The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1906-01-04
CHAPTER XII.
Horam Is Gagged.

Carefully the three men emerged
from the dungeon; and when Osmir
had closed and bolted the door behind
them, tSelim went on ahead with the
lantern. They were armed with good
stout swords, and the blacks wore
daggers in their sashes.
In what direction must we pass
out?" asked Julian, as they came to
the end of the first valuted passage,
"We must pass up where a guard is
always kept" answered Osmir; land
our only hope is that we may be able
to fall upon the sentinels, and over
come them, without creating disturb
ance enough for a general alarm"
Whatever can be accomplished by
strength Of arm. we will accomplish
said the robber: land think we can
be shrewd enough not to strike until
we see that the blow shall fall sure
ly."
"You can depend upon u.s. added
Osmir, stopping while Selim opened a
door. I'VE have already placed our
lives in jeopardy, and only a success
full exit from the palace a now save
us. But, as l told you before, there
is danger in the way"
you have counted the chances?"
ssYes."
"And are you ready to bide the re-
sulg??.f1
Eyes"
"Then let us meet the worst. If
you, to set me free, are ready for the
risk. I should be much more So"
At this juncture Selim, who had
opened a door, and gone on a few
steps in advance, came hurriedly back,
with a look of alarm in his face.
Il hear footsteps in the passage
overhead" he said, in a whisper.
Are you sure?"
Eyes. I heard them very plainly
What is the passage of which you
speak?" asked Julian.
1T is one through which we mus:
pass" replied Osmir,S land n in
which we had expected to fnd no OBJ
stacle."
1T, may be-" suggested Selim, that
a new guard has been set there"
THAT cannot be-" asserted Osmir. 81
came through there only a short time
since, and the place was empty. Hank
I hear the steps from here-and
think they are coming this way. Hold,
a moment. Remain where you are,
and I will find what this means"
Thus speaking, Osmir glided away
into the darkness, towards the point
where the stairs led down from the
upper passage. After an absence of a
few minutes he returned, and his first
exclamation told that he was excited.
The king is coming!"
"The king!" repeated Julian, in a
quick, deep whisper.
".Yes-and two of his guards are
with him. Some one else came. as far
as the head of the stairs with them,
but I think only the king and the
guards are descending"
4, He must be coming to see me-" said
Julian.
1T must be So" answered Osmir;
FOR there is nothing else here for him
to see, saw bare damp walls and
toads."
f4''Hark: Here they come. 1 hear
their voices, and can see where the
rays of their lantern breaks in the
gloom" 1t was Selim who said this,
and as he spoke he drew back, and hid
his own lantern beneath the skirt Of
his tunic.
Our adventures, from where they
stood, could see the foot of the steps
at the far end of the passage; and
presently they saw two men descend,
the foremost one bearing a lantern,
and wearing the robes of the king,
while the other seemed to be an Of
flcer of the household.
Il see now" said Osmir, as he gain
eds a view of the approaching men:
81 was, mistaken. The guards have
been left behind, and this is Benoni
one of the captains of the guard, who
comes with the king"
The robber chieftain was for a mo.
ment undecided as to the course he
should pursue. Once his sword was
half drawn from it's s%cabbard; but
Osmir, who heard the movement
seemed to- have a better idea.
my MASTER" he whispered, touch
ing Julian upon the arm, "let us draw
back, out of sight, and allow them tt
pass. They will certainly keep on t.
the dungeon we have left, and we vii
follow them thither."
"You are right" replied the chief
tain. "They will be completely in GU
power when they have passed us"
Just back of where our trio stoo;
was the door by which they had las
passed, and upon one side was a dee
niche in the wall, which had evidentl
been constructed for tht reception @
rubbish. Into this they quickly glidei
Selim so effectually cloaking his Ian
tern that not a ray of light escaped
In a little while the king came nea
to the hiding place, with his lanter
held carefully before him, and his hea
bowed, as though he was fearful ths
he might make q misstep. He Wake
slowly, and his frame shook with
~perceptible tremor. When he reache
the door he stopped, and turned tt
wards his companions.
"Benoni," he said, 81 think you ma
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