The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1905-12-28


all comes to me now. I bathed his
bruised head, and bound up his
wounds, while you brought the cor
dial which my mother provided"
SO 1t was, my lady. l have seer
the slave since--have seen him several
times-he has brought messages to
your father-and l know that his graf
ltude is strong. If Osmir has any
power to open the prison door, and l
a find him, there may be some
hope.'
But a you find him?" asked the
princess. She spoke eagerly, and no
longer sought to conceal the real cause
of her anxiety.
Il can try returned the attendant;
"and even here we have a fortunate
help. Shubal, who has been so long
your servant. is a near friend to Os-
mir. I will take Shubal with me, and
we may find the man we seek. Shall
not leave at once?"
Yes, Abba. Go at once. Be careful,
for all may depend on the secrecy of
your movements. l have entered upon
this matter, and I will now give all
my energies to its consummation. 20
and bring NE answer as quickly as
you can
The ~bondmaidcn left the apartment,
and when Ulin was once more alone,
she started to her feet, and moved to
the window. The flush was back upon
her cheek, and the sparkle was in her
eye. Her pure blood was circulating
with new power. as, for the time, she
forgot the king in the memory of the
youthful chieftain.
In less than an hour Abba returned,
and the beam upon her face told very
plainly that she had not been entirely
disappointed.
My good Mistress" she said, "Shu-
bal has served us we'll. 1 found him
without difficulty, and he at once
went alone in search of Osmir. He
found him at the royal palace, and has
brought him hither.'
Brought Osmir?"
YES"
And what does he say?"
L have not spoken to him Of Julian.
I thought o had better do that. You
may have influence"
Very well-bring him up at once.
I will shrink from nothing now"
In a little while the tall, dark form
glided within the chamber of the
princess. He bowed low as he en-
tered, and when he saw the lady Ulin,
he sank down upon his knee.
Noble lady," he said, abba in
formed me that 1 can be of service to
you. Once you served me, and my life
has been yours ever since. Command
me-"
: At first Ulin had been startled by
the appearance of the powerful black
within her chamber; but when she re-
membered the service she had done
him, and when she saw how gently
the beams OF gratitude fell upon her
from his brown eyes, she regained her
confidence.
L will not command you, Osmir; I
can only ask you to assist me. You
may be able to serve me, and you may
not be able. But 1 will not detain you
with useless words. You do not yet
know what I seek?"
Il do not, lady"
y you helped to bring the robber
chieftain to Damascus"
"Ha-who told you that?" He was
not startled with fear; but he rather
seemed to wonder how the princess
had gained the information.
Egn~ ~, 1r1~- -
baddan?"
Eyes. lady. He is second in command
Of the robber band"
"He has been here, Osmir, and he
has induced me to use my influence
towards gaining freedom for his chief
tain. I may not explain to you, but
nevertheless I am willing to confess
that I do much desire to free this
Julian from the power of the king.
Can you help me?"
He bowed his head, and pretty soon
arose to his feet.
Lady" he said, "1 did help in the
capture Of the young chieftain; but
when 1 came to know him I would
rather have served him had it been in
my power. 1 found him a generous,
honorable man and I learned to love
him; but I was bound by an oath to
the will of Judah, and 1 could not dis
obey. I wish I could save him now"
Can you do it, Osmir? 1 do not
wish that the king should kill him.
We thought you might have access to
his dungeon-that you might, at some
time, be set to guard him."
80 it is, lady; but / am not to be
on the guard again until daylight
"And tomorrow may be the last!!'
uttered Pie princess, painfully. "If
you cannot help us our hope has an
end"
Osmir moved back and leaned
against the wall, with his head upon
his hand.
Lady" he said, after much
thought, IT have one source of hope.
My companion, Selim-he who was
with me in the work of capture
stands watch over the chieftain's dun
geon at midnight. selim may help
me. II he will, Julian may be saved.
I Will hasten away at once. and exert
this only influence I possess"
"And when can 1 know the result?'
asked Ulin.
"Within fwo houre poot roidn;rh+ ,,