Amador ledger., 1907-11-08

alarm, forgetting the reception for
moment For answer she held out
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 Go even as did his father before
him."
Hastings smiled.
Where is the danger?" he de-
manded.
HE says" she went on, I" three days
will be allowed and this is Saturdays
paper. That means that unless he gets
it tonight he will-oh! l don't know
what he will do. That is what makes
it so terrible"
"And you mean to say that he has
frightened you into taking the pocket
book back tonight. Give it to me. and
I will take it over in the morning I'll
take chances on the curse"
But he says the finder" she per-
sisted. I'm the finder. We must go
at once. Ned"
For moment disappointment and
Impotence struggled with love- Then
the saving sense of humor 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 sorce-er of the pleasant prom
ises. Perhaps we can get to the re-
ception before it closes anyway"
They found thesaddress with some
difficulty. 1t was aDcurio shop in the
foreign quarter, andthrough the jum-
BILE of rugs, Turkish slippers and
hookahs in the window Esnah. the son
of Hamid. could be seen putting away
at his cigarette.
He came forward politely as they en-
tered, turning to Hastings for informa-
ton as to his wants. Avice pressed
eagerly forward.
Are you Esnah, son Of Hamid?" she
demanded. Are you the man who
lost the purse"
Il am he" said the Egyptian, with q
black mustache
Avice's face fell. She had antici-
pated man wrapped in mystic robes
sitting over brazier on which bub-
bled a caldron. He was very or
binary shepkeeper without even a fez
to lend local color.
There were in the purse $14 and
some most important papers. 1t was of
red leather. with strap" he went on.
This must be yours she said as
she passed over the purse.
Il am most obliged" said Esnah,
sharply scrutinizing the couple. He
could see that a money reward was
not sought. May 1 offer the lady !,
slight souvenir token of appreciation of
her goodness?"
Have you lucky charm?" she ask
ed, turning from the say 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 So
gross, but Avice received it rever-
emily and tucked it into her pocketbook
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 few small purchases to
justify her curiosity until at last she
gained courage.
Please she said softly Esnah was
all attention.
Il 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 he was well
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?" Avice was almost leaning
over the counter.
"On the third day." repeated Esnah,
''he decided that he would see his pock-
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 telr'-
II won't rub it in," he promised.
'Then I'll marry you if you still want
me. guess I'm cured of superstition"
Seeing the Point.
The following story is told of Phil