Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1912-09-20

our villa at Mentone." She smiled
you look very odd"
mo odder than I feel" with inef
fectual attempt to bring together the
ends Of his collar-band. 81 must b
sight / was in too much of hurry
to get there. Did you eat the sour
and fish,"
The soup, yes; but I'm afraid that
1t will be some time before can find
the dried fish palatable. | hope nv
courage will not fail me-" she added
the first sign of anxiety she had
shown. She was very lonely, very
tired, very sad.
1t is quite possible that Mahomed
coming over, spoiled a pretty scene;
for George had some very brave
words upon the tip Of his tongue.
Come" said Mahomed to Fortune
You will sleep in the little tent Nc
one will disturb YOU"
Good night, Mr.. Jones. Don't wor.
ry; / am not afraid"
George was alone. He produced
one OF his precious cigars and lighted
It Then he drew over his feet one Of
the empty saddle-bags, wrapped his
blanket round him, and sat smoking
and thinking till the heat of the fire
replenished from time to time, filed
him with q comfortable drowsiness:
and the cigar. still smoking, dropped
from his nerveless fingers, as he lay
back upon the hard clay and slept.
Romance is the greatest thing in the
world; but for all that, a man must
eat and man must sleep.
The cold dew Of dawn was the tonic
that recalled him from the land Of
grotesque dreams. He sat up and
rubbed his face briskly with his hands,
drying 1t upon the sleeve of his coat,
as hasty and as satisfying a toilet as
he had ever made. There was no &C.
tiVity In camp; evidently they were
not going to start early. The cook
alone was busy. The fire was crack.
ling, the kettle was steaming, and
a pot Of pleasant-smelling coffee
leaned rakishly against the hot
ashes. The flap to Fortunes tent was
still closed. And there was Ryanne,
sitting With his knees drawn up under
his chin, his hands clasped about his
shins, and glowering at no visible
thing.
"Hello!" cried George. Found
yourself, eh?"
Ryanne eyed him without emotion.
when and how did they get your"
George inquired.
About three hours before they got
you. Something in a glass Of wine.
Dope. I'd have cleaned them up but
for that"
How do you feel?"
Damned bad, Percival."
ANY bones broken%
mo; I'm just knocked about; sore
spot in my side; kicked, maybe. But
it isn't that"
George didn't ask what that" was,
Where do you think he's taking US
"Bagdad, il We don't die upon the
way"
81 don't think he'll kill us. II
wouldn't be worth his while"
you did not give him the rug"
Not II"
ut comes hard, Jones, l know, but
your giving it up will save us both
many bad days. He asked you for it?'
He did"
Then why the devil didn't you give
1t to him? What's a thousand pounds
against this muddle?"
For the simple reason didn't have
1t to give up"
What's that?"
When | went up to my room, night
before last, some one had been there
ahead Of me. And at first l had Civ.
en- you the credit" said George, with
admirable frankness.
"Gone!" There was no mistaking
the dismay in Ryanne's voice.
Absolutely"
We'll, ! be damn" Ryanne threw
aside the blanket and got up. 1t was
a painful movement, and he swayed
a little. "If Mahomed hasn't It, and
l haven't 1t, and you haven't It, who
the devil has, them"
George shook his head.
Jones we are in for it. II that
cursed rug is Mahomed's salvation,
1t is no less ours. II we ever reach
the palace Of Bagdad and that rug is
not forthcoming, we'll never see the
outside Of the walls again."
"Nonsensel There's an American
consul at Bagdad."
"And Mahomed will notify him Of
our ARRIVAL" bitterly.
isn't there some way we two
might get at Mahomed?"
Perhaps; but 1t will take time.
Don't bank upon money. Mahomed
wants his head. II the rug "
But Ryanne stopped. He looked be-
yond George, his face full of terror.
George turned to see what had pro-
duced this effect. Fortune was COM
ing out Of her tent. fortune? My
Cod" Ryanne's legs gave under and
he sank, his face in his hands. II
see 1t all now! Fool, fool! He's 60
ing to get me, Jones; he's going to get
me through her!"