The champion. (Arcadia, Fla.) 1895-1911, 1906-06-14

guests, answered MasOuda In tones
that rang like the clash OF metal. 40
steely were they. Whereon Wulf shook
his head and followed her into the eat
ing room, which was now empty.
Most Of that day they spent with
their horses. In the evening, this time
unaccompnnled by Masouda, they rode
out for little way. though rather
doubtfully, since they were not sure
that these beasts which seemed to be
almost human, would not take the blts
between their teeth and rush with
them back to the desert whence they
came. But although from time TO
time they looked about them for their
master the Arab, whinnylng as they
looked, this they did not do or show
vice Of any kind. Indeed, two ladies'
palfreys could not have been more
quiet
The morrow was a Sunday, and, at
tended by Masouda's slave. without
whom she would not suffer them to
walk IN the town, the brethren went to
mass 70 the big church which once had
been mosque, wearing pilgrims robes
over their mail.
They heard the bishop Of the town
preach sermon from which they
learned much. He spoke at length Of
the great coming war With SaladIn.
whom he named antichrist. Moreover,
be prayed them oil to compose their
differences and prepare for that awful
struggle,
'FOur full days have gone by. Let
US ask our hostess II she has any news
for u.s." said Wulf as they walked back
10 the Inn.
AS 1t CHANGED, there was no need, for
when they entered their chamber they
found Masouda standing in the center
Of II, apparently lost In thought.
II have come to speak with you" she
said, II have leave for you to go to
visit Al-je-bal, but counsel you not to
90, since It is dangerous. Let us be
open with one another know your
object knew It an hour before ever
you set foot upon this shore, and that
is why you were brought to my house.
You would seek the help Of the lord
Sinan against Salah-ed-din, from whom
you hope to rescue a certain great lady
Of his blood, who is your kinswoman
and whom both Of you-desire In mar
Rage. The trader Thomas Is a spy. To
him your story has IN passed on by
other spies In England, and he passed
It on to me-"
care, then, you a spy ALSO as the
porter called youT asked Wulf out
right.
II am what 1 am" she answered
coldly. Perhaps also have sworn
oaths and serve as you serve. Who my
is or why do so is naught to
you. But like you well. Therefore
warn you that the lord Al-je-bal is one
who takes payment for what he gives,
and that this business may cost you
your lives"
''You seem to know our story" said
Goodwin, land the mission to which we
are sworn. You talk Of our lives. Well,
we hold our lives In trust, and when
they are asked Of us we will yield them
40, having done all that we may do"
"But why would you go to AlJe-balT
Masouda.
Because our uncle at his death babe
is so to do without fail, and, having no
,ther counsel, we viii take that OF his
pirit, let come what may"
"Well spoken. Then to Al-Je-bal you
hall 60, and let come what may to all
hree OF usW
'To all three Of usr said Wulf
What then, is your part in this mat
err
II do not know, but perhaps more
han you think At least l must DO
our guide" r.
''Do you mean to betray usf" asked
guIf biuntly
"Ask your brother n he thinks that
mean to betray you. Mo- mean to
ave you, II can. Pilgrims to the
earful shrine Of Allie bal. II 1t pleases
on, we will ride at nightfall. DO not
rouble about food and such matters.
Will make preparation. but we 90
lone and secretly. Take only your arms
nd what garments you may need; the
est will store, and for II give you
" receipt. Now 90 to make things
eady. See, I pray Of you, that the
orses Flame and Smoke are saddled
y sunset"
At shutdown, accordingly, the breth-
en- stood waiting In thela room. They
yere fully armed beneath their rough
iIgrlms robes. Also the saddlebags
I carpet which Masouda had given
hem were packed with such things as
iey must take