Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-08-23

his fancy that look was like a fash OF
lightning upon a dark night.
Now the widow Masouda was say
ing I'm her usual somewhat hard voice:
mo; ! did not pay him. At the last
he would take nc money; but, having
passed it, neither would he break his
word. SO I made a bargain with him
on behalf Of both of you. 1t Is this
that If you and these horses should
live and the time comes when you have
no more need Of them you will cause
1t to be cried in the market place of
whatever town Is nearest to you by
the voice of the public crier that for
six days they stand to be returned TO
him who lent them. Then II he comes
not they can be sold, which must not
be sold or given away to any n
without this proclamation. DO you
~consent?"
aye" answered both of them, but
wulf added, "Only we should like to
know why the Arab Son Of the Sand.
who Is your kinsman, trusts his glo.
rious horses TO us in this fashion"
"Your breakfast is served, my
guests" answered Masouda in tones
that rang like the clash of metal, so
steely were they. Whereon Wulf shook
his head and followed her into the eat
ing room, which was now empty.
Most Of that day they spent with
their horses. In the evening, this time
unaccompanied by Masouda, they rode
out for n little way, though rather
doubtfully, since they were not sure
that these beasts, which seemed to be
almost human, would not take the bits
between their teeth and rush. with
them back to the desert whence they
came. But. although from time to
time they looked about them for their
master, the Arab, whinnying as they
looked, this they did not do or show
vice Of any kind. Indeed, two ladies'
palfreys could not have been more
quiet.
The morrow was a Sunday. and, at
tended by Masouda's slave, without
whom she would not suffer them to
walk in the town. the brethren went to
mass In the big church which ono had
beer a mosque. wearing pilgrims robes
over their mail.
They heard the bishop of the town
preach a sermon from which they
learned much. He spoke at length of
the great coming war with Saladin,
whom he named antichrist. Moreover,
he prayed them all to compose their
differences and prepare for that awful
struggle.
-Four full days have gon by. Let
us ask our hostess if she has any news
for u.s. said Wulf as they walked back
TO the inn.
As it CHANGED, there was no need, for
when they entered their chamber they
found Masouda standing in the center
Of it, apparently lost in thought.
IL have come to speak with you" she
said. II have leave for you to go &c
visit Al-je-bai. but I counsel you not tc
go, since it Is dangerous. Let us bt
open with one another. I know you
object. knew it an hour before eve
you set foot upon this shore, and tha
Is why you were brought to my house
You would seek the help Of the lore
Sinan against Salah-ed-din. from whom
you hope to rescue a certain great lad.
of his blood, who is your kinswomar
and whom both Of you-desire in mar
riage. The trader Thomas is a spy. TC
him your story has been passed on by
other spies in England. and he passet
1t on to me-"
!, Are, then, you n spy also. as th'
porter called you?" asked Wulf out
right.
Il am what I am" she answered
coldly. perhaps l also have sworl
oaths and serve as you serve. Who IN,
master is or why | do SO Is naught +
YOU. But l like you well. Therefore
warn you that the lord Al-je-bal is on
who takes payment for what he gives
and that this business may cost yo'
your lives
You seem to know our story" SAT-
Goodwin, and the mission to which W
are sworn. You talk of our lives. Wei
we hold our lives in trust. and whel
they are asked of us we will yield then
up, having done all that we may do
"But why would you go to Al-Je-bal!
answered Masouda.
Because our uncle at his death bad
us so to do without fail, and, having Il
other counsel, we will take that OF HI
spirit, let come what may
well spoken. Then TO Al-je-bal 70
shall 60, and let come what may to q
three Of us"
ITO all three of us?" said Wul1
what, then, is your part in this ma
teri
II do not know, but perhaps NOR
than you think. At least / must b
your guide"
"Do you mean to betray us?' aske
Wulf bluntly.
ASK YOU brother If he thinks th'
I mean to betray you. No, | mean
save you, If l can. Pilgrims to I'll
fearful shrine Of Al-ie-bal, II 1t please
y You, we will ride at nightfall. Do M
o trouble about food and such matter
I will make preparation, but we G
u alone and secretly. Take only your arm
& and what garments you may need; II
rest l will store, and for it give 20
IT my receipt. Now I go to make thint
Il ready. See, ] pray of you, that II
horses Flame and Smoke are saddle
'e by sunset"
d AT shutdown, accordingly, the bret
Is rem stood waiting in their room. The