The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-11-27


re-enfOrce the Commander of the insur-
goats, Osman Digna, showed like a
phantasy against the purple south.
But soon these ghOstly panoramas
would fade away; and then TO the east
ward would appear a blue green sea
with moving waves and tTicornered
sails. and "a shore skrted with dom
palms and crags where sat in mighty
state the guns of a shore garrison.
Sweet. indeed. by contrast was this
precious sight To the weary travellers,
who seemed TO be tempted by some
satanic power to gloat over scenes
which perhaps II would never be their
privilege to see again In reality.
The silent footed Tunaways passed
over ragged ridges ard along the edge
OF mighty steppes. A halt was made
toward sunset.
When Dorothy was lifted from the
saddle she was so stiff and exhausted
that she could MT move. She sank
upon the sands In slumber. The prince
spread rug in a mimosa bush. with a
roll for a pillow. On this couch he laid
the weary girl.
Taking a cup. the prince went down
the ravine TO the camel and brought
back some milk for Dorothy. But just
as he reached the spot where she lay in
the gloom OF the dying day. Bardofi
was shocked TO see the native lying al
most fat on the sand, ana stealing from
rock TO rock and shadow % shadow
like stealthy serpent toward the help
| less sleeper
The prince dropped the cup. His
heart was in his throat. In ambush
where he could not be seen he swung his
rifle round and dropped on one knee,
/ leveling his weapon.
| ON toward the sleeping form of the
weary enc crept the villain. till at last
he reached forth his hand with a sly
and cautious movement and thrust 1t
under the folds of Dorothys cloak till
suddenly he felt something that bright
ened his face and apparently thrilled
1 him TO the marrow. Forth it came.
stealthily. like the theTt Of a fiend from
la sacred shrine. and with a grin Of
sublime satisfaction he nursed 1t 10 his
/ bosom-the revolver, Dorothy's sole pro-
i lection IN her loneliness.
BardOff realized all, The scOundrel
was bent upon numbering the two ref
ugees. and returning TO the Nile with
his booty in triumph Lowering his
/ " eapon. for he knew that the man
] NbAiA AADA attempt ans fANANtiNN 'tA4--N
/ il was yet day, the prince watched the
stealthy scoundrel move away.
Then the prince debated earnestly
with himself. Should he go forth and
shoot the seOundrel down. or wait tin
the first sign Of hostility?
/ II was in the midst Of these wonder
/ ings that the watcher was amazed TO
see the native emerge from his hiding
and with the cooked revolver IN his
right hand held back Of him, start on
the way down the ravine TO the hiding
/ place Of the camel. There was a look
upon his face which showed well his
murderous intent He was after the
prince
/ As he passed the man In ambush. who
sat crouchlng with his weapon leveled
still. the CLEAN Of the revolver was
plainly visible I'm the folds Of the fell
lows burnOuse. No longer hesitating
now. Bardoh seized his sword and made
a dash.
With a single terrific blow with the
back OF the weapon the prince struck
the revolver from the clinched fist and
/ stamped his foot upon it. burying IT In
the sand. AT the same time the Russian
raised his repeater. so that when the as
tonished native turned he looked into a
gun barrel.
| There was an expression of defeat and
shame on his face. The prince recovered
| the revolver and then said calmly:
| well. dog OF a heather, what shall l
do? You deserve TO be shot down In
! cold blood, since murder is what you
meditated."
.'By Allah and the Mahdi"' began the
other; may the holy prophet strike me
| dead"
"Phut." snarled the prince. Il saw
IL all. I watched you from that clump
of reeds-saw you steal up and take the
| revolver from the sleeping woman. You
dared not Kill her first for fear Of me;
| but when I saw you crawling down to
| the place where you thought 1 had gone
/ I was within a hairs breadth Of killing
you However. / spare you this time
but I shall never trust you again, The
/ next suspicious move on your part you
die like the snake that you are. Do you
understand me?'
| The fellow covered and turned away.
| "Come back" commanded Bardon.
Now go yonder and lie down
He is the devil!" muttered the man,
as he skunk OF to do the bidding OF his
superior.
Prince BdEQDH was ~ ALdlluui y
What was he TO do with the unwelcOme
| third term Of the interesting equation
To sleep with such a villain near would
be impossible To murder him would
surely bring down some judgment upon
them. To send him back 10 the Nile
meant 10 the refugees certain apprehen-
sion and death,
Il have quite enough to do To keel
my eyes on the distance" he murmured
bitterly, without being compelled 10 re-
gard enemies right at my heels. II 1
had shot him would my conscience have
been clear2 ! doubt IT, II / allow hin
TO accompany us further on the march
can / trust him? Are not both our lives
in danger? VIII he not lead US away
from the chosen route, and betray Us
into the hands of the first dervish band
we sight?"
IL was quite dark when Dorothy
awoke. but Fardof was beside her 81
was the ready camel and the native She
rose without speaking
Little comrade." said the prince. his
voice quivering, do you feel brave
enough 10 resume the march?"
Il will try" replied Dorothy.
The prince offered her the cup OF
camel's milk, which she drank eagerly
Suddenly Dorothy plunged her hand
into her bosom and gave a frasn nf slir-