The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-05-01

By RIDER HAGGARD,
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protected Rosamund because she knew
that her love was for Wulf and not for
him. The thought was very bitter. and
in its pain Goodwin groaned aloud,
while fierce jealousy gripped his vitals
like the icy hand of death. Then God
win remembered the oath that thew
two had sworn far away in the Driory
at Stangate, and, hiding his face in his
pillow, he prayed for strength.
1t would seem that it came TO him
at least. when he lifted his head again
the jealousy was gone, and only the
great grief remained. Fear remained
also, for what of, Masouda? How
should he deal with her? He was GER
tain that this was no fancy which
would pass-until her life passed with
it, and, beautiful IS she was and noble
as she was, he did not wish her love.
He could find no answer to these 0;1es-
tons, save this-that things must go
on as they We're decreed. For himself
he, Goodwin, would strive to do his
duty, to keep his hands clean and
await the end, whatever that might be-
Wulf woep up, stretched his arms
exclaimed because that action hurt
him, grumbled at the brightness of the
light upon his eyes and said that he
was very hungry. Then he arose and.
with the help of Goodwin, dressed him
self, but not in his armor. Here, with
the yellow coated soldiers of Saladin,
grave faced and watchful. pacing be
fore their door-fOr night and day they
were trebly guarded lest assassins
should creep in--there was no need for
mail.
Then the door opened, and through it
appeared the emir Hassan. who saint
ed them in the name of Allah, search
ing them with his quiet eyes
'Few would judge. to look at you,
Sir Knights" he said, with a smile.
that you have been the guests of the
Old Man of the Mountain and left his
house so hastily by the back door Oh,
you are brave men, both of you, though
you be infdels. Aye, I, Hassan, who
have known many Frankish knights,
say it from my heart"
"We thank you, prince, for your
praise" said Goodwin gravely, but
Wulf stepped forward, took his hand
and shook it.
THAT was an i'll trick, prince which
you played us yonder in England" he
said, land one that brought as good q
warrior as ever drew a sword, our
sad as it was glorious. Still you obey
ed your master, and because of all
that has happened since | forgive you
and call you friend, although should
we ever meet in battle / still hope to
pay you for that drugged wine"
Here Iassan bowed and said softly:
when we meet, Sir EVulf, in war
and that, l think, will be an i'll hour
for me-strike, and strike home. l
shall not complain. Meanwhile we are
friends, and in very truth all that |
have is yours. But now I come to tell
you that the Princess Rose of the
World-Allah bless her footsteps!-is
recovered from her fatigues and de-
sires that you should breakfast with
her in an hours time; also the doctor
waits to tend your bruises and slaves
to lead you to the bath and clothe you.
Nay. leave your hauberk. Here the
faith 'sf Salah- ed-din and Of his serV-
ants Is your best armor."
Still, l think that we will take
Them" said Goodwin, for faith is poor
defense against the daggers of these
assassins, who dwell not so far away"
True" answered Hassan; Il had for
gotten" So thus they departed.
An hour later they were led to the
hall, where presently came Rosamund
and with her Masouda and Hassan
| She was dressed in the rich robes OF an
| eastern lady, but the gems with which
she had been adorned as the bride
elect Of Al-je-bal were gone. and when
| she lifted her veil the brethren saw
| that, though her face was still some
what pallid, her strength had come
back to her and the terror had left hel
| eyes. They sat down and ate with
| light hearts and a good appetite.
Before their meal was finished the
| guard at the door announced that mes
sengers had arrived from the sultan
They entered, gray haired men clad ii
the robes of secretaries. whom Hassar
FASTENED to greet. When they were
seated and had spoken with him awhile
| one of them drew forth Il letter, which
| Hassan, touching his forehead with il
in token of respect. gave to H1samund
! She broke its seal and. seeing that il
| was in Arabic, handed it to her cousin
| saying:
DO YOU read it, Goodwin, who are
more learned than t.
| So he read it aloud. This was its
! purpOrt:
| Salah-ed-din, commander of the faith
! full. the strong to aid. to his niece beloved
! Rose of the World, Princess Of Baalbec.
Our servant, the enir Hassan, has sent
/ us tidings Of Your rescue from the power
/ of the aCCursed lord Of the mountain
/ Sinan, and that you arc now safe in CuI
/ city of Emesa, guarded by many thou
/ sands Of our soldiers, and with you 6
/ woman named Masouda ard your kiCs-
men, the two Frankish knights. by whose
! skill in arms and courage You were saved
/ Now, this is to command You to come &c
our court at Damascus so soon IS you
may be fl TO travel, knowing that here
I you will be received with love and honor
Also invite your kinsnen to accompany
You, since I knew their father and would
welcome knights who have done such
great deeds, ard the woman Masouda
with them; or. If they prefer it, all three
OF them may return to their own lands
and peoples.
Hasten, my niece, Lady Rose of the
I World. hasten for S-i-it seeks yO-1