The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-01-12
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CHAPTER XIV.
Copyrighted 10, By Roeer. Bonner. Son.

CHAPTER XIV.
AS he spoke the Arab gave 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, ana
when he saw the fellow leap. he was
not wholly unprepared.. The blow IN
the face blinded him for a moment, but
as soon as his eyes served him, ne
caught his assailant by the throat anu
hurled him to the ground.
"What sort of a man are you?" the
slave cried, as he held the rascal
down.
81 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 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
was too late to reach the saddle. Half
a dozen strong hands were laid upon
him, while as many more were busy
with the horses of the females. The
princess cried aloud for help, and
would have leaped from her saddle had
she not been held back.
Fair lady," spoke a rough voice. in
a harsh, strange dialect, "you must
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?"
II am the daughter of About Cassem,
the prime minister OF Damascus"
Could Abba have moved quickly
enough, she would have prevented her
mistress from answering this ques-
ton, but the story had been 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 she was somewhat mistaken,
as subsequent events proved.
by my life, comrades" cried he,
who seemed to be the leader of the
party, 1--WE have found a rich prize.
Hold still, noble lady. We will not
harm you. Let us look to this un-
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 We're 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 We're lifted from
their saddles.
Don't be alarmed" aid 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 Shubal free?"
"He shall be free soon enough. Rest
easy few moments, lady. One of
my 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
sair damsels, you shall understand the
whole matter. These horses Of yours
are not such ones as would have you
ride. 1 have some here much better
What does he mean?" asked Ulin,
speaking in low tone to her bond
maiden.
wait" replied Abba, trying to con-
ceal her real suspicious. "They may in
form U.S."
Before Ulin could ask another ques-
ton the Arab leader came forward
with two horses, upon which he direct
ed his companion to fix the ladies' sad
dies; and whenath;s had been done he
turned to the princess. and informed
her that she might take her seat again.
She would have opposed the move
ment, but 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, will
secure you in your place"
As he spoke he passed 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 Shubal, who
was seated upon another strange
horse, and likewise bound in his place
What can they neen?" asked the
princess. gaining another opportunity
to speak to her attendant.
II dare not guess" said Abba.
do not speak in that way" urged
Ulin. "Tell me what Won think