The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1906-02-23

=. LII v0lOu
tine. He had told the story of IN
snelk's demand to her as soon as be
came aboard, and she had divulRed II
70 Peggy the instant Rip was out Of
sight.
Brewster found the sheik sitting IN
state on the upper deck impatientlv
awaiting the appearance Of his charm
81. he did not know her name, but he
a TRANQUILITY commanded Rip to pro-
auce all of the women on board so that
ne might select Peggy from among
tnem. Van Wrinkle and Bragdon, who
now was in the secret, were preparing
to march the ladies past the ruler when
Monty came up.
Has he seen Peggy" he asked OF
Van Wrinkle.
Not yet. She is dressing for the oc-
casion."
Wei, wait and see what happens to
MIN when she gets over the first
Shock" laughed Monty.
Just then the sheik discovered Peg
gy, who, pretty as a picture, drew
lear the strange group. To her amaze
ment, two slaves rushed forward and
opstructed her passage long enough to
peat their heads on the deck n few
times, after which they arose and ten
dered two magnificent necklaces. She
was prepared for the proposal, but this
ACTON Disconnected her. She gasped
ana looked about in %perplexity. Her
friends We're smiling broadly, and the
shefk had placed his hands over his
palpitatlng heart.
"Lothario has a pain" whispered
KIP Van Wrinkle sympathetically, and
Brewster laughed. Peggy did not hes
1tate an instant after hearing the
laugh. She walked straight toward
the sheik. Her cheeks were pink. and
her eyes were flashing dangerously.
The persistent brown slaves followed
with the Jewels, but she ignored them
completely. Brave as she intended to
be, she could not repress the shudder
OF repulsion that went wei her as she
looked full upon this eager Arab.
Graceful and slender, she stood be-
fore the burly Mohammed, but his ar.
dor was not cooled by the presence of
SO many witnesses. With a thud he
dropped to his knees, wabbling for a
moment in the successful effort to
maintain a poetic equilibrium. Then
ne began pouring forth volumes OF
shattered French, English and Arabic
sentiment, accompanied by facial con-
so intense that they were lit
tie less than grewsome.
"Oh, joy Of the sun supreme, Jewel
OF the only eye, hearken to the en-
treaty of Mohammed." It was more
If he were commanding his troops in
battle than pleading for the tender
compassion Of a ladylove. II am come
for you, queen Of the sea and earth and
sky. My boats are here, my camels
there, and Mohammed promises you a
palace in the sunlit hills If you will but
him bask forever in the glory of
your SMILE"
All this was uttered in a mixture Of
tongues so atrocious that Subway
afterward described 1t as a sal
ad. The retinue bowed impressively,
and two or three graceless Americans
as vigorously as If they were
approving the actions of a well drilled
comic opera chorus. Sailors were hang
Ing in the rigging, on the davits and
over the deck house roof.
"smile for the gentleman, Peggy"
Brewster delightedly. HE
wants to take a short bask."
You are very rude, Mr.. Brewster"
said Peggy, turning upon him coldly.
Then to the waiting, expectant sheik,
What is the meaning Of this elo-
.1uenceY
Mohammed looked bewildered for a
moment and then turned to the inter-
prefer, who cleared up the mystery
surrounding her English. For the next
:hree or four minutes the air was filed
the "jewels Of Africa" ''star,"
sunlight" queen" heavenly JOY"
pearl of the DESERT and other things
q bad English, worse French and per-
ect Arabic. He was making promises
hat could not be redeemed If he lived
thousand years. In conclusion the
allant sheik drew a long breath,
crewed his face into a simpering grin
played his trump card in unmis-
akable English. 1t sounded pathetical-
? like you're a peach"
An indecorous roa went up from the
7hite spectators, and a jacky in the rig
ing, suddenly thinking Of home, piped
p with a bar or two from '"The Star
pangled Banner"
- -E#LH-
Having accomplished what he consid-
red to be his part of the ceremony, the
helix arose and started toward his
lunch, coolly motioning for her to fol-
Nv. So far as he was concerned the
latter was closed. But Peggy, her
cart humping like a trip hammer, her
yes full Of excitement, implored him
stop for q moment.
Il appreciate this great honor, but I
ave a request to make" she said clear
7. Mohammed paused irresolutely and
! some irritation.
Heres where the heather gets it
mong the beads" whispered Monty to
trs. Dan. And he called out, Captain
'erry, detail half a dozen men to pick
p the beads that are about to slip
rom his maiestv's neck"
ITO be continued.)