The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1902-10-11
Two Claimants
y to a Jewel W
BY MARY GIBSON
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES


i to leave him alone with the pris-
oner, and they withdrew, bowling low
as the curtains hid them. 1t was not
often that 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 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,
and with an evident determination
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?"
81 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?'
81 know it all, and have naught to
say" was the steady reply.
"Thou are a truthful man and ar
not wont to lie," suggested the king
gently.
Again the mans eyes sent theil
look of fierce anger.
''Nor have yeti" he said, quickly
''In words, no. But thou hadst thu
jewel on thy person, and thine eye
deny the charge. Didst steal it, then
Or" and the king paused.
81 have naught to say, o king" wa
the only answer.
The king leaned back thoughtfully
then pointed to the opposite side o
the room.
stand thou there against the far
Their wall. Thou art deaf and duml
and blind. Dost understands
The prisoner bent his head, thel
retreated to the wall, his eyes cas-
upon the floor. In response to tn
,ciapping of the kings hands an oil
man appeared, received low orde
and left again, after quick glanc
at the prisoner.
A moment later he came in leadini
a young girl by the hand, then wen
out, leaving her standing there. III
king frowned little, for he was quic
to resent any lack Of ceremony, an
this girl stood looking at him with
out word or sign. Then she put on
one hand before her and turned he
head from side to side quickly, as
frightened.
"Where am L? They said the
would take me to the king. al
afraid"
"Child, am the Ring" he said gem
iiy. "Come here"
She sank on her knees with an e,
-quisitely graceful movement.
Pardon, o king, for am Blind
"Ahl" he said, pityingly. 'Com
nearer, child. So, thou needst nc
fear. They say thou canst tell m
of the jewel which was stolen Las
night He glanced warningly a
the prisoner beyond, for at the SCUM
of the girls voice he had raised HI
head and made quick step forwar
AS II to speak. At the kings glant
b he turned and hid his face sgainl
the wall.
what dost thou known"
IL heard but now that David, SC
of Abner, was accused of the thief