Evening star., 1908-01-26

was holding two ponies which had been taken out OF
the traces.
Abdullah pulled his steed almost on its launches,
suddenly did he draw rein. He pushed close to
the horse tender, Sonal and fierce dialogue
broke out, which ended in the wrathful statement
to Royson:
This son of slave says that this is the
riage which passed me in the bazaar! believe he is
lying; but what can do?
veyance was empty. His gorge the thought
that Irene might be near him at that moment, yet
prevented by some ruffan from making known her
presence. The belief was torturing; 1t impelled him
to deed which in calmer mood he would have de-
clared foreign to his nature.
Handing Mott to Abdullahs care. he went SO
to the driver. a of powerful build that he could
look into his suen face. With quckness born of
many bout with the gloves, he seized the Somali
by the wrists causing him to let go the ponies
brides. Then, needless of struggles and oaths. he
backed him little space, threw him off his feet and
three times whirled him through the air round his
head 1t was exhibition of strength that forced
cry of amazement even from Abdulah.
Nov tell him" said Dick. when the painting and
terrified native allowed to stand upright again.
tell him that if he does not speak the truth. shall
take him by the ankles and beat out his brains
against the rocks in that same way.
by the Holy Kaaba." chucked Abdullah, that
would be worth seeing.
threat into blood curdling Arabic. and the Somali
whined that he poor man, who only obeyed
orders; but if the godke Nazarene would spare his
life he was ready to tell all he knew
"Speak, then and quick growed Abdullah, for
the Effendi understands thee not, and he may lose
patience!'
The driver stammered something which almost
reused the Arab to excitement.
Throw that dog aside. monsieur!' he cried
They taking the lady to boat. The place
agreed for the meeting is vet nearly thousand
meters in front Let us see what our horses do "
They off before he had finished speaking
but Abdulah smiled as he rode.
Bsmllahi' he muttered that fine trick
l must learn it.
On through the night they went, and happily the
broken land receded here little from the shore,
leaving the road straight and fairly visible They
had gone half mile or more and Royson was be-
ginning to fear that either the SomaG had been
daring enough msead them. or that Irenes guards
were crouching behind a cump of reeds until they
passed; when Abdullah lifted restraining hand,
and slackened pace.
Though the night was clear and neighborng OBJ
jects were quite discernbe, Royson failed to pierce
the further darkness. He strained his eyes; but
could see nothing. while the Arab seemed to have
Others They pulled up and listened. Dick
could hear only the abored breathing of their horses
yet Abdullah evidently satisfied that their long
chase drawing to an end.
Bear to the left monsieur" he whispered.
They are there by the waters edge. When give
the word ride apart lest they fire at though they
soldiers from the garrison Are you armed?"
Sufficiently, said Dick grimly.
He felt able to tear anyone limb from limb who
resisted him. Once of his quarry, he would give
short shrift. So they crept on, until the Arab
shouted "Nowi and started off at canter. Dick
realized that the circling movement was best, it
suggested an attack in force; he took slight
detour. He closing in again before he perceived
some irregular shadows showing black against the
translucent film of smooth water. That sufhced.
He thundered ahead of Abdullah. who perhaps
thought it advisable leave this final development
in the hands of the European. There was scurry
among small knot of men on the beach. A sharp
hal! was answered at considerable distance from
the sea. Royson rode with such furious speed that
he now made out white robed female figure strug
Cling in the grasp of attred in the burnoose
and hood of coast Arab.