii you set forth!" ask
ed the king, almost beside himself with
hopeful anticipation.
"At once. sire. This very day, II /
can get ready"
DO you want help?"
Il would select two Of your most
trusty guards"
Take as many as you want"
Two will be enough. sire"
"Will you take them from those who
have been on duty here?" M
mo, sire. That would not be safe.
The robbers might recognize them. I
will have two who came with US from
Damascus yesterday
'.As you will. Judah. Select the men
you want. and they shall accompany
you"
The Israelite promised that he would
have all his arrangements made be-
fore the king was ready to depart, and
with this assurance he went away.
By the middle Of the forenoon the
king was ready to set forth on his re-
turn to Damascus. Ulin and Abba
were placed within = comfortable box
upon the back Of . stout camel, and
around them were posted hundred
armed men. The remainder Of the
rstinue was arranged under the dirsc-
tion Of About Cassssn, tie Kings prime
ministef, and only the order vas
needed to Get tNs whole In motion.
At this point ~ king withdrew 70 the
palace, where he found Judah ready to
~ forth u his dangerous mission,
and WITH him wsrs two guards, 0smir
and Geiim. two rssoluts. iatslligent
fellows. who seemed to love the excite
msnt Of the work upon which they
were abeut to enter. The king was
pisAeef with the choice Judah had
| ns4S
Inisht not haye hit upsa d.
- said; "but 1 know they will servs
you. And now, what more can dot"
Nothing" replied judah. II have
all that can use. and am ready for
the work. II ! succeed, yoai. will hear
from me in good tins: ana II ysa new
or hear from me-. you may at lsaet be
assured that + failed from 10 lsck OF
will to serve you"
With q few words Of encourageunent
tbs king ssft his Isrvlnt 10 purses his
own course. and prpcesded 70 3oin his
army, which was soon n 16ti6n; and
before the close Of another day he
arrived at Damascus, where Ulin was
i A. n. - IA