The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1906-01-18
CHAPTER XIV.

MS be spoke the Arab gave a loud,
shrill whistle, at the same time leap
ing across the spring and striking the
slave in the face. But Shubal was not
to be overcome SO easily by one man.
The whistle had alarmed him, and
when he saw the fellow leap, he was
not wholly n~nprepared. The blow in
the face blinded him for a moment, but
as soon as his eyes served him, he
caught his assailant by the throat
hurled him to the ground.
What sort5of a man are your the
slave cried, as he held the rascal
down.
Il am a juggler," replied the Arab,
holding fast upon Shubal's tunic.
LET go my clothing, or I'll kill you
The slave might have carried out
his threat, but before he could make
any decided movement to that end he
found himself surrounded by a body
of armed men. Quick as thought he
leaped to his feet, leaving a piece OF
his tunic behind him. and made a
movement toward his horse; but he
vas too late to reach the saddle. Hail
a dozen strong hands were laid upon,
him, while as many more were busy
with the horses OF the females. 1ne
princess cried aloud for help. Il
would have leaped from her saddle had
she not been held back.
Fair lady" spoke a rough voice. in
a harsh, strange dialect. you aus
keep still, and give us as little trouble
as possible"
.But you will not harm me, good
sirs.''
You have no OCCASION for fear,
lady. But tell me-who are YOU"
Il am the daughter OF About Cas5em,
the prime minister OF Damascus"
Could Abba have moved quickly
enough, she would have prevented her
mistress from answering this ques-
ticn, but the story had b2el told.
Ulin innocently thought that the
name of her father would strike the
marauders with awe, and that they
would fear to modest her further, but
in this che was somewhat mistaken,
as subsequent events proved.
by my life. comrades" cried he,
who seemed to be the leader of the
party, eve have found a rich prize.
Hold still, noble lady. We will not
harm you. Let us look to this I'M
ruly slave Of yours, and then you shall
be properly cared for. You might, have
fallen into worse hands than ours
When Ulin had collected her senses,
so that she could observe and compre-
bend things about her, she looked to
see her real situation. She counted
eight of the Arabs, and she had no
doubt that they were robbers. Four
of them were securing the slave, while
the other four were watching the
horses. Shubal was very soon pin
toned, and restored to his feet, after
which she and Abba were lifted from
their saddles.
Don't be alarmed" said the leader,
as the princess cried out for mercy.
..You shall be restored to your horses
very soon. We have horses close at
hand, and when they are brought, you
shall be on your way again."
you Will set SnuDdl Tree!
HE shall be free soon enough. Rest
easy a few moments, lady. One of
nv men has gone after our animals.
We left them upon the other side of
the wood"
But why have you taken us from
our horses?" asked our heroine.
"You will see that anon, fair lady.
Adhere comes my man. Now, my
fair damsels, you sha,l understand the
whole matter. These Eorsesseof yours
are not such ones as ! would have you
ride. I have some here much BETTER"
What does he" meaa?" asked Ulin,
speaking in a low tone to her bond
maiden.
Watt replied ALTA. trying to con-
ceal her real suspicious. They may in
form u.s.
Before Ulin could asG another ques-
ton the Arab leader came forward
with5two horses, upon which he direct
ed his companion to fix the ladies' sad
dies: and when tn S had been done he
turned to the princess. and informed
her that she night take her seat again.
She would have opposed the move
ment, but a strong hand was laid upon
her, and, almost before she knew it.
she was once more upon her saddle.
"You will excuse me-" the fellow
said, "but as this horse will not carry
you quite SO easily as your own, I VIII
secure you in your place."
AS he spoke he passed a strong cord
about Ulin's body, and fastened it to
the girth upon either side. The same
thing was done for Abba. and then
attention was directed to Snubal, who
was seated Upon anothe: strange
horse, and likewise bound in his place.
What can they mean?" asked the
princess, gaining another opportunity
to speak to her attendant.
Il dare not gue;s." said Abba.
do not speak in that way" urged .
ulin. "Tell me what you Think
command you"
my dear mistress" replied the
bondmaiden, reluctantly, their mean
Ing is evident enough. These horses
will follow their masters!"
'Ha!-and are we ~prisoners?"
I fear so. But let us hope for the
best. We may not be harmed"
At this juncture the Arabs had
mounted their horses, three Of them
taking the animals which belonged to
their prisoners, and at a word from the
leader they were on the move. Ulin
instinctively chung to the rein to hold
herself steady, but her horse noticed
not the guiding of her hand. The lead