The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-04-08

CHAPTER ,vII.-(Continuedl.

Cf1Af LIN " IL. --lN8CnlluuGU.J
You are a@spy," said the Khalifa.
looking from under bent browsaat Gle
land, as the dervishes paused. and
spies have but one fate with me-" He
turned to the two desvishes. Take
him out and hang him behind the "a
reba''
Surely you will at least allow. me
to say a word in my own defensc?'
exclaimed Cle,and, Lie is dear to, all,
and though Paul Clcland was ready
to die in just warfare. as all brave.
loyal British subjects are, yet this con-
domination to the most isnoninious
and ignoble OF deaths. wholly unde--
served as it was sent a chill. Of horror
through him. II am no spy, and it is
my misfortune that | am here to-
night. If you will allow me toTcHpia!n
how l came to be so | shall be under
debt of gratitude to your Excellcncy.'
The Khalifa again waved his hand.
Then. as we'll as he could on account
of his imperfect knowledge Of the Ian
guage, Cleland briefly related what
had passed since he lost himself in the
jungle. only keeping back. of course,
all mention of Rayhuru'.; t:el;hery.
The Khalifa listened in silence.
When Cleland had finished he turned
in low voice; then turning again to
Cleland, he bowed
They will take you where you can
rest tonight, and bring you something
to eat and drink. In the morning we
shall talk again Of this.
Cleland would have thanked him;
but, with one wave of his hand. the
khalifa peremptorly stopped him.
He had again to follow his fierce
looking guides. They led him into a
small hut, whose sole furniture con-
sisted Of mat on the floor and Il
goats skin: then. disappearing. re-
turned with some dried aprirots and
dates and a little water. These they
left on the floor. and then, without
another word, withdrew Clcland
tried to swallow the water: but his
mouth was so parched with the heat
! he could do So
He got no sleep that night. The
hut was dirty, dark, and hot as an
oven; it was, moreover. swarn?ing with
1ics.
He felt faint with exhaustion and
feverish with heat. He hardly dared
think Of what fate might lie before
min; but he was able to commit him
self to the God in whom he trusted
with all his heart, and that brought
peace and comfort to his mind
He was summoned early the next
morning to the Khalra, who lay in
the same position on his mat. as if he
had never moved from it.
You may not be a spy, he said,
but you are an intidel. Ours is the
.s,niy true religion. G:cat is God, and
Monammed is His prophet. Behold
what great things we have already ac-
.comrlished through Him. Renounce
your faith, become Moslem and one
of US, and l promise you your life
shall be spared"
Not for anything that you can give
me Shall I rcnOuce my faith an
swered Cle!and quietly, but without
hesitation. Il shall choose death
even the most ignominious Of deaths
rather. You must choose another
price, Excellency."
None other, by the beard of the
prophet" exclaimed the Khalita, his
deep tones vibrating with wrath. "On
no other condition shall your worth
less life be spared but that. If YOU
refuse. by the great name. you shall
hang on the nearest tree.
Cleland bowed gravely.
If it must be. it must be. khalifa.
! can die. even a criminals death. like
a man. | hope but l cannot renounce
my faith like a traitor!"
Take him away" cried the khali-
IA, wrathfully.
The two dervishcs came forward and
led him away, to what fate Cleland
could not tell