The Washington times., 1903-03-08

accompanied only by trumpeter. en-
tered the hall. where Norbert the
baronet, and the doctor awaited him.
He was richly dressed the saber that
hung by his side was exquisitely en-
oossed. and a sparkling aigrette sur
mounted his turban. Norbert advanced
coGrteously "A few steps 10 meet him,
ald. addressing him in terms OF warm
/ welcome, asked wherefore he had come
TO Tehbali
Art thou the chief?'' inquired the
7 barbarian. II evident establishment that
/ no outward sign OF authority was ap-
I parent about Norbert
Il am the chief replied Norbert,
/ with dignity. Who has sent thee to
\ I1c2-
I i come" said the Arab. drawing him
| self up to his fun height. ION the part
/ % the holy prophet. the most high and
] powerful lord. the Mahdii"
He stopped. as II to enjoy the effect
he thought these words would doubtless
produce he evidently expected that al
the sacred name OF the holy prophet
every head would be bowed in the dust
But instead OF the respectful fear 10
| which he was accustomed. he saw a
.
while Norbert, with the slightest OF
bows. simply asked;
/ What does the Mahdi want from US 90
This" said the Arab, with cleaning
/ eyes. 1.-The Nahdi summons the uu-
/ believers OF Tehbali 20 surrender at dis
erection. and come 10 his camp at ON
durham, there 10 embrace the Mussul-
man faith"
rs that ALP muttered the doctor
And what right has the Mahdi to
send us such summons" asked Nor
! bert.
The right OF his divine mission"
answered the Arab And for those who
refuse to recognize this. the right OF
the strongest"
Well, then" replied Norbert. go
and tell your master that we know him
not. nor wish TO know him; tell him
that it is in nOwise the part OF a shep-
herd Of men TO provoke those who are
not ms enemies and have never done
harm to any Of his; add. moreover. that
it is an intolerable piece Of fmpudence
10 offer terms OF capitulation before
giving battle"
Have I heard Alright - cried the
Arab "Darest thou defy the Mahdi. az
ter refusing his magnanimous Ofer2"
Il defy no one. but I ask 10 be left
in peace to pursue my work
Woe to you," said the envoy .-Ac-
cuse no one but yourself Of the ruin
that shall overtake you
Turning on his heel. he went withou.
another word 10 rejoin his escort at the
edge Of the esplanade where he threw
himself Into his saddle and rode down
the peak road. turning roupd once to-
ward the observatory with threaten
ing and insulting gesture
He had scarcely gone out OF sight
around the first zigzaE when great up
roar arose on the esplanade. virgiTs
voice was heard high above the rest in
tones OF violent rage Norbert FASTENED
TO the SPOT and found his trusty lieuten-
ant striving in vain to hold back the
guard. who were hurrying after the en-
voys
The prophet has spoken. and we viii
not remain with the infdels," said one
OF the negroes.
1T is a disgrace," retorted Virgil.
Desert your flag in this way h will
blow out the brains of the first who tries
to pass
Virgil said Norbert. mo violence.
three Of these men put in irons"
But the negro burst into an iusolent
laugh
That's it," be said. call Chai-a. and
may all whom thou calIest TO thy aid re-
spond as he viii 10 thy appeal"
And before Virgil had time 70 guess
his intentions he bounded over him like a
panther and hurried down the road.
"A
Norbert
Nothing good, / fear" replied Virgil
At TIE Same moment Chaka came with
the remainder OF the men. and. advancing
alone toward Norbert. said in loud
voice
Lord OF TehbaH had sworn fealty
TO thee Thou dds; spit In my hand.
and Chaka respects covenants. But thou
hast broken this one The death OF
Kaddour lies between US. Thou art pow
erfuI. but thou art as nothing beside him
who made the corn 10 grow before my
eyes. All is over between as. Strive
not 10 retain rs. Farewell, The pro-
Dhet calls. and we obey his voice.
Norbert saw al a glance that there
was nothing TO be done in the face Of
such decision Had these men attack
ed Eirn ne cEAA4 nave met AoANE Win
force. but what could he do 10 those
who simply refused service and forswore
their contract he went hack TO the
hall I'm silence. while the guard denied
before Chaka and went OF down the
road
This detection made matters serious.
At the head OF compact little troo+
Norbert might have defed the Nahdi
But now that ne had only himself 70
depend upon. and the assistance. such
as it was. Of the doctor the baronet.
Virgil and smith. diplomacy appeared
the wiser course TO adopt
He made ~ his mind therefore. 70
send Mabrouki at cnce TO the Mahdl-A
camp 70 offer TO treat On honorable
terms-to pay, IL necessary. double the
amount OF tribute that he had naid the
so as TO be left in peace. 10