Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-12-26

hE return from the daily ride through
the city's streets.
None, my lord" the servant replied
A dark frown overspread the hand
some face and he started to enter the
open door, when sudden resolve
seized him.
Recall the chariot" he said sharply
to the servant standing near, and in
trice he was whirling off in the
direction OF the high priests house.
"Abiathar shall give me an answer
this day." he muttered savagely.
A loud shout from the driver and
the sudden stoppage of the chariot
aroused him from his reverie. In turn
ing sharp corner, the horses had al
most run down two pedestrians, who
evidently had been so absorbed in con
versation that they had not heard the
approach of the chariot.
BY the gods" exclaimed Adoniiah
as his eyes fell on the two figures
standing trembling on one side of the
narrow street, IF It isn't Abiathar and
Solomon this last spoken with a
contemptuous sneer.
Without deigning a second look in
| the latters direction, he called out to
the other:
Where now, friend Abiathar? was
but this minute on my way TO thy
house. Come up and ride with me
thither"
Nay, | cannot. I must give the
prince safe conduct home. But do thou
proceed and | will presently follow
and join thee" Saying which Abiathar
turned and again taking the arm of
Prince Solomon continued on his way
down the street toward the palace of
the queen, Bathsheba, the mother of
the boy.
What meaneth this?" CALCULATED
Adonijah with an oath. "Maketh Abba
thar some league with Solomon"
He was half tempted to turn back.
Suspicion and hatred and anger filled
his heart Not until that moment had
the thought of Solomon as a possible
stumbling block in the way Of his
progress entered his mind He did re.
member now that years before when
the young lad had gone in royal state
TO Egypt to be trained in all the learn
ing OF the Egyptians, he had heard an
intimation that David had said that he
(Solomon) should rule after him. but
the years had come and gone since
then. and there had been no indication
from the king that such was his pur-
pose. Solomon had now been back
nearly two years and there had been
no marked favors shown him, and GER
tain 1t was that as the enfeebling con-
ditions OF old age had crept in upon
David, and more and more had
loosened his grasp upon the affairs of
the kingdom, there had been no word
spoken or move made In favor Of the
young prince. For this reason, Adoni-
jah had practically dismissed the mat
ter from his mind until he had so I'M
expectedy run upon the prince and
Abiathar that morning.
No" he exclaimed, through his
teeth. after he had hidden the
driver to continue on his way to the
house of Abiathar, II will not turn
back. will see what Abiathar hath
to say concerning this matter"
Fortunately his anger had somewhat
cooled when Abiathar reached home,
and the accusation which was framing
Itself upon his lips was not spoken,
but instead, he said, with some degree
Of calmness:
Thou didst not come to me so l |
have come to thee"
Yea, and thou hast done WELL" re- |
sponded Abiathar.
THAT depends on whether thou
speakest we'll or i'll OF my cause. Thou |
canst not remain silent much longer. !
FOR but this morning | heard that the |
king was failing rapidly"
1T is true" sadly rejoined the high |
priest. Il have but just come from the |
palace. The old king, our good King |
David, did not know me. fear the |
stupor of death has come upon him." |
and Abiathar's voice choked up as he |
spoke the words. for he loved David |
And wentest Solomon with thee to |
the king?" asked Adonijah, anxiously. |
He did" was the terse response.
"And made claims for the king |
DOM"
Nay, nor was the king able to talk |
the promise which it is |
claimed he gave years ago that Solo
mon should come to his throne"
Then what of my cause? Am not |
the heir to the throne?"
Thou art"
lmpulsively Adonijah stepped to the |
side of the high priest. and as he en-
braced him. he exclaimed:
And thou wilt attend the feast at |
Long live King ASonijah!" was the |
response.