The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-04-09
CHAPTER VII.

dow behind them, and down
into the room leaped n long.
1.-THE figure, holding an Ak aloft. Be
fore Sir Andrew could turn to see
whence the sound came that ak dealt
him q fearful blow between the shout
ders which, although the ringed mail
remained unshorn, shattered his spine
beneath. Down he fell. rolled on to his
back and lay there, still able to speak
and without pain, but helpless as a
child, for he was paralyzed, and never
more would move hand or foot or head.
IN the silence that followed he spoke
In a heavy voice, letting his eyes rest
upon the man who had struck him
down.
"a knightly blow, truly; one worthy
for Paynim pay. Traitor to God and
man, who have eaten my bread and
now slaughter me like an OK on my
hearthstone, may your own end be
even worse, and at the hands Of those
you serve"
The palmer Nicholas, for it was he
although he no longer wore the palm
er's robe, skunk away muttering and
was lost among the crowd in the pas
sage. Then, with a sudden and bitter
cry, Rosamund swooped forward, as a
bird swoops, snatched up the sword her
sire would never lift again and, setting
its hilt upon the floor. cast herself for
ward, but it's point never touched her
breast, for the emir sprang swiftly and
struck the steel aside; then, as she fell.
caught her in his arms.
Lady" he said, loosing her very
gently, "Allah does not need you yet.
I have told you that it is not fated
Now will you pass me your word, for,
being Of the blood of Salah- ed din and
Darcy, you, too, cannot lie, that nei-
ther now nor afterward you will at
tempt to harm yourself? If not, must
bind you, which am loath to do 1t is
a sacrilege to which I pray you will
not force me-"
Promise, Rosamund," said the hol-
low voice Of her father, land go to full
fill your fate. Self murder is a crime.
and the man is right. 1t is decreed.
bid you promise"
II obey and PROMISE" said Rosa
mund. ''It is your hour, my lord Has
san"
He bowed deeply and answered:
II am satisfied and henceforth we are
your servants. Princess, the night air
is bitter. You, cannot travel thus. In
which chambeAare your garmentsy'
She pointed with her finger. A man
took taper and, accompanied by two
others, entered the place to return pres
emily with their arms full of all the ap-
parel they could find.
Princess" said Hassan, bowling,
my master, your uncle, sent you GER
tain jewels Of no mean value. Is it your
wish that they should accompany your"
Without lifting her eyes from her dy-
ing fathers face Rosamund answered
heavily:
Where they are, there let them bide
What have to do with jewelsw
Your will is nay law" he said, "and
others will be found for you. Princess,
all is ready. We wait your pleasure"
My pleasure? o God, my pleas
ureT exclaimed Rosamund in the same
drear voice. still staring at her father,
who lay before her on the ground.
II cannot help it." said Hassan, an
swering the question in her eyes, and
there was grief in his tone. He would
not come; he brought it on himself,
though in truth I wish that accursed
Frank had not struck so shrewdly. II
you ask it, we will bear him with you;
but. lady, 1t Is idle to hide the truth.
He is sped. 1 have studied medicine,
and l know"
Nay" said Sir Andrew from the
floor. Leave ME here. Daughter, we
must part awhile. AS I stole his child
from Ayoub. so Ayoub's son steals my
child from me. Daughter, cling to the
faith-that we may meet again."
ITO the DEATH" she answered.
BE comforted," said Hassan. Has
not Salah-ed-din passed his word that,
except her own will or that Of Allah
should change her heart, a cross wor-
shipper she may live and die? Lady,
for your own sake as well as ours let
this sad farewell be brief. Begone.
my servants, taking these dead and
wounded with you. There are things
1t is not fitting that common eyes
should See"
They obeyed, and the three Of them
remained alone together. Then Rosa
mund knelt down beside her father,
and they whispered into each others
ears. 1t would seem that they found
some kind OF hope and consolation, at
least when Resamund kiss> him for
the last time Sir Andrew smiled and
said:
Yes. yes. 1t may all be for the best.
God will guard you. and his will be
done. But I forgot. Tell me, daugh-
ter, which,"
Again she whispered into his ear,
and when he had thought a moment
4e answered: