Evening star., 1926-12-01

hesddress for rich war helmet, deep
ly engraved. The emerald that he al
ways wore was set over his forehead
In mounting of gold, and his scarlet
mantle was gone, exposing his glisten
ing hreastplate.
II believe" said Antonius, brightly
that II will shortly rain"
The stranger smiled "A true sol
der, he commented, happy when
the swords are flashing and laughing
as he speaks"
But hungry soldier" Antonius
said. Have YOU, by any chance, a
haunch of meat upon your person, or
q skinful OF wine? / have not eaten
recently"
Omar leaned his shoulder against
the cliff, There is food in plenty. and
wine and riches, on the route that
shall follow" he said. Here are only
you and the Arabian cheftain and his
two men. / give you another chance
10 come with me--for YOU are a man
] would delight to cherish, Antonius. y
The soldier yawned Il thought we
argued that in fun before" he said
Il am an outpost. | cannot desert
the army in the rear"
Omar barred his teeth. AN army! A
dozen villagers And what do you
care for them?"
"Only this" Antonius said. "I have
cast my lot with them and l shall
stay"
The stranger drew nearer. There
is one of them who may shortly die, -
he said. "Herod's troops even now
are ready 10 begin a descent TO the
cave over the steep course over there.
He pointed back toward the entrance.
Would YOU rather save the Comely
Maryam alive and have her for your
own--or remain here until a. spear
passes through you and leave her to
her fate?"
Antonius' brow wrinkled. i've
aften thought 1t would be pleasant to
have the girl as my slave" he CON
fessed
And with money-even riches-to
provide household?" Omar went on.
intently watching the soldier.
The soldier lowered his head. "I
hate to have her die"
Look" said Omar. Look behind
YOU
Antonlus turned. Around the curve
in the path a girl was coming, run
ming lightly, small Jar balanced on
her shoulder.
"Maryam comes" the stranger went
on. Look at her and speak to her
and think again whether you would
ra her take her now with YOU to safety
or remain here to await what will be-
fall YOU both"
They waited in silence until Maryam
reached the soldiers side. stepping
carefully around the wounded chief
andehis two men. She did not lift her
eyes TO Omar, hut addressed Antonius
as she set her Jar down beside him.
sI-l-
wine remaining in the cave" she said,
softly. but I have watched through
the cleft in the wall Of the cave and
have heheld your deeds. have
brought water for you--it is all had
to bring"
Antonius picked up the jar, took a
long drink and passed the vessel back
to the Arabian chief.
II thank you" he said, his tone
gentle You are kind" He glanced
ct Omar and cleared his throat.
"Maryam." he went on. "do you desire
to seek safety now?"
How" she asked Are not Herod' S
troops lying in waltz"
The soldier waved his hand toward
tie waiting stranger. Omar here,
be said, has offered to let me save
you. We all-you and / and these
men from the desert - can 60 to-
gether."
He watched her face. expectantly.
The girl shrank back. And my IA
ther and mother and the men of the
viilageH" she asked. her wide eNes on
his
He did not answer, but still waited.
do you mean that we would leave
thenl-that YOU would go and leave
the path unguarded?" There was ter
ror in her voice and she sWayed.
Shall I assure your safety?' An
tonius asked.
She doubled her arm before her face.
"Oh." she cried NO. soldier-no,
Go. If YOU wish-vou owe us nothing!
But | shall stay with my kinsmen.'
Her face still covered. she turned to
n back. He reached out his hand
swiftly and caught her rohe.
STAY a moment he said. Then.
raising his ewes to Omar: DO YOU
gee. stranger Your question is an
svsred We shall STAY"
The girl dropped her arm, stared at
him an instant and then sank 10 her
knees beside him.
Noble Roman" she gasped. "oh.
good and true soldier. Our protector
Our friendr'
He gave her a cheerful laugh. "A
brave girl" he approved. You an
ENere1 as al
might have answered" The stranger
had drawn himself erect and was
standing with folded arms and frown-
ing, e,o, oso;oo9 -.
81 have" said Antonius. And now
the truce is ended" He picked up the
appear that his servant had laid beside
him. Defend yourself Persian"
He drew hack his arm, aiming the
iron spearhead at Omar's throat. The
stranger suddenly laughed and step
PED nearer.
Strike" he ordered
Antenius' muscular arm darted for
ward. As the point of the weapon
reached the metionless stranger II
swervsd aside.
"You missed smiled Omar and took
a step still closer. You are not ae'
customed 10 the spear. Use your
sword,
Astonished. the soldier snatched ur
his tVe.edged blade and struck again
From his sitting posture he could ret
reach his opponents shoulder, s" ne
strove 10 shear the strangers arm In
two
The sword struck on golden band
that Omar wore above his elbow
Look at your blade" said the
stranger, without moving.
Aptonius looked. A deep semi-circle
had been bitten into the tempered
edge. He seized his shield and held u
To his breast and balanced his sword
in an attitude of defense.
DO not fear" Omar said. 81 let
others do my fighting for me. Stlil. II
I chose
He drew his sword and doubled the
L he ia0 cEaf
n. II few back into position. Taking
off his metal helmet, he held it al
arms length in his left hand. His
sword fia ashed there. there was SHARP
ring and the rear end Of the head
niece ciattered into the ravine helow