The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1907-08-16

put must go downtown first. I am
IN such terrible danger, Ned,
What is the matter?" he cried in
alarm, forgetting the reception for a
moment. For answer she held ont a
paper.
Let me read this" she commanded.
Listen: 'Esnah, son of Hamid, lost
his pocketbook. If the finder does not
return the same, Esnah, son of Hamid.
will do e as did his father before
him."
Hastings smiled.
Where is the danger:" he de-
manded.
"He says she went on, "'tllree DAYS
VIII be allowed,' and this is Saturdays
paper. That means that unless lie gets
1t tonight he will-oh! l don't know
what he will do. That is what makes
1t so terrible"
And you mean to say that he has
frightened you into taking the pocket
book back tonight. Give it to me. and
| Will take it over in the morning. I'll
take chances on the curse"
"bnt he says the findcr,'" she per-
sisted. I'm the finder. We must go
at once, Ned"
FOR Il moment disappointment and
lmpatlcnce struggled With love. Then
the saving sense of hnmor came to his
relief, and he threw back his head and
laughed.
Get your things on" he said when
his laughter died. land we will hunt
up this sorcerer of the pleasant prom
lses. Perhaps we can get to the re-
ception before it closes anyway"
They found the address with some
difficulty. 1t was IL curio shop in the
foreign quarter, and through the jun
Die of rugs, Turkish slippers and
hookahs in the window Esnah, the son
Of Hamid, could be seer putting away
at his cigarette.
He came forward politely as they II
tered, turning to Hastings for Informal
ton as to his wants. .Avice pressed
eagerly forward.
Are you Esnah, son of Hamid?' she
demanded. care you the man who
lost the purse?"
II am he" said the Egyptian, with a
flash Of his white teeth beneath the
black mustache.
Avice's face fell. She had antici-
pated a man wrapped in mystic robes
sitting over a brazier on which bub-
blcd a caldron. He was a very or
binary shopkeeper without even a fez
to lend local color.
"There were in the purse s14 and
some most important papers. 1t was of
red leather, with a strap" he went on.
"This must be yours" she said as
she passed YER the purse.
II am most Obliged" said Esnah,
sharply scrutinizing the couple. He
could see that a money reward was
not sought. May l offer the lady i,
slight souvenir token Of appreciation of
her g%oodnessw
"Have you Il lucky charm?' she ask
ed, turning from the gay scarfs he was
lingering.
Esnah smiled and went to the rear of
the store. where the safe stood. 1t was
not the first time a charm had been re-
quested. He drew from a drawer an
odd looking stone. 1t was one of many
that came from Germany and cost IS
a gross, but -Avice received it rever-
emily and tucked it into her p%ocketbook
with elaborate care.
Esnah stood politely in the attitude
Of one whose business is concluded and
who waits only to be dismissed. But
Avice was not through. She wander
ed about the store looking at the stock
and making a few small purchases to
Justify her curiosity until at last she
gained courage.
"Please,' she said softly. Esnah was
all attention.
II want to know" she went on hur-
riedly, what your father did to the
thief who took his pocketbook and did
not return it."
MY father was Hamid; son of Ak
kar." began the Egyptian. ITO the
merchants of Alexandria lie was we'll
known. One day in the market place he
lost his wallet. For three days he told
his loss, and then on the third day
"Yes?' A.vice vas almost leaning
over the counter.
ION the third day." repeated Esnah,
she decided that he would see his peck
etbook no more, so he went and bought
another"
Ned" said Avice softly as they came
in sight Of her home, 'if you promise
never to tell'-
III won't rub it in,' he promised.
'"Then I'll marry you il you still want
me. 1 guess I'm cured of superstition"
Seeing the Point.