Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-08-02

nucks,"
| "A caravan conveying much treas
ure and that which is greater than
treasure, of more value than gold or
gems, will pass on the way to Bokha-
ra. 1t will be composed of the serv-
ants and soldiers of the ameer, VINO
mas SO frequently sent soldiers to muir
der us and steal our children and COM
peiied us to pay tribute. These SOL
olers OF the ameer have stolen Two
beautiful girls, who were to be the
wives of my two friends. l was in
difficulty, and this one the American.
assisted me and saved my life. The
other, a Muscovite officer, had us In
MS power, but released us that we
might bring the tribute to you, my
people. In return l have told them
that we would go to the Silicon pass
and rescue the young women they love
SO WELL"
I'VE arc ready! Horses will be
brought from the fields! Great is Pal
pax, chief Of the Zannucks
Palpak waved his hands for silence
and, assuming serious mien. said:
Listen, 0 my peoplc Before we
start have something to submit to
my captains. 1t was at the cave
| where we hid the treasure. l had
divided 1t according to my custom
portion to each of my brothers, a
portion to myself, and the greater bulk
to be brought here and divided among
my people and to pay the tax demand
ed of us by the ameer. My brothers
rebelled against my decision and, led
by DomitaA, attacked me to take my
life. I was assisted by the American,
as have said, and then the Russian
soldiers came and captured us all. But
the crime of Domitan remains. 1t is
the custom for the captains to settle
upon punishment"
"Kill him! Fasten him on spear
and place him highv'
These cries came from all sides.
Domitan turned pale. He looked ap-
pealingly at Palpnk, but the face Of
the chief was as stone.
20 chiefw said a captain, rising.
ut is well that the Zannucks know
their chief to be always safe. If he Is
In danger from his own brothers, then
what may we expect from Others
II these brothers have attempted to
kill thee, they should be punished. 1t
is the will of the people that he whom
they love shall be protected and those
who seek to kill him shall themselves
be slain."
ut is So" said another captain,
"but this took place far away. Let us
give Domitan and the other brothers
of our chief an opportunity to explain
their conduct"
at is well spoken" said Palpak.
"Let my brother Domitan, next in the
line Of chiefs, who will be your chief
If should die, explain his action"
All eyes were turned toward Domi-
tan.
20 chief, my brother" he cried, "and
captains Of the Zannucks. hear me and
believe me! When we started in our
boat to the island cave to obtain the
treasure and bring it here, there was
no thought against our brother. the
greatest chief the Zannucks ever had.
We love him. well. but we drank much
wine. and in our wine madness thought
to overcome him and obtain the treas,
ure. In our right minds we would not
think of this. uumbly do we seek
pardon Of our chief. We promise faith.
full allegiance. We will fight by his
| side evermore."
There was a murmur, and all eyes
turned to Palpak.
ut will be well if this is true" he
said. II trust my brothers again.
wish no confusion now. We will has
ten to meet the soldiers Of the ameer."
There was little delay. Horses were
being led in from nearby fields, and mer
with arms were gathering. On the road
to the southwark they formed, and il
seemed formidable array. First rode
Palpak, with Harvey and Orskoff
mounted on fresh horses. After then
rode hundred men, divided in bandt
of twenty-five. each under q captain
Then came another hundred under
Domitan, these being divided the same
way.
Harvey had never experienced so diff
ficult ride. At times they seemed OF
the verge Of going over cliff ant
hurting themselves hundred feet o.
more to certain death, but the rugged
little horses seemed to know every incl
Of the way and found stepping place!
where a man could not as they woun(
around the perpendicular scarps O.
mountains.
II wouldn't like to do this for liv
ing" said Harvey. II prefer to sci
windmills."
This is real mountaineering" an
swered Orskoff. But their eyes did no
meet as they spoke, for Harvey, VIII
was ahead, did not dare to turn hi
head
In crossing table lands they Travelled
in sections, and Domitan often came
up and spoke to Palpak. He had los
none of his surliness. Harvey could no
understand why Palpak so easily for
gave the man who wanted to kill him
Orskoff explained that he had talked
with the captains and learned tina