The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1902-10-17
WO Claimants
y to q Jewell Y
By NARY GIBSON.

NE KING motioned to the o,ard.
10 leave him alone with the pris-
oner' and they withdrew. bowling low
as the curtains hid them. liz was mot
oIten that prisoner was heard any,
where but in the Judgment Hall bnt
no" ne leaned back among the cush-
ns. MS white robes in sharp con-
trast to their gorgeous colors. The
Ar was heavy with scent of sandal
WOOD and cassia. and of the sweet
spices that seemed a necessity 10 The
great king.
silently and with admiration he
STUDIED the man before him. Taller
oy head than the guards who had
brought him, with a powerful frame
and heavy dark hair falling around
ms shoulders. he was a picture Of
manly strength and beauty such an
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
ko baGA all bravely.
The king spoke suddenly:
David. son of Abner. thou hast
some wicked thing and hast brought
ehame upon an honorable house.
Why didst thou steal the jewel?-
For an instant the quiet look
changed A fash Of fierce anger and
indignant denial came into his ewes
and he threw back his head proudly. Z
Then the look faded and once more =
he looked as proudly but quietly AZ '
the king. :
What have you to say? WI, hast n
thou done this shameful thing?-
have naught to say. my lord the o
king" came the low answer.
"Naught? Dost know the penalty?
md the grief and shame Of thv
house, 2
~ know il all. and have naurht In =
'ay.' was the steady reply. =
Thou are truthful man and art =
lot wont to lie." suggested the king, !.
renfly. OF
Again the mans eyes sent their
ook OF fierce anger -
Nor have I yet,- he said. ouicl,v
In words. no. But thou hadst the
ewel on thy person. and thine eyes :"
eny the charge Didst steal il. then.
r" and the king paused.
Il have naught to saw. o king was
he only answer. :"
The king leaned back thoughtfully. :,
hen pointed to the opposite side Of
he room.
Stand thou there against the far -
her wall Thou art deaf and dumb -,
nd blind Dost understands -,
The prisoner bent his head. then ~.
,treated TO the wall. his eyes cast !
pom the floor. In response TO the on,
apPing Of the kings hands an old A.,
an appeared. received low order :.
I'd left again. after quick glance
the prisoner. f.
"A moment later he came in leading do
young girl by the hand. then went ash
It. leaving her standing there. The one
ng frowned little. for he was quick the
n' any iack OF ceremony. and har
10 girl stood looking at him with 70
4 word or sign. Then she put out cut
ie hand before her and turned her son
IA from side to side quickly, as II ste,
irhtened. =
Where am i? They said they and
onId take me 70 the king. / am elias
raid,- i,
,hlld, ! am the king he said gent and
Come here nc.
me sank on her knees with an ex- > =,
nSlteiy graceful movement. ana
PARDON. king. for i am blind roar
AM he said. pityingly. Come won
A'rE. child So, thou needsf not fron
=, They say thou canst tell me wou
We jewel which was stolen last in 5
snt He glanced warningly al late
prisoner beyond. for at the sound reac
'ne girls voice he had raised his pacl
:. and made quick step forward this
70 speak. At the kings glance had
'urned and hid his face against they
.yr, with
!, "nat dost thou know hand
. lard but now that David. son ha
"'oer, was accused Of the theft, rroy