The Washington times., 1903-03-01


fortune had happened. But his intrepid
heart knew no hesitation
Halt" be cried. stepping out alone
I twenty PAGES in advance of the troops
what are your intentionsg Why do
you keep these gentlemen prisoners and
subject them 10 this shameful treat
ment?'
Kaddour had ridden up 10 the head OF
his troop. Surprised al first by the un-
expected resistance. he quickly recov-
cred his audacity on finding that his own
guard was three times stronger than
the opposing one.
Wy intention Is. he replied arrogant
". to take possession OF the Peak OF
TehbaH- Surrender instantly. or be ami
Inflated"
Surrender our arms," exclaimed vir-
gil. "Wretched dwarf. you shall swaI-
low them frst,"
He turned round and drawing his
sword. gave the word OF command TO hfs
troop. Make ready, Present. Fire."
To the extreme surprise of both. tbs
command was not obeyed on either side.
One OF the dwarf's officers left the ranks.
and came up TO speak to him. while
Chaka likewise left his comrades and,
approaching Virgil. said. pointing to the
negro guard OF the dwarf:
The sons OF the Great Lake war noe
against each other. Command Us what:
thou wilt. except to FIRE upon our
brethren
a the same time the dwsrrs officer
was saying:
These men are. like ourselves. the
children OF the Great Lake couutries-
Brothers do not fight"
Kaddour foamed ar the mouth and
bit his nails in impotent rage But he
saw that his anger was all in vain, and
muttered in chOked voice:
Well. then. file to the left. and let
US return whence we came,"
But Virgil was not going to suffer
this. He had been a silent spectator
OF the scene. and he inteded TO free
his master
Wait" he cried rushing at him.
There is no reason why we should not
hight. though our troop refuse TO do
so Come on. and let the conquerors
take the prisoners,"
This bold challenge was loudly ap-
plauded by the negro guard on both
sides They knew we'll how 70 appre-
ciate deeds OF valor
without pausing for a reply. Virgil
threw himself upon Kadour with up
lifted sword. The dwarf had only time
70 parry the first blow by making bis
horse cuTvet. and TO thrust with his fne
Damascus steel blade. Virgil stood on
guard. when suddenly his sword bsoks
short of as the blades met
Everyone thought he was done for.
But not so. Scarcely was he disarmed
when he bounded like tiger at the
dwarrs throat. and seizing him in his
strong hands, lifted him godfIy our or
the saddle and hurled him 10 the ground.
where he held him pinned down by thu
knee before the wretch could move
finger in his own defense.
The brave deed was loudly cheered
by both sides. Had Virgil been armed
there is no doubt that the dwarf would
then and there have exoiated his mis-
deeds. As Il was he was almost stran-
gled by the grip of the Algerian
But when the first moment OF anger
was over. Virgil thought he had bet-
ter not push his victory any furthe-.
seeing that his enemy was down and
apparently stunned. He made a sign.
therefore. to his men 10 carry away
the inanimate body OF the dwarf.
The negro guard OF Kadour came up
at once 10 fraternize with the men or
TehbaH. They screamed and danced.
and embraced each other alternately
It was evident that there could be no
question in future Of any enmity be-
tween them.
Perhaps the dwarfs guard we're the
most satisfied with result that deliv-
cred them forever from his tyrannous
rule. They let themselves therefore be
led away without protest. and did net
even make a pretense OF opposing Nir-
gil. who had FASTENED at once to the
prisoners.
II was the work of two minutes 70 de-
liver Norbert Mauny. the doctor. and
Mabrouki from their bonds. and TO take
Gertrude and Fatirna out OF the paIan-
quin. They had witnessed the foregoing
scene from behind the closed blinds OF
their prison.
Ncrbert's first thought on regaining
his freedom was 10 put Gertrude out OF
the reach Of further danger He at once
sent her on in front with the doctor and
Fatina lie then commissioned Virgil
TO enroll the dwarf's guards among bis
own troops
But after consultation among them
selves the officers declined the offer. say
ing that the dwarf OF Rhadameh having
been beaten in fair combat. they would
make no opposition against his having
personally to bear the consequences OF
his defeat: but il would be incompatible
with their honor Is free lances TO enter
the service Of the conqueror. just as. in
like manner. they could not in honor
make war against their brethren
-rbe,- oddad that they were sure OF
employment elsewhere The Mahdi was
marching on Khartoum; they would so
at once AID take service under his ban
nor
herbert could not but honor these
chivalrous motives $50 often noted by
travcIers) in the poor children of the