The Washington times., 1906-02-11

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shouting was borne upon the wind. and
presently we saw a fringe Of horseman
falling back slowly upon our foremost
line. It was only to report. however.
that the skirmishers OF Atene were in
full retreat. Indeed, a prisoner whom
they brought with them. on being ques-
toned by the priests. confessed at once
that the KhaHia had no mind to meet US
upon the holy mountain. She proposed
TO give battle on the rivers further
bank. having for a defense its waters
which we must ford a decision that
showed good military judgment.
So it happened that on this day there
was no fighting.
All that afternoon we descended the
slopes of the mountain. more swiftly
by far than we had climbed them after
our long flight from the city of Ka-
loon. Before sunset We came to our
prepared camping ground. a wide and
sloping plain that ended at the crest of
the Valley OF Dead Bones, where in
past days we had met our mysterious
guide. This. however. we did not reach
through the secret mountain tunnel
along which she had led US. the shortest
way By miles, as Ayesha told US now.
since it was unsuited TO the passage of
an army
Bending TO the left, we circled round
a number of unclimbable koppies, be
meath which that tunnel passed, and so.
at length. arrived upon the brow Of the
dark ravine where We could sleep safe
from attack by night.
Here a tent was pitched for Ayesha.
but. as it was the only one. Leo ami
with our guard, bivouscked among
dred yards When she found that this
must be so. Ayesha was very angry,
and spoke bitter words 70 the chief who
had charge Of the food and baggage,
although, he, poor man, knew nothing
OF tents.
Also she blamed Oros. who replied
meekIy that he had thought us captains
accustomed TO war and its hardships.
But most of all, she was very angry
with herself. who had forgotten this de-
tail, and until Leo stopped her with a
laugh of vexation, went on TO suggest
that we should sleep il the tent, since
she had no fear of the rigors of the
mountain cold.
The end of it was tbs we supped to-
gether outside. or. rather Leo and ]
supped, for, as there We're guards
around US. Ayesha did not even lift her
veil,
That evening Ayesha was disturbed
and i'll at ease. as though new fears,
which she could not overcome. assailed
her At length she seemed to conquer
them by some effort of her will. and
announced that she was minded to
sleep and thus refresh her soul; the
only part of her. 1 think, which ever
needed rest Her last words to use Were:
sleep YOU also. sleep sound. but be
not astonished. my Leo. if I send to
summon both of you during the night
since in my slumbers ! may find new
counseIs and need to speak of them 70
thee ere we break camp at dawn"
Thus we parted. but ah, little did we
guess how and where the three of us
would meet again
We were weary. and soon fell fast
asleep beside our camp fire. for. know
ing that the whole army guarded as.
we had no fear. I remember watching
the bright stars which shOne in the
immense vault above me until thev
paled in the pure light of the risen
moon. now somewhat past ber full. and
hearing Leo mutter drowsily from be
meath his fur rug that Ayesha was quite
right. and that it was pleasant to be in
the open air again, as he was tired Of
caves.
After th9t / knew no more until I
was awakened by the challenge of a
sentry in the distance: then. after a
pause. a second challenge from the Off
Ger of our own guard. Another pause.
and a priest stood bowling before US.
the flickering light from the fire playing
upon his shaven head and face which
l seemed to recognize.
''I'-and he gave name that was
familiar to me, but which / forget
IAN sent. my lords. by Oros. who com.
mands me 10 say that the Hesea would
speak with You both and at once"
Now Leo sat UP yawning. and asked
what was the matter / told him.
whereupon he said he wished that Aye
sha could have waited ill daylight. then
added:
Well, there is no help for it, Come
on. Horace" and he rose to follow the
messenger.
The priest bowed again and said:
The commands OF the Hesea are that
ms lords should bring their weapons
and their guard.
What" grumbled Leo. Ito protect
US for walk Of a hundred yards
through the heart Of an army?'