The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1905-12-29
A. Story ~
the East...
sYL7 sysv.
COBB. JR.

But" urged the captain, "the way
is rough and dubious, and you may
miss your STEP"
Out upon thee for an asst" cried the
king, Indignantly. do you think my
step is growing feeble? 1 tell thee it
was never stronger. l will go the rest
or the way as have said. shall find
Selim at the door of the dungeon, and
he will render me such assistance g; |
may need there l must see this pris-
oner alone. He possesses a secret
which l must fathom before he loses
his head"
Il beg thee, sire, be careful"
Peace. good Benoni. Don't fret on
my account know what I do. I'll
find out the story of this robbers life,
and then his head shall come off right
quickly Stay you here, and await my
return"
Thus speaking. the king moved on,
and when the sound of his uncertain,
stumbling football could be no longer
heard, Julian reached forth until his
hand touched one of his companions.
WHO is this?" he asked, in hush
ed whisper. 1t was Selim.
There is no time to lose. The cap
tain must %be disposed of quickly. I'm
cover your lantern, and will throttle
him."
Sellm did as directed, and as soon as
the rays of light fell upon the captain,
the latter started to gaze about him.
But his free-will movements were
quickly terminated by blow from the
first of the robber chieftain, which
felled him to the floor, and before he
could move or cry out. he was securely
bound, and Osmir's sash passed over
his mouth
Now cried Julian, ''for the king.
He will be an easy subject to dispose
CT"
"And how will you dispose of him?"
asked Osmir.
For an instant dark thought strug-
gled through Julian's mind. Here was
an opportunity to put his worst enemy
out of the way, and. at the same time,
free the world from a ruler who had
ceased to do justly. But the thought
was not long entertained. The soul
of the chieftain was above the doing
of such deed. Osmir noticed the
hesitation, and tremblingly asked:
will you kill him.
mo, no. was the quick reply. THAT
would be too cowardly He is "a poor
foolish old man, whose continued life
must be the greatest curse We will
put him where he put me, and let his
slaves find him after we are gone.
Gomez will lead to this event, and
then you shall lead to the next"
Without further remark the robber
moved on towards the dungeon where
he had been confined, Selim going by
his side with the lantern Pretty soon
they saw the king ahead of them,
Whereupon Selim was suffered to go on
in advance. Koran had reached the
door of the dungeon just as Selim
came up
'Ha, Selim. is this your
eyes. sire"
Il did not see you when 7 came.
Where have you been hiding?"
Il have not been hiding, sire; but
have been doing my duty"
"And the prisoner"
''He is safe.''
open the door. would speak with
him. He is securely chained?"
mo mortal man can break the
chains wherewith he was bound, SIRE"
Then open-quick. His arms are
bound?"
Like iron, sire
"And he cannot move from his
place."
"The chains all center upon the bolt
in the floor"
Then you may remain without. Sc
linn. wish to speak with the prisoner
alone"
Selim had no particular understand.
ing with his companions touching this
movement; but he understood that
Julian would act when he saw fit, so
he proceeded to unbolt the door and
throw it open.
1--WE can shut him in and leave him."
whispered Osmir, when he saw the
king about to pass into the dungeon.
,"No, no." quickly returned Julian.
81 have another thought. may find
use for those royal robes which he
wears"
by the gods"' cried Osmir, ''the
prize is worth ten thousand times more
than had thought. If you don those
regal robes, Selim and can lead you
in safety from this place. BY the
blessed star, it is lucky thought. Ha!
He goes in. Shall accompany your"
you may remain close at hand"
CHAPTER XII.
A Royal Disguise.