Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24
The Garden of Fate
Continued from page s

unimpreSsive, poor tall<er and entirely with
out magnetism. They stood by the fountain
waiting for the Consul to appear, the burden of
the conversation being carried by Charlotte.
who detailed amusing experiences of the day
with passing comment laughing unaffectedly
and heartily enjoying herself.
The American again found himself watching
the English girl: but her face was placid as
usual. and only now and then was there any
change which suggested amusement. Her
brother, however, laughed in slow, repressed
way Gradually they began to feel less re-
served and were at least on friendly footing
when the Moor appeared, clothed IN regulation
evening clothes, and followed the Arab servant
in without waiting for announcement of his
arrival
Buhammei came into the group, bowed
deeply, and kissed the back of the American
girls hand with light touch. He paid similar
difference to Miss Clarke, acknowledged his pre-
vious introduction to the American officer with
the polite remark that they had met before. and
then shook hands with the Englishman.
You are Kaid Hamilton Clarke? he said as
though making assertion of fact rather than
asking question. and his eyes deliberately
travelled from the officers eyes to his feet, tax
ing in every detail of his appearance.
ayes, - responded the Kaid. staring unwink-
ingly at the Moor and standing as motionless
as a lay figure.
There was nothing in word or action of either
to instigate the thought: but the American
who watched them was certain that each had
taken dislike to the other and was measuring
his man for future remembrance
~ he Sultan" Buhammei said in smooth,
perfect information devoid of accent, appar-
emily admires European army methods. or he
would not have placed a British officer as in
structor over the heads Of his own people
He said nothing derogatory, and yet the
American could have sworn the words and
voice carried sneering comment. He looked at
Clarke expecting him to retort in kind: but
the kaid was as unmoved as before and his
eyes were as they had BEEN cold and scrutiniz-
ing. The American, without cause, wished he
might have an opportunity to strike the Moor.
and marveled at the Kaid'S self control.
His Majesty the Sultan" Clarke replied
with decided emphasis on the title OF respect.
is perhaps more progressive than others of his
own people.
Buhammei's fingers twitched suddenly and
he stood trif1e more erect. but before he
could make any reply the Hon. Bob, in din
ner suit which fitted his heroic figure perfectly
but in which he seemed i'll at ease, joined them
and greeted the Moor after which he peered
across the courtyard to one of the arches more
broadly lighted than the surrounding ones,
where could be seen table and two motionless
servants standing at the sides of the entrance
as if in waiting
Looks to me as if everything ready folks
he said and then. as though to make amends
for inhospitable thoughts turned to the Moor.
Come on. Mr.. Buhammei." he said ''We'n
let these others follow along as they please
ing quick glance at Charlotte, who talking
familiary to the Kaid, and at the Captain. who.
SPECIFICS. was standing beside the English
girl Once seated at the table, Buhammei
seemed more at ease and gave himself to the
task of entertaining. He proved to be an ex-
ceptionaly good talker and widely informed,
touching lightly on a dozen subjects and bring
ing out those points which would be the most
interesting to the others: but never by any
chance did he address the Kaid, who. between
courses, watched him and listened attentively
to what he said. That he was of the Moslem
faith was evident for not once did he taste
wine. and that this was recognized by the serv-
ants became apparent from the Difference they
unconsciously paid him.
He had one peculiar gesture which his hear
ers noticed from time to time, which was SO odd
that it could be scarcely overlooked When
talking freely he would gesticulate with his
right hand. the middle two fingers of which re-
manned closed down toward the palm while the
others were extended at length. The American
who sat opposite him at the table discovered
later, while the hand was in repose, that those
two fingers had suffered wound of some char
acter which had apparently stiffened the larger
knuckes until the hand could no longer be COM
pletely opened. He saw too that the Kaid had
apparently noted the scar.
The Consul led the conversation into the SUBJ
ject nearest his own mind. the political aspect
of Morocco and before Buhammei realized it
he was discoursinp quite freely of the laws and