The evening world., 1920-11-22

self, welcome oasis for the caravans
al-Nasir. a thousand years or more al
Cairo, rivalling even BaBdad and IA
young Sultan, upon the throne for seV
all who gladly paid hiul homage will
pretender to the throne Of the Sulta
efforts to over throw Al Malik-al- Mas
As the gates OF ancient Cairo oDel
forced to camp outside the city's wal
a bench wherein he had nodded drea
Hear we all, travellers from dis
save in Allah! THE gates are open!
As the gateSeeper hobbled back
vice of the Sultan stepped forward,
up his right hand in salute. and to Ell
"Allah's blessing on thy day, oh
brother" to the seller of dates; and
the date seller did reply: And on
thee, the peace, oh brother"
Then, to a carrier OF carpets, the
eunuch spoke: "Allah's blessing on
thy day, oh brother" WhereupOn the
carpet carrier did reply: And on
thee, the bounty of Allah. oh brother"
To a donkey driver, the eunuch
spoke the same words: 'Allah's bless
ing on thy day. oh brother" The
donkey man led his nag past the
eunuch, replying: And on thee, the
sweat OF health"
But the fourth visitor to whom the
eunuch addressed the mystic words
raised his hand silently in the air
and placed it palm to palm with that
Of the eunuch. The newcomer,
without speaking, made signs with his
free left hand. The eunuch gruntcd
with satisfaction.
AT last--thou art from Prince Muir
al-Din?"
The stranger made signs with his
right hand and placed a finger across
his lips.
yea, dumb thou art" murmured
the eunuch. But thou canst hear.
Know then am Abdullah. head
eunuch to the Sultan. And thou art
Kataf, the dumb slave OF the Prince
Nur al-Din. Well, l can read thy
lingering. Thy masters message"
The deaf mute made further signs
which Abdullah readily understood.
"Ah. he is without the gates? Go,
bring him hither I will await him
yonder in the shadow Of that stall,
Haste thee"
As the mute, Nataf. sped through
the gateway TO fetch his master, the
Prince MUIR al-Din, Abdullah strolled
over to the seller Of dates. A few
words sufficed to send the stall
keeper on his way, leaving Abdullah
apparently in charge.
But 1t required several dinar to
make the seller of dates vacate his
place Of business! He protested
strongly Nay, my presence is worth
many dinar this day. Trade will lie
brisk by forenoon. The joyful news
Of Prince Nur al-Din's defeat by the
army OF our blessed Sultan, whom
Allah preserve, will cause money to
flow. Glad hearts lead to full bel
lies"
Abdullah, angrily disclosing his
identity, forced the stall keeper to
surrender his point OF vantage, from
whence all who came in or out Of the
city's gates could be seen. and here
now Abdullah anxiously awaited the
coming Of Prince Nur al-Dln, the de
feated pretender to the throne, whose
life was forfeit If his presence In
Cairo should be discovered.
Prince Muir al-Din, disguised as a
rich merchant, a cloak muffled about
his face, suddenly entered the gate
way, followed by Kataf. Abdullah
respectfully saluted the rebel Prince
who raised his hand in greeting, and
then turned upon the luckless Kataf
Keen watch, thou tongueless dog
and warn il danger threatens" he
muttered, fiercely. Kataf bowed low
as he moved nearer the gateway.
Dark, handsome, somewhat surly,
brother in-law TO the former Sultan,
who had married his sister Sharazad,
the Prince Nur al-Din had expected
|
throne. But fate decreed that the dy-
ing Sultan should nominate Al
llk-al -Nasir, the young prince who
was so popular with the people that
his ascendancy TO the throne was
hailed with Joy. Whereupon Prince
Muir al-Din, with heavy threats, had
taken to the field to win by force Of
arms the throne. had not the loyal
armies Of the Sultan defeated him in
battle.
Abdulah, secretly plotting TO over
throw the Sultan, and accepting pay
from the rebel Prince, greeted his
master softly. THE blessings Of
Allah upon thee, oh prince OF
princes" he said, bowling low.
MUIR al-Din raised his hand in
token OF rebuke. II pay thee not for
mouthings and fawnings. Aliah's