Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-14

greater than youth itself, You could do
anything - accomplish wonders - perform
miracles - If you but tasted this precious
liquid!'
''How odd" exclaimed madame, begin
ming to feel bewildered. And then she asked:
Where did you get it?''
"Ah this is the story. That is what you
must know" answered Ali Dubh. ut is
centuries old, the Great Elixir. There is
more of it in all the world. The con-
tents of this flask came into the keeping OF
the ancestor of the chief of my tribe-whom
we call Sheik-and has been handed down
from father to son as an heirloom more
priceless than diamonds. The CHIEF or my
tribe it's last owner. carried the flask al
ways hidden in his breast. But one day,
when he and l We're hunting together,
mad camel trampled the sheik to his death,
and with his last breath he gave the Great
Elixir into my keeping. The sheik had no
son, and the flask was really mine. But
many other Arab sheiks longed for the
treasure and sought to gain 1t. SO es1
capped and wandered over the world. 1
came here, thinking l was safe from pur-
suit But they have followed met"
"Al the way from Arabian" asked
madame.
my lodgings. They are secretly hidden
near, and before morning know they plot
to kill me and secure the Great Elixir But
for time 1 have escaped them l came
here unseen. You must help me. You must
take charge of the Great Elixir and keep
1t safely for me-"
"Nonsense! cried madame, becoming
aroused at last >,
DO not say that, I beg of you.' ex-
claimed the eager Arab. you are honest
1 know you are! And they VIII never sus-
pect you Of having the golden flask
"Perhaps not" said madame, and tnen
again. they may My business Is to tend
the shop, and 1 am not going to get mysel,
killed by a lot Of desperate foreigners Juse
to oblige you Monsieur All Duoh! 5ake
vour Great Elixir to some one else don't
u,op't If
For a minute the Arab seemed in despair.
Then his face suddenly frightened
mo- yves it:s pretty bad tonight" she re-
piled. " I'll, .,re your
,oins Forever II YOU will keep my precious
E1iyir in secret until come to reclaim II.
Madame hesitated, for just then she iiao
a very bad twinge, indeed. sho
You think you can cure my p''''
asked. .h 1e nu+
81 know it," declared the Arab he put
his hand in a pocket and drew Out ahotner
hask-a mate to the one containing we
Great Elixir; only TINS was niaoe VI ''N
silver instead of gold.
This flask" said All Dubh, contains
positive cure for rheumatism 1t VIII not
faa. 1t never has failed. Take II ana use
it to make yourself Well FIVE arop ,s,, ~ The
limbs that ache, and all pain Will be gone
forever Accept it. gracious madame. ana
keep LOT me the other flask in safe hlolns
until my enemies have gone away. ;.
Madame was a practicai woman and 1t
seemed an easy thing to do as the Arab
desired If she could get relief from those
dreadful pains 1t would be Wen worth whiie
to undertake little trouble and response
bility by caring for All Dubhs other and
more precious flask.
Very WELL" said she. Il agree.
The Arabs face flushed with joy.
Good" he cried; Il am saved! Guard
well my precious fask-the one of gold
Show it to no one-not even to your good
husband. Remember that diamonds and
rubes could not buy the Great Elixir-the
marvellous Essence of Vitality AS for the
silver flask, l give it to you freely. Its con-
tents will cure all your ailments. And now,
good night and may Allah bless YOU.
Swiftly he stole from the room, unlocked
the street door and vanished intogthe dark
ness. And madame sat looking thoughtful
ly at the TASKS.
THE TWO FLASKS.