Evening star., 1926-10-29

the beast.
Turn back to Jezreel," he ordered,
81 will follow after"
She looked about for aid, but they
still were a little distance from the
strange village, and only a few chill
dren were in sight. Jacob reached out
with his staff and thrust it vigorously
into her side.
Make haste" he said. "for I have
business to transact"
Laila obeyed. With her face once
more toward Jezreel she struggled for
ward through the mire, the publican
riding behind her.
''It is not so that women are treated
in my country" she said, once, as she
stopped at the summit of one OF the
low hills.
This Is not your country, SAID ne.
"And further. you are prisoner, as
we'll as an outcast. Go forward"
He struck her on the arm.
1t was night when they finally
reached Jezreel. The woman was
stumbling with fatigue. Twice she
had fallen, but Jacob had beaten her
until she arose again, and went on.
AS they reached her own door, she
sank to her knees exhausted.
1T is WE'LL" said the publican. You
will not flee from me tonight. Crawl
into your house, shall return to-
morrow"
Iaila lay a long time upon the
ground before she finally crept inside
the doorway. Opening the bag she
had carried on the long homeward
march, she spread out her extra
mantle, and lying down upon 1t, fell
fast asleep.
In the morning when she awakened
she saw a man sitting in the doorway.
his knees drawn up, his arms wrapped
around his legs. From his dress she
identified him as a servant.
Are you Jacobs MANI" she asked,
raising her head.
He looked at her, but returned no
answer Instead, he arose, and
motioned her to follow him. Laila
drew back. With an air Of in
difference, he loosened from his belt a
shepherds rod. studded with iron
nails, and swung it significantly. She
hastily arranged her clothing and set
forth at his heels.
He kept the club in his hand, but
did not look back to see If she
followed. once, deceived by his air.
she stopped. but he whirled upon her
savagely Laila hurried after him.
The publican was waiting at his
house, while servent prepared his
breakfast. The man who escorted
Laila jerked his thumb at her and
stood back.
Your soldier is unlikely to be here
today to assail my servants and
threaten me-" said Jacob. contentedly.
I4aila remained standing, Submis-
sively.
"Perchance he is even killed" the
publican went on. 1.-The last / saw of
the soldier they were trying to fight
against lances with their short swords
foot soldiers against horsemen. 1t
may even be that all are killed"
And did my lord the publican run
away" asked Laila, softly.
II am a man of peace, said JACOB
stiffly. "My mission for the tetrarch
and the Emperor was done. So l re-
turned homeward."
Across the mountain, hurriedly,
commented the woman. THAT is how
II Glanced"
"Silencer' he ordered.
She drew back, and leaned against
the doorpost while he cut into the
hot meat his servant set before him.
He took a hearty draught from his
wine cup, and proceeded to refresh
himself with food.
Though ii does not concern you, l
returned across the mountain where
l found you, because my way was
barred toward JeZreel," he said, as he
held his Gun for another filling.
She raised her eyebrows. There
was fighting on the hillside" he ex-
planned.
And my master, the publican.
saved his blows for women only"
she offered.
His face purpled with anger. Il
shall deal with you at once" he said,
rising to his feet. He called to his
servant, who fingered at the door.
Bring the donkey" he ordered.
Then" said Jacob. you shall have
the pleasure of watching it. We go
to Bethshean-the magistrate sits
there. You may observe the animal
all you wish as I ride upon it,"
He was standing close beside her.
Iaila's hand slipped into the bosom
of her robe. Jacobs eyes were
turned toward the stable, and he did
not see the swift movement with
which she whipped Antonius' dagger
from its hiding place and lifted it
for a blow.
The publican's house servant. how
even, had been watching her. Just as
the keen blade thrust downward to-
ward Jacobs heart the servant
leaped and caught her hand.
With a quick. powerful wrench. he
took the weapon from her.
Jacob turned and blinked. 1t was a
moment before he grasped the sit
uation.
"So"' he said. You seek to murder
me-"
The servant was holding Laila 9
arms now. though she did not
struggle. Jacob took the dagger from
his bondsman's hand, and examined It.
"A rare jewel" he said, turning the
dagger over and over. "A ruby of
the first water. Give me the sheath.
Laila made no move. but the servant.
holding her with one arm, found the
leather case and handed IL to his
ma ster He slid the blade into its
covering and bestowed it in his
garments.
"A dangerous woman he con-
tinued. she must he bound"
Their backs were toward the door
way. and they did not see leisurely
approaching man whose scarlet cloak
swept 10 the ground.
"Bound?" said the newcomer,
pleasantly. why should the woman
be hound?"
Laila, the publican and the servant
whirled. Omar cried the woman.
"The Persian said the taxgatherer.
Precisely So" said the newcomer.
stepping inside the door. Jacob made
way for him. Laila stood, held
tightly by the bondsman.
II came" continued Omar. ito
show you a rare curiosity l picked
up from a trader-something that
might appeal to a public official of
your great wealth"
The publican beamed. and invited
Omar to take a seat on deeply
cushioned couch that stood near
them.
II am not rich" protested the
publican. though obviously pleased.
81 h,.v
for Caesar and the tetfarch-tust a
little hui enough for comfort" He