Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-01-25

finite delight saw cluster OF udlS-
palms ahead, a mile or SO; and he
knew that this was to be the haven
for the ship Of the desert. The cara
van came to 1t under the dim light or
the few stars that had not yet attain
ed their refulgence. Under the palms
were a few deserted mud houses, hud-
died dejectedly together, like outcasts
seeking the nearness rather than the
companionshtp of their co-unfortun-
ates. Men had dwelt here once upon
a time. but the plague had doubtless
counted them out, one by one. They
made camp near the Well which still
contained water.
Prayers. A wailng chanted forth
toward Mecca '"God is great. There
is no God but God" s.. Vi 49,.
! George had witnessed prayers so
often that he no longer gave atten-
| ton to the muezzin calling at evening
I from a minaret. But out here, in the
blank wilderness, 1t caught him again,
caught him as 1t mad never done be-
| fore. A sh;Ser stirred the hair at the
base o. his neck. The lean bodies,
one not distinguishable from the 9th
err now, kneeling, standing, sweeping
the arms, touching the forehead upon
the rug, for even the lowest camel.
boy had his prayer-rng, ceaselessly i'll
! toning the set phrases-George felt
shame grow in his heart. Was he as
loyal to his God as these were to
theirs? e
| A good FIRE was started, and the fun
eral aspect Of the oasis becama quick
and cheerful A little distance from
the blaze. George saw Fortune bend
ing over the inanimate Ryanne. She
was bathing his face with wet hand.
kerchief After time Ryanne turn.
ed over and flung his arms Imply
across his face. 1t was the first sign
of life he had exhibited since the start
Fortune gently pulled aside his arms
and continued her tender mercies.
"Can help?' asked George.
| "You might rub his wrists" she an
swered.
1t seemed odd to him that they
should begin In such matter of fact
way. 1t would be only when they had
fully adjusted themselves to the situa.
ton that questions would put forth
for answers. He knelt down at the
other side of Ryanne and massaged
his wrists and arms. Once he paus.
ed, catching his breath.
l
"A rib seems to bother me. It'll
be all right tomorrow" He went on
with his manipulations.
as he badly hurt?' If
| 81 can't say" f.
His knowledge of anatomy was not
wide; still, Ryanne's arms and legs
worked satisfactorily The trouble
was either in his head or back of his
ribs. He put his arm under Ryanne's
shoulder and raised him. Ryanne
mumbled some words. George bent
down to catch them. "Hit 'em up IN
this half, boys; we've got them go
ing. He'll Get off my head. you
farmer! *** Two cards, please. =
| His face puckered into what was in
tended for smile. George laid him
back gently Football and poker:
what had this man not known or seen
in life? Some one came between the
two men and the fire, casting q long
shadow athwart them. George looked
up and saw Mahomed standing close
by. His arms were folded and his face
grimly inscrutable.
"Have you any blankets?" asked
George coolly.
Mahomed gave an order. A blanket
|
down beside the unconscious man.
George made a pillow of the bags and
laid the blanket over Ryanne.
"Why do you waste your time over
him?'' asked Mahomed curiously.
81 would not let dog die this way"
he retorted.
.'He would have let you die re-
piled Mahomed, turning upon his heel.
| oko hi f,111 V a
whilom accomplice. What did the Old
villain insinuate?
| "Can do anything to make you
more comfortable?' speaking to For
tune.
"I'm all right. was chilled little
while ago, but the fire has done away
with that. Thank you"
"You must eat when they bring you
food" LAX;
'Ill try to- smiling bravely.
| To take her in his arms, then and
there. to appease their hunger and his
hearts!
Self.consciously, her hand stole to
her hair. A color came into her
cheeks. How frightful she must look!
Neither hair-pin nor comb was left.
She threw the strands across her
shoulder and plucked the snarls ana
tangles apart. then braided the whole.
He watched her, fascinated. He had
never seen woman do this before. 1t
was almo1t a sacrilcge for him to be
so near her at such moment. After
ward she drew her blanket over her
shoulders.
you've got lots of pluck
| "Have II"
eyes. You haven't asked a ques-
ton yet"
would it help any?''
"No, don't suppose it would. I've
an idea that we're all on the way to
the home of Haroun-al-Rashid.'
"Bagdad," musingly.
| "It's the rug. But do not UNDER
stand you in the picture"
''No more do L.
With q consideration that spoke
we'll of his understanding, he did not
speak to her again till food was pass
ed. Later, when the full terror Of the
affair took hold Of her, she would be
drea dfuIlv lonely and would need to