Evening star., 1908-01-26

had his own reasons for believing that the woman
would encounter difficulties in Massawa, and the
man spoke her readily, whereas Miss Fen
shawe's unknown to either OF them.
Monsieur said he, addressing Dick quietly in
excellent French, can you ride
Yes" said Dick, hoping against hope that this
calm eyed stranger might be able to give him some
sorely needed clue as to the manner, at least OF
Irenes capture.
the same guarded Il think may be able to
find out where madam has been taken. =
You can demand your own reward if you speak
truly" said Dick Let me bring you to Mr.. Fen
shave. He will tell you.
Il seek the aid of none but you" whispered Abb
dullah Il come to you only because you are a
European, and l must have some one to justify me
lest trouble should arise. am unknown here and
my words would fall deaf ears. You look like a
man who can handle affairs. Come. monsieur. we
losing time.
But must tell my friends
mo, that is not to be thought OF. monsieur L l
am right, you and alone must deal with this affair
These others are excited. They will shout their
news to the whole bazaar And if we fail, we shall
return in half an hour. Not word to anyone; but
follow mel
Abdullah had the air of man who knew his
mind He strobe away at without looking to
right or left, and Royson yielded to the impulse
which bade him not to hesitate but accept the prot
fered assistance in the search for Irene. Action OF
any sort preferable to maddenlng wait tor
tardy officialdom; SO he fastened after the Arab;
The latter turned into the first side street The
absence of lamps, and thin stratum OF smoke
clinging to the surface of the ground. made the
gloom almost impenetrable; but Abdullah kept on
with unhesitating steps. and Royson walked behind
him rather than risk the chance Of colldng with the
strange shapes of men and animals which often
oomed up abruptly out of the void.
In a few minutes the smoke cloud cleared. and he
found that they had reached the outskirts of the
native quarter. The houses were no longer huddled
together; small novels took the place of cramped
and lofty tenements Soon he could see dark masses
of hills silhouetted against the sky, where its dense
blue merged into the amber and green of the last
flicker of daylight Not far distant, sheet OF water.
cd
pronounced chiaroscuro, and he had just distin-
guished the straight black ridge of the landward
causeway when Abdullah dived into a waffle built
hut.
The Arab had not uttered syllable during their
rapid walk, and Royson determined not to question
him, since his offer of help was made voluntarily.
and he seemed to prefer silence to speech. The
Engshman was undecided whether or not to enter
the hut which was apparently untenanted: but the
eager whnny OF horse ECU quickly ky explained An
of unshod hoofs the hard earth. some straining
of grths and clink of steel and the Arab led forth
slenderly built animal which at first sight seemed
to be far too light for rider of Dicks proportions
The horses owner. however, showed no misgivngs
on this point He handed the bride to Dick. Wait
here a moment, if you please, monsieur he
said and off toward another hut. The horse
tried to follow its master, and Royson found dis
traction for tumble Of incoherent thoughts in the
need there to restrain its fretfulnesS. The
NAL was afraid of him. in all probability it had never
been handled by European before,-b Dick spoke
to it in the lingo of the stable. and allowed
thick yellow name.
Abdullah did not return speedily his
intent. He had gone to borrow another mount, and
met with delay, because the owner in the bazaar
But fortune helped him by sending the man back
earlier than usual for the evening meal and when he
cantered up after absence of ten minutes he lost
no more time.
You are sure you can ride well, monsieur" he
demanded
Quite sure"
Into the saddle then, and let the reins hang
loose! Mott will carry you safely, and it is but
broken road over the bridge.