The indicator., 1904-07-30

He led them to the finest house In
the place, where women waited upon
them. Wine and food were broush hit
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. Dom1tan
was second In command by reason Of
his relationship as next eldest brother
Of Palpak.
rs war declared?" asked one Of the
warriors. Have tire hated Musco-
vites again threatened us3"
"No; 1t is not war against the Mus
covitcs"
"What. then, o chief2 Inform us
that we may fight as becomes the zan-
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 10 Bokh
ra. 1t will be composed of the serv-
ants and soldiers of the ameer, who
has so frequently sent soldiers to muir
der us and steal our children and CON-
PEELED us to pay tribute. These SOL
diers of the ameer have stolen two
beautiful girls, who We're 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
his power, but released us that we
,t.,ht
people. In return l have told them
that we would go to the Silicon pass
and rescue the young women they love
so we'll"
1--WE are ready. Horses will be
brought from the fieldsl Great is Pal
pax, chief of the Zannucks!"
Palpak waved his hands for silence
and, assuming serious mien, said.
"Listen, o my people! Before we
start | have something to submit to
my captains. 1t was at the cave
where we hid the treasure. l had
divided it according to my custom
q portion to each of my brothers, q
portion to myself, and the greater bulk
to be brought here and divided among
my people and to pay the tax demand
cd Of us by the ameer. My brothers
rebelled against my decision and, led
by Domitan, attacked me to take my
life. l 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 IL
the custom for the captains to settle
upon punishment"
kill himl Fasten him on a spear
and place him highn'
These cries came from all sides.
Domitan turned pale. He looked ap-
pealingly at Palpak, but the face Of
the chief was as stone.
20 chief" said n captain, rising.
at is well that the Zannucks know
their chief to be always safe. II he 10
IN danger from his own brothers, thaa
what may we expect from othersi
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'
at is 3d." said another captain,
Out ILLS tOoh pihtt lui AWAY Ltl 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
II I 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 ard
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. Humbly do we seek
pardon of our chief. We promise faith
full allegiance. We will fight by his
side evermore."
There was murmur, and all eyes
turned to Palpak.
at will be well If this Is true" he
said. Il trust my brothers again. l
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 men
with arms We're gathering. On the road
to the southwark they formed. and 1t
seemed formidable array. First rode
Palpak, with Harvey and Orskoff,
tt,av
rode hundred men. divided In bands
Of twenty-five. each under captain.
Then came another hundred under
Domitan, these being divided the same
way.
Harvey had never experienced 30 diff
hcult a ride AT times they seemed on
the verge of going over cliff and
hurling themselves hundred feet or
more to certain death, but the rugged
little horses seemed to know every inch
of the way and found stepping places
where man could not as they wound
around the perpendicular scarps Of
mountains.
81 wouldn't like to do this for liv-
ing" said Harvey. 81 prefer to sell
windmills"
"rhis is real mountaineering, an
swered Orskoff. But their eyes did not
meet us they spoke, for Harvey. who
was ahead, did not dare to turn his
head.
In crossing table lands they Travelled
in sections. and Domitan often came
up and spoke to Palpak. He had lost
none of his surliness. Harvey could not
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 that
Domitan was much admired for bis