Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-08-30

Soon the brethren saw why, since at
the end opposite to that by which he
had entered appeared more singing
women, and after them, also escorted
by four black torchbearers-only these
were women-walked Rosamund and
behind her Masouda.
Rosamund 1t was without doubt, but
Rosamund transformed, for now she
seemed an eastern queen. Round her
head was q coronet Of gems from
which hung a veil, but not SO as to hide
her face. Jeweled, too, were her heavy
plaits of hair; jeweled the rose silk
garments that she wore, the girdle at
her waist, her naked, ivory arms and
even the slippers on her feet.
On came Rosamund. and now, be-
hold, the lord Al-je-bal rose and, CIV
ing her his hand, seated her by him on
the divan.
"Show no surprise, Wulf," muttered
Goodwin, who had caught a warning
look in the eyes Of Masouda as she
took up her position behind Rosamund.
Now the feast began. Slaves, running
to and fro, set dish after dish filled
with strange and savory meats upon
the little inlaid tables, those that were
served to ~Sinan and his guests fash
toned all Of them of silver or Of gold.
Goodwin and Wulf ate, though not for
hunger's sake, but Of what they ate
they remembered nothing who were
watching Sinan and straining their
ears to catch all he said without seem.
ing to take note or listen. Although she
strove to hide it and to appear indi1Ter.
ent, it was plain to them that Rosa
mund was much afraid. Again and
again Slnan presented to her choice
morsels Of food. All the while also he
dcvoured her with his fierce eyes.
Wine, perfumed and spiced, was
brought in golden cups, Of which, hav-
ing drunk, he offered to Rosamund.
But she shook her head and asked Ma
SCUBA for water, saying that she touch
ed nothing stronger. and it was given
her cooled with snow. The brethren
asked for water also, whereupon Sinau
looked at them suspiciously and de.
manded the reason. Goodwin replied
through Masouda that they were under
an oath to touch no wine till they re-
turned to their own country, having
fulfilled their mission.
Now the wine that he had drunk took
hold Of Sinan, and he began to talk,
who, without it. was so silent.
He rose and cried with a loud voice:
Servants Of Al-Je-bal, pledge, I com
mand you. this flower of flowers, the
highborn Princess Of Baalbec, the niece
of the sultan, Salah-ed-dln, whom
men call the Great" and he sneered
though he be not SO great as l, this
queen Of maids who SOON Then
checking himself, he drank of his wine
and with q low bow presented the
empty jeweled cup to Rosamund.
Queen! Queen" shouted all the com
pany. Queen Of our master and Of us
ALL"
S!nan heard and smiled. Then, mo
tiOning for silence, he took the hand OF
Rosamund. kissed it, and, turning
passed from the hall preceded by his
singing women and surrounded by the
dais and guards.
Goodwin and Wulf stepped forward t.
speak with Rosamund, but Masouda
interposed herself between them, say,
ing in a cold, clear voice:
1T is not permitted. Go, knights
and COO your brows in yonder garden
where sweet water runs. Your sistel
is my charge. Fear not, for she /.
guarded"
Come said Goodwin to Wulf, "w,
had best obey"
So together they walked through tn,
crowd Of those feasters that remained
for most Of them had already left the
hall, who made way, not without rev
erence, for the brethren of this new
star Of beauty, IN to the terrace ant
from the terrace into the gardens
Under many of the trees and in tent
set about here and there rugs were
spread, and to them came men wht
had drunk of the wine OF the feast ant
cast themselves down to sleep.
Are they drunk" asked Wulf.
ut would seem So" answered God
win.
Yet these men appeared to be mao
rather than drunk, for they walked