The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-04-23
~ OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

Rosamund 1t was without doubt, but
Rosamund transformed, for now she
seemed an eastern queen. Round her
head was coronet of gems from
which hung a veil, but not so as to hide
her face. Jewelcd, too, were her heavy
plaits of hair; jeweled the rose SILK
garments that she wore, the glrdle at
her waist, her naked, ivory arms and
even the slippers on her feet.
On came Rosamund, and now, be-
hold, the lord Al-je-bal rose and, CIV
ing her his hand, seated her by him on
the divan.
"Show no surprise, Wulf," muttered
Goodwin, who had caught warning
look in the eyes of Masouda as she
took up her position behind Rosamund.
Now the feast began. Slaves, running
to and fro. set dish after dish filled
with strange and savory meats upon
the little inlaid tables, those that were
served to Sinan and his guests fash
toned all OF them of silver or of gold.
Goodwin and Wulf ate, though not for
hunger's sake, but of what they ate
they remembered nothing who were
watching Sinan and straining their
ears to catch all he said without SEEM
ing to take note or listen. Although she
strove to hide 1t and to appear indiffer-
emit, 1t was plain to them that Rosa
mund was much afraid. Again and
again Sinan presented to her choice
morsels of food. All the while also he
devoured her with his fierce eyes.
Wine, perfumed and spiced, was
brought in golden cups, of which, hay
ing drunk, he offered to Rosamund.
But she shook her head and asked Ma
SCUBA for water, saying that she touch
ed nothing stronger, and it was given
her cooled with snow. The brethren
asked for water also, whereupon Sinan
looked Mt them suspiciously and de-
manded the reason. Goodwin replied
through Masouda that they were under
an oath to touch no wine till they re-
turned to their own country, having
fulfilled their mission.
Now the wine that he had drunk took
hold of Sinan. and he began to talk,
who, without 1t, was SO silent.
He rose and cried with loud voice:
Servants OF Al-je-bal, pledge. I CON-
mand you, this flower Of flowers, the
highborn Princess of Baalbec. the niece
of the sultan, Salah-ed-din, whom
men call the Great" and he sneered,
though he be not so great as l, this
queen of maids who SOON Then,
checking himself, he drank off his wine
and with a low bow presented the
empty jeweled cup to Rosamund.
, Queen! Queen!' shouted all the CON-
t,pany. "Queen of our master andAof us
anw
" Sinan heard and smiled. Then, mo-
tioning for silence, he took the hand of
Rosamund, kissed 1t, and, turning,
passed from the hall preceded by his
singing women and surrounded by the
dais and guards.
Goodwin and Wulf stepped forward to
speak with Rosamund, but Masouda
interposed herself between them, say
ing in a cold, clear voice:
ut Is not permitted. Go, knights,
and cool your brows in yonder garden.
where sweet water runs. Your sister
Ia my charge. Fear not, for she Is
guarded"
..Come," said Goodwin to wulf, 1--WE
had best obey"
So together they walked through the
crowd of those feasters that remained
for most Of them had already left the
hall, who made way, not without rev
erence, for the brethren of this ne
star OF beauty. on to the terrace al
from the terrace into the garde,
Under many of the trees and in ten
set about here and there rugs we
spread, and to them came men WI
had drunk OF the wine of the feast an
cast themselves down to sleep.
Are they 2" asked Wulf.
"It would seem So" answered God
swim.
Yet these men appeared to be mad
rather than drunk, for they walked