Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-16


may forget Saba and its legends until we learn
what progress Signor Alfieri has made. You
start tonight Mr.. Royson,"
AT the first possible moment. sir
No, no. Eat, rest, and travel under the
stars: That is the golden rule of a forced
march in the desert. We shall give you two
nights and day. Then. if you do not return,
l shall send an open embassy to inquire for
YOU"
THUS it came about that soon after night
fell three sulky Bisharin camels were led
away from their fellows and compelled to
kneel unwillngly to receive their riders. and
ROySon and his companions climbed into the
high peaked saddles. Dicks last thought. as
he quilted the red glare of the camp fires. was
that Irene might have snatched few minutes
from her rest to bid him farewell. But she
was nowhere to be seen: so after final hand
shake with Stump he rode away into the night.
1t was nearly ten o'clock when they Quilted
the camp. To all outward semblance, Royson
differed not jot from the two Arabs who &C
companed him. His size alone distinguished
him from Abdur Kad'r and Sheik Hussain
of Keneh. the latter being the man whom
Abdur Kad'r had selected as best fitted to
win his way unquestioned into the Italian
camp.
The older Arab led; behind him rode Roy
son: Hussain brought up the rear. In this
fashion they climbed the slight rise of the
wide valley which sheltered the expedition
and the leader was scanning the horizon for
gap through which the track passed, when
they were all amazed to hear Miss Fenshawe's
clear voice.
Royson," She said. Il was on the point of
going back to my tent; but l caught the
grumbling of your camels. Then | knew that
you had really made start"
After the first gasp of wonder and delight,
Dick slipped to the ground and fastened
rd in WI shadow or
CARRIED and cloaked that she was scarcely
discernible.
Il cannot tell you! how glad ! am to see
you. Miss Fenshawe" he cried yet must
protest against your wandering far from
the camp. Are you alone?"
You may be sure of that: Otherwise
should not be here" She laughed cheerfully:
for the escapade had in it a spice of adventure.
and she she wished s l. to give it lghte5, turn.
No. You heard all that passed to-day.
Since then my grandfather has refused to dis
cuss the affair. AS result, Mrs. Haxton and
the Baron were snappy during dinner, In
fact, they were uncomfortable, and l de-
lighted when they left us Z"
q" 1t is hateful thing to have to lecture
you. he said. coming nearer. and trying to
peer into her face, but you know you ought
not to take this risk 1t is too venturesome
clear of any real danger, SO far proving
Bedouins are concerned; but there are other
unpleasant neighbors. in the shape of snakes
and scorpions"
81 am wearing riding boots" she inter-
rupted. land shall soon relieve your anxiety
by returning to my hammock. Pray don't
trouble about me. Mr. Royson l have way
laid you with purpose 1t is too late now. l
suppose to dissuade you from carrying out
useless and absurd journey: but do ask you
not to commit the further folly of sacrificing
your own life, and perhaps the lives of others,
in the mistaken belief that you are serving
Mr.. Fenshawes interests.
Though she strove to speak in tone of
conventional friendliness, her voice shook a
little. Dick was profoundly moved 1t seemed
to him suddenly that the burnoose he wore
exercised sitting effect on him He threw it
off, and it fell unheeded to the loose stones at
his feet The girl laughed again. somewhat
TREMENDOUSLY.
What of those nasty creatures against
which you warned me moment ago?" she ex-
claimed "Or is it that your disguise has be-
come unbearable! You make an astonishingly
tall Arab. Mr.. Royson. l should have picked
you out anywhere"
That hayward heart of Dicks drove hot
flood of color to his face but he still held mas
terry over his tongue
why do you think | am likely to run into
danger?" he asked. For an instant his calm
ness misled her. She had grown accustomed
to his habit of self restraint. and looked for
nothing else
Because you would dare anything rather
-. E. 49,. IL. ,l1