St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1902-11-22
Two Claimants
y to a Jewel. "
By MARY GIBSON.
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THE king motioned to the guards
/ to leave him alone with the pris-
oner, and they withdrew, bowling low
as the curtains hid them. 1t was not
often that a prisoner was heard any
where but in the Judgment Hall, but
now he leaned back among the cush-
ions, his white robes in sharp con-
trast to their gorgeous colors. The
air was heavy with scent of sandal
wood and cassia, and of the sweet
spices that seemed a necessity to the
great king.
Silently and with admiration he
studied the man before him. Taller
by head than the guards who had
brought him, with a powerful frame
and heavy dark hair falling around
his shoulders, he was a picture of
manly strength and beauty such as
was not often seen. Not even the
rough, soiled bandage about his fore
head, the cords with which he was
bound, or his muddy clothes, could
make him bend his proud head. He
looked at the king fearlessly, quietly,
anu Will du cVlucuI ucGCIu4A0CAOA
to bear all bravely.
The king spoke suddenly:
David, son of Abner, thou hast
done wicked thing and hast brought
shame upon an honorable house.
Why didst thou steal the jewell"
For an instant the quiet look
changed. A flash of fierce anger and
indignant denial came into his eyes
and he threw back his head proudly.
Then the look faded and once more
he looked as proudly but quietly at
the king.
"What have you to say? Why hast
thou done this shameful thing?"
II have naught to say, my lord the
king" came the low answer.
''Naught? Dost know the penalty?
and the grief and shame of thy
house?"
II know it all, and have naught to
say" was the steady reply.
''Thou are truthful man and art
not wont to ie," suggested the king,
gently.
Again the mans eyes sent their
look of fierce anger.
.'Nor have I yeti" he said, quickly.
s'In words, no. But thou hadst the
Jewel on thy person, and thine eyes
deny the charge. Didst steal it, then,
Or and the king paused.
II have naught to say, o king" was
the only answer.
The king leaned back thoughtfully,
then pointed to the opposite side OF
the room.
"stand thou there against the far
Their wall. Thou art deaf and dumb
and blind. Dost understand"
The prisoner bent his head, then
retreated to the wall, his eyes cast
upon the floor. In response to the
clapping of the kings hands an old
man appeared, received low order
and left again, after quick glance
at the prisoner.
A moment later he came in leading
a young girl by the hand, then went
out, leaving her standing there. The
ling frowned a little, for he was quick
to resent any lack of ceremony, and
this girl stood looking at him with
ont word or sign. Then she put out
one hand before her and turned her
head from side to side quickly, as it
frightened.
GWhere am I? They said they
.vould take me to the king. l am
afraid"
"Child, am the king" he said gent
q, ssCono here"
She sanl on her knees with an ex-
ouisitely graceful movement.
.Pardon, O king, for I am blind.
"Ah!" he said. pityingly. Come
nearer. child. So, thou needst not
fear. They say thou canst tell me
of the level which was stolen last
night He glanced warningly at
the prisoner beyond, for at the sound
Of the girls voice he had raised ms
head and made a quick step forward
az If to speak. At the kings glance
10 turned and hid his face against
the wall. .,
.lWhat dost thou know"
ST heard but now that David, son
!. Ahner. was accused of the theft,
and I fastened here. NY loro' us
false! I stole the jewel"
.sThou!-a daughter of Geber the
n.r,,tv-hast stolen from thine own
xatber," exclaimed the king.
.No no daughter of Geber' ana
80 nine to steal" she broke in
ps The king bent forward and
.rcbed her face in establishment.
ssa was very small and slight; true
on WAS Of swarthy, heavy build.
The girl shook her head in quick
IN, ln then turned as though listen
ing. 80 heard something