The champion. (Arcadia, Fla.) 1895-1911, 1906-07-05

hrust aside the gr0Oms, dressed their
steeds down, fed and watered them.
About the hour Of sunset the women
servants came and led them to the
bath, where the black slaves washed
and perfumed them, clothing them I'm
fresh robes above their armor
When they came out the sun was
down, and the women, bearing torches
In their hands, conducted them to a
great and gorgeous hall, which they had
not seen before, built Of fretted stone
and having carved and painted roof
On the floor of this hall each seated
upon his cushion beside low tables IN.
laid with pearl sat the guests, a hun.
dred or more, all dressed in white robes
on which the red dagger was blazoned,
and all as silent as though they were
asleep.
When the brethren reached the place
the women left them, and servants
with gold chains round their necks es-
corted them to a dais In the middle of
the hall, where were many cushions, as
yet unoccupled, arranged in a semi
circle, Of which the center was a dlvan
higher and more gorgeous than the rest.
Here places were pointed out to them
opposite the divan, and they took their
stand by them. They had not long to
wait, for presently there was sound
Of music and, heralded by troops Of
singing women, the lord Sinan, clad
now In his blood red festal robe, APP
preached.
Around him marched four slaves,
black as ebony, each of whom held a
flaming torch on high while behind
followed the two gigantic guards who
had stood sentry over him when he sat
under the canopy Of justice. As he
advanced down the hall every man in
1t rose and Frustrated himself and so
remained until his lord was seated,
save only the two brethren. Settling
himself among the cushions at one end
Of the dlvan, he waved his hand,
whereon the feasters, and with them
Goodwin and Wuf sat themselves
down.
Now there was a pause, while Slnan
glanced along the hall lmpatlently.
Soon the brethren saw why, since at
the end opposite to that by which he
had entered appeared more singing
women, and after them, also escorted
by four black torchbearers-only these
were women-walked Rosamund and
behind her Masouda.
Rosamund 1t was without doubt, but
Rosamund transformed, for now she
seemed an eastern queen. Round her
head was a coronet Of gems from
which hung veil, but not so as to hide
her face. Jeweled, too, were her heavy
plalts 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 a warning
look in the eyes Of Masouda as she
took up her position behind Rosammd.
Now the feast began. Slaves, running
to and fro, set dish after dish filed
with strange and savory meats upon
the little inlald tables, those that were
served to Slnan 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 ther
ears to catch all he said without SEEM
ing to take note or listen. Although she
stroye to hide 1t and to appear indiner-
emit. It was plain to them that Rosa
mrnd was much afraid Again and
again Slnan presented to her choice
Of food. All the while also he
ievoured 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 1t was given
her cooled with snow. The brethren
asked for water also, whereupon Sinan
looked at 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 80 silent
He rose and cried with a loud voice:
Servants Of Al-jebal, pledge, l com
mand you, this flower of flowers, the
highborn Princess Of Baalbec, the niece
Of the sultan, salah-ed-din, whom
man oaiI the Great" and he sneered,