, 1904-08-03

e
ure will be guarded until the tax of
the ameer is paid. But there is some
thing to be done now. Let my cap
tains come to ble while we eat and
rest. We must hasten away to obtain
more treasure and perform a service
for MY friends"
He led them 10 the finest house in
the place, where women waited upon
them. Wine aud food were brought.
When they had finished, Harvey and
Orskoff smoked and listened to the
parley between Palpak and his cap
tains. There were ten of these, includ-
ing the brothers Of Palpak. Domitan
was second In command by reason Of
his relationship as next eldest brother
of Palpak.
as wal declared?" asked one of the
warriors. Have the hated Musco-
vites again threatened us?"
mo; it Is not war against the Mus
covites."
"What, then, o chief? Inform us
that we may fight as becomes the Fan
nucks."
"a caravan Conveying much treas
ure and that which is greater than
treasure, of more value than gold or
gems. will pass IN the way TO Bokha-
ra. 1t will be composed of the serv-
ants and soldiers of the ameer, who
has so frt luentl3 sent soldiers to muir
der us and steal our children and com
PEELED us to pas tribute. These sol
6inrc af thn one M In AZ k41arH fu-1
beautiful girls. who were to be the
wives Of my two friends. | was in
difficulty, and this one, the American,
assisted me and saved my life. The
other, a Muscovite officer, had us in
his 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 Dung women they love
so we'll"
1--WE are ready Horses will be
brought from the tieldsi Great is Pal
pax. chief of the Zannucksl'
Palpak waved his hands for silence
and, assuming a serious mien, said:
Listen, o my people! Before we
lhl L NAVE SCllltlllllS W SuDIllL 10
my captains. 1t was at the cave
where we hid the treasure. | had
divided it according to my CUSTOM
a 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
rnhal'p1 aOofnAf nv 6aaicinn md la1
by Domitan, attacked me to take my
life. | 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 a punishment"
xiii himi Fasten him on a spear
and place him highr'
These cries came from all sides.
Domitan turned pale. He looked APP
pealingly at Palpak, but the face of
the chief was as stone.
80 chiefp" said Il captain, rising.
at is well that the Zannucks know
their chief to be always safe. If he is
in danger from his w brothers, then
what may we expect from others?
If these brothers have attempted to
kin 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"
ut is well spoken" said Palpak.
LET my brother Domitan, next in the
lin of chiefs, who will be your chief
if l should die, explain his action"
All eyes were turned toward Domi-
tan.
30 chief, my brother" he cried, land
captains OF the Zannucks, hear me and
believe me! When we started in our
boat to the island cave to obtain the