Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-12-09
CHAPTER WI
Mnfhpl. and Son

Il
was being conducted overseas to Algters.
The news of which the fellow was the bear
er was of such urgency that for twenty
hours without intermission the slaves had
toled at the oars of Biskaine's vessel-the
capitana Of his fIeet--to bring her swiftly
home.
The Morisco had cousin--a NeW-Chrs
tan like himself and like himself, it would
appear still a Moslem at heGrt-#hO W@a
employed in the Spanish Treasury at Malaga.
This man had knowledge that galley was
fitting out for sea to convey to Naples tie
gold destined for the pay OF the Spanish
troops in garrison there. Through Dars.m0ny
the treasuree-galey was to be afforded no es-
cOrt, but was under orders to mug the coast
of Eurobe where she should be safe from
all piratical surprise. 1t was judged that
she would be ready to put to sea in week,
and the Morsco had set out at once to
bring word of it to his Algerine brethren
that they might intercept and capture her.
Asad thanked the young Morisco for his
news, bade him be housed and cared for,
and promised him a handsome share of the
plumber should the treasUre-gaIley be cap
tured That done he sent for Sakr-elBahr
whilst Marzak, who had been present at the
interview went with the tale of it to his
mother, and beheld her fling into passion
when he added that it was Salr-el-Bahr had
been summoned that he might be entrusted
with this fresh expedition thus proving that
all her crafty innuendoes and insistent
warnings had been 50 much wastd labor.
With Marzak following at her heels, she
swept like fury into the darkened room
where Asad took his ease.
"What is this | hear 0 my lord?" she
cried, in tone and manner more the Euro
pean shrew than the submissive Eastern
slave. us Sakr-el-Bahr to go upon this eN-
petition against the treasure galley Of
Spain?"
Reclining on the divan he looked her up
and down with a languid eye.
"Dost know Of any better fitted to sue
ceed?" quoth he
81 know of one whom it is my lords duty
to prefer to that foreign adVenturer One
who is entirely faithful and entirely to be
trusted. One who does not attempt to re-
tain for himself portion of the booty gar
nered in the name Of Islam.
BAIL" said Asad 'Wilt thou talk forever
Of those two slaves? And who may be this
paragon of thne?" /
'Marzak" she answered fiercely, flingmg |
out an arm to drag forward her son. rs he to
waste his youth mere in sOftness and idle |
ness? But yesternight that ribald Knocked
him with his lack OF scars. Shall he take scars
in the orchard Of the Kasbah here? Is he to
be content with those that come from the
scratch of a bramble, or is he to learn 10 be
fighter and leader Of the Children OF the
Faith that himself he may follow i'll the
path his father trOd?'
"Whether he so follows" said Asad, "is as
the Sultan of Istambul, the Sublime Portal,
shall decree We are but his viceregents
here"
But shall the Grand Sultan appoint him
! to succeed thee if thou hast not equipped
him SO to do? | cry shame on thee, O father
of MarZak, for that thou art lacking in due
! pride in thine own SON.
May Allah give me patience with thee!
Have | not said that he is still over young"
AT this age thyself thou vert upon the
! seas, serving with the great Ochiali."
! Vat his age l was, by the favor Of Allah,
! taller and stronger than is he. l cherish him
/ too dearly to let him go forth and perchance
! be lost to me before his strength is full
4 grown"
Look at him" she commanded. He s
man, Asad, and such son as another might
take pride in Is it not time he girt
sCimtar about his waist and trOd the poop
Of one of thy galleys?"
Marzak himself.
'What?" parked the old Moor And is it
/ so? And wOuldst thou go forth then against
the Spaniard? What knowledge hast thou
that shall equip thee for such a task?"
What can his knowledge be since his
| father has never been concerned to school
him." returned FenNleh "Dost thou sneer
at shortcomings that are the natural fruits
! Of thine own OmissiOns?"
Il VIII be patient with thee" said Asad
showing every sign of losing patience Il Will
ask thee only if in thy judgment he is in
case to win a victory for Islam? Answer me
straightly now"
"Sraightly I answer thee that he is not.
And, as straghtly, l tell thee that it is full
| time he We're. Thy duty is to let him &C
! upon this expedition that he may learn the
trade that lies before him."
Asad considered a moment. Then:
BE it So" he answered slowly "ShaIt
! set forth, then, with Sakr-el-Bahr, my son"
with Sakr-el-Bahr?" cried Fenzileh
aghast
Il could find him no better preceptor."
Shall thy son go forth as the servant of
! anOther?"
AS the pupil" Asad amended. what
! ese?"
Were I a man, fountain Of my soul,
! said she, "dnd had I son, none but my
/ self should be his preceptor. l should so
/ mould and fashion him that he should be an
/ other me. That, 0 my dear lord. is thy duty
to Marzak. Entrust not his training to an
other, and to one whom despite thy love for
him l can not trust Go forth thyseIf upon
this expedition with Aarzak here for thy
kayia'
Asad frowned
Il grow too old he said II have not
been upon the seas these two years past
Who can say that l may not have lost the
art Of victory No, no."
He shook his head, and his face grew
overcast and softened by usefulness.
'Sakre-l-Bahr, commands this time and if
Marzak goes, he goes with him"
My lord" she began then checked
\ Nubfan had entered to announce that
Sakr-el-Bahr was come and was waiting the
orders Of his lord in the courtyard. Asad
rose Instantly and for all that Fenzileh
greatly daring as ever. would still have de-
tanned him. he shook her Off impatiently
and Went out