Evening star., 1926-11-12
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@ieaS. by Eugene MacYAsn }

again. This man whom he sum-
mons must be greater than he--he
calls him Prince and the movement
he just made. across his chest, means
that the other is a mighty priest
The Arabians bowed. One ran out
Of the room, dropping his mantle as
he sped away, to give his limbs freer
play. The others lifted their wounded
and bore them out tho door. AS they
moved about Laila significantly held
her dagger aloft over the chieftain' s
breast. but the tribesmen did not
glance at her AS the last OF them
left the room the chief asked for
wine. The jars had been overturned
and broken in the combat.
Laila went to the door and called.
In a moment an Arabian came run
took 1t from him. and. kneeling be-
side her enemy. held the earthen lip
Of the vessel to his mouth.
When he was done she asked him
a question.
What did YOU say" inquired An
tonius.
The chief was talking. and she wait
ed until she was through before she
replied to the soldier. When she
spoke 1t was with a curious light in
her eyes.
man for whom he has sent" she
said And he said the distance is
no further than a cave In Gilboa.
Just above the village" She stopped
a moment. Il think" she added. slow
ly. that the man 10 whom he sent
word is the one we know as Omar
.Antonius' face frightened. Omar"
he cried Good. Some pleasant thing
always happens when he crosses my
path
She considered him out Of her deep
dark eyes. is II so?" she said. Yet
! have seen him as often as you, and
heavy misfortune has always followed
the joyful things he promises. fear
him. soldier
"Pooh.' retorted the soldier. What
misfortunes. pray?"
She sat back upon her heels. Il
sa " him in Jerusalem, and obeyed
him and came here. and fell into trou
bled times. He was in the confidence
Of the Arabians. They came here.
bore YOU away and were defeated by
YOUR comrades beside the Jordan. He
hefriended the Sama ritan slave. and
the slave was left wounded by the
river. He gave YOU gold and promises
Yet here YOU are. fighting for your
life In an inn-aud penniless. I know"
She lifted her hand az he started to
speak. II was I who took your money.
Omar had laughed. and the idea came
to my mind. He spoke to me concern
ing .Iared's daughter-and the girl and
her family are wandering In the will
derness.'
Her head dropped. and she looked
somberly at the Arabian. whose head
lay upon her knee.
rs 1t his fault that we fell into
misfortune?" he demanded. Did he
not set Jared free. when Herod was
about to torture him.
II know" she answered. Yet it
will prove to have been the wrong
thing. tell YOU. soldier"-she raised
her voice and spoke with passion
this Omar is a spirit of evil. magi-
cia of wicked power. a"
Il thank you, Laila."
A deep voice resounded through
the room. The woman and the sol
der started.
Omar himself stood before them.
smiling. the emerald glittering in his
hea address. his breastplate shining in
the dull light. Laila uttered cry
and prostrated herself Omar step
ped over to her. and STOPPING. lifted
her to her feet.
You think i'll of me?" he ques-
toned still smiling.
II fear you." she said. trembling.
Yet" said he. Il came to he of
aid. l take care Of my own-and
YOU are my own. are you not?
II obey YOU" she answered. and
dropped her head.
Then" he said turning pleasantly
10 Antonius. YOU must prepare to
do without your hand maiden, for
time She is going away"
"Where?" asked the soldier, Il
need her
But if she remains she will live
only another day. Listen
He walked TO the door. and stood,
his finger TO his lips. Antonius.
Laila and the wounded Arabian
stared at him, in wonder. He nod
ded to them. Family. in the dis.
tance, came the sound of many
voices.
Omar spoke again. Il was on my
way to warn you. when the messen-
ger from the chief here met me and
hade me make haste. That noise
YOU hear is the shouting of the
villagers The tetrarch. Herod An
tipas. approaches in person. with his
court"
'Herod" cried Laila and Antonius
together.
"Himself." said Omar. He comes