The Washington herald., 1920-02-09
CHAPTER XII
THE BLEND OF TAI KrAy

spoken command of the gray rider
at the top OF the ravine road.
But 1t would not have greatly
mattered to Con IL they had run him
through with their lances. His limbs
were dead with fatigue, his nervous
system deranged by thirst. He had
scarcely mental surface upon
which TO receive the wonder of
these faces about him, the walls and
twisted cornices, the red blocks OF
desert-quarry. Andrew March was
IN a fever. Lexington found that
ms friend had grown strange TO
hlm' as III In America he had never
glimpsed the true March. The conn
panionable, big-hearted man of fifty
was gone. with the substitution of
a gaunt, dark person, of no land or
period, a living ghost OF the Cobb,
product OF sands and barren hills
only the sun, cruel winds, and ut
ter wilderness. Con did not know
this Andrew March. who was silent
and glitter-eyed. But the pain of
the, knowledge was dulled like ev-
Might have a drink" he asked
OF the nearest. as his eyes closed
again. The coolness of fountain
spray was in his nostrils, hurting
sweet smell of green sod was a re-
lease like death itself
They lifted him from the horse
he saw Tor moment many low
archways and sheltered walks. Tn.
stone tagging was like cold knives
under his bruised feet. The hands
OF those who led him were strong
as iron. The tinkle of water sound
ed near in the pleasant gloom. and
Lexington grinned at the torture
until a white cup was held TO his
lips. Startled. he opened his eyes:
and then came the half-dark again
at the touch of water upon his
tongue. His. sigh was a groan, and
he swooned.
The last sunlight reached in
through a high window. falling
golden across a bath of clear water
ieVei with the stone floor. A ccnser
had been lighted, and its soft fumes
went to Cons head like wine. They
had reused him. Big hands were
placing him infant-wise upon the
shallow steps of the bath. in the
sun-warmed water. Lexington
drew a breath that seemed to have
no end.
A purple curtain was drawn
across the high window. taking ali
save the mellow glow of light from
the pool. They bathed his body
from head to foot. He relapsed in
their arms. having neither power
nor inclination to resist. Presently
he was placed upon a mat. and rub
ned. He found he could use his
eyes and almost trust them. Only
Two OF the captors remained, ana
these were of a different caste, clad
short
trousers. nothing of the warrior
about them. Their heads were
shayen-yellow men. and AGED
! their hands very skillful upon the
human structure.
The oil was deIicately aromatic
cedar. cinnamon, and the grape, but
faintly mingled. Levington's body
was glowing: his legs ached with
superb satisfaction.
Il have died" he whispered TO
I himself. Il should have done il
sooner"
Something in the oil made him
forget Andrew March. They wound
him in silken cloth, loosely. after
which they clapped their hands
twice. Two brawny negroes shuffl-
cd to the edge of the bath, and laid
Lexington upon a pallet, which they
raised as high as their thick Shin
ing shoulders. The white man
sighed as he was borne along a COR
fldor. up series of stone stems To-
wide balcony which was open to
the skies. A third negro now ad-
vanced. picked him up in his arms
and carried him to a covered he'd
against the wall. just within a door.
The pillow was cool to Cons cheek,
He fell asleep.
a mild green glow in his face
wakened him. He glanced UP at
! the figured green curtain encIose
ing his bed, stretched himself
slowly; full length, then turned
over and slept again.
Upon his reawakening. the cur
tains were drawn back. A familiar
mead was near, and a new smell
brought the fact that Con was be-
ing shaved. He had a glimpse of
the razor. a straight broad blade
I shaped like key in the yellow
hand. He dozed through this per-
| formance.
What time is it?" he inquired.
1T is near sunset" said a voice.
also in English, and only then did
Con realize that he should not have
expected 1t. Chez Ming stood near.
having noted the tonsorial process
V,
, and the folds of his white robe fell
, away from the narrow bosom.
There was something strange about
being so near him again.
Thanks" said Con. II appreci-
ate all the attention; but don't
understand it."
81 do not understand" replied the
Chinese.
But somebody must"
ut is the will of our princess"
Chez Ming said with quiet hostility.
Does she wear gray, and rider"
When the yellow man had nodded,
Con said: Then please convey to
her my gratitude. Or show me how
can tell her myself 1t seems you
are sort of prime minister here"
Chez Ming answered coldly: T
have the honor to be known as vizir
at this court"
Lexington made his gravest ges-
ture of respect.
And where is my friend March,"
he asked.
Chez Ming did not choose to hear,
and simply walked away. Con fing-
cred a perfect effect of barbering
upon his smooth, hard chin. Again
the servant came, now bearing folds
of soft white cloth, his purpose to
swathe the white stranger in II.
A mysterious winding began, too
complex to follow. Padded sandals
were placed beside the couch, and
a satin turban built up in intricate
Ilaminations upon Levington's head.
Tartar fashion. in the attendants
eyes was a kind of patient, evil
humor.
The balcony was more properly a
fiat roof. leading out from the