The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-26

thing for an old man thus to have war made easy for him-to be able to sit in a portion of his own palace and destroy his enemies-and it was safe besides. Mod ern war boards" the members of which sit in comfort at a nations capital and direct the movements in the field had not been invented in the days of Aben Hsbuz, but of these military bodies he was evl- dently the forerunner. having, however, one great advantage over his successors in the business in that his battles and campaigns never failed. At length the neghbors of Aben Habuz became tired of starting for Granada only to be discom- fted in some mysterious manner and, though the king taunted them and dared them, not a prince of tho neighborhood would venture to put his army in motion against him.
 The bronze soldier on the tower re- mained immovabls with his face toward the city and his lance elevated in the air for many months. The old monarch was annoyed thus to see his favorite game of War made easy'' taken away from him and made himself generally dsagreeable to the whole court. But at last word WAS brought him that the horseman had turned and Aben gleefuiy climbed to the round chamber.
 The horseman stood with his face turned toward the mountains of Gaudix. his lance making dead point at one of the passes. But, to the astoniehment of the King, the little wooden figures on the table were absolutely motionless. Not little wooden horse pranced nor little wooden soldier moved; no droning sound of martial mu- sic and of armor was audible. "Send out soldiers, SCOUT the mountains" cried the King in alarm. It looked as If something had gone wrong with his magic guardian.
 When the scouts came back from their search they reported that not a hostile sol- dier could they find in pass or on noun tain. we have searched faithfully" they said, "but not helmet or spear was stirring All that we found in the course of our search was a Christian damsel of surpassing loveliness sleeping at noon- time besides a fountain, whom we have brought away captive "A damsel of surpassing beauty7" said the King Let her be brought into our presence" The captive maiden was accordingly conducted into the presence of the Moorish King.
 She was indeed beautiful, and the flashes of her refulgent eyes were like sparks of fire upon the withered heart of Aben Ha- bug, while the swimming voluptuousness of her gait made his senses reel. The damsel was arrayed In all the luxury of ornament which characterized the Gothic Spaniards at the time of the Arabian con- quest. Pearls of dazzling whiteness were entwined with her raven tresses and jew els sparkled on her forehead. Around her neck was chain of gold which supported silver Tyre which hung by her side.
 "F'airest of women.'' cried the infiam- mable old monarch, "who and what art thou?" "The daughter of one of the Gothic princes who but lately ruled over this land" replied the maiden unabashed. My fathers armies have been destroyed as if by magic among these mountains; he has been driven into exile and his daugh- ter is a captive"
 Old pr. Ibrahim, who had come forth from his retirement to see what had gone NiOh6 WAtii iio ldiSibdift WiisPtTeQ Inc king to beware of the young lady; that she was probably one of those northern sorceresses of whom he had heard who were capable of assuming the most se- ductive shapes to beguile the unwary. Doubtless she was the enemy pointed out by the talisman, ''Methinks l discern witchcraft in her eye" said the wise man, regarding the princess intently. Son of Abu Ayub,'' replied the king. you are doubtless very wise, sorcerer for aught l know, but thou art but little versed in the ways of women. Tn that branch of knowledge I will yield to no man, no not to Solomon himself, in spite Of the number of his wives and concubnes As to this damsel, l see no harm in her. She is fair to look upon and finds favor in my eyes,
 Dr. Ibrahim began to get peevish "Hearken, o King" said he, q have given thee many victories by means oi my talisman, but have shared in none oi the spells. Grant me this stray captive If she be indeed a sorceress have coun- ter spells which can set her charms al defiance"
 ''Whatr' exclaimed the king, hast thou not enough dancing girls to solace thee l in thy retirement?"
 Dancing women l have, it is true, replied Ibrahim. assuming judicial air but no singing women. I fain would have a little minstrelsy to refresh my mind when weary with the tolls ol study
 "A truce to thy hermit cravipgs!" criet the king, with anger, this damsel hav' J marked for my own. I see much comfor 7 in her; even such comfort as David th