Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-18

less patient, than the others. 1--WE might have
gone TO the grand vixier-can still do it,
But the goldsmith interrupted that this would
be useless, explaining that the grand vizier was
hedged In by slaves and courtiers-and how
could one reach his ear without gliding many
crooked fingers? It would cost more to find out
II the ring was genuine than not TO find oat,
and If the ring should be genuine after all. IL
would mean the bastinado and an enormous
nne.
At this moment the door was pushed open.
and ON the threshold. having chosen the house
ut random, stood Mehnet, naked blade IN hAs
right hand.
Here am II" he announced. and he stood up
ON his toes to make himself look the taller.
II the men were nervous they did not show
It. They were used TO FOSTERING. clustering
Moslems. So they sighed and sat quiet-au bas
the aksakai, who rose and said:
Gods peace On you-ah.I did not catch
your name"
1.-THE splendid name have for myself b
Mehmee the Red. Red because Of nay board
and because OF the blood have spilled. Blood
Of Moslems and Christians and Hindus. Chiefly
Hindus," he added, smiling wolnshly ct the
other-who smiled mildly and went on:
May ask you why you are here?"
by right Of the sword. Too"-stretching
out his left thumb On which silver twinkied-
'by right Of thisi"
"Hai-yai-y aii" cried the grocer. "Here ID this
pered. Hush. little brother!" and turned onee
more to the stranger. "And what do you wish,
o Mehmet the Rede"
Food" came the reply. Coined gold
though jewels win d."
Mehmet had expected 10 have his way. Bot
without even the faintest edge Of . nghts
without anybody resenttng his insallts and
striking . blow9 It was q new experience. @
thing beyond his naive comprehension. Some
how It took the fun out Of the adventure, the
worth, the keen thrill
The aksakai pointed 10 the guest chamber.
ENTER. o neighbor Of God" he invited hos-
pitably.
Mehmet stared at him, stared at the Others
the quiet smiling men. He clenched his lists.
Rage surged through him. But It was not IN
his simple code 10 strike one who did not resist.
THEN. since there was nothing else he could
do and since, moreover, he yves as hungry
rs Q wolf, he entered the guest room, where he
ate copiously-so copiously that his good humoe
returned, and later on, surrounded By some Of
his hosts he sat there entertaining them fer
into the night with tales about his prowesS.
He borrowed somebody's pipe, filled It with
somebody else's tobacco, spoke grandiosely:
"It Is known to all the world that 1t was
who sat on top Of the heap when courage was
given awayl Let me tell you about the time
when battled the copper-faced Manchu giant,
and how"
"Listenl" voice cut in "TIave you ever
heard that the drum which booms most loudly
Is filled with wind?"
With roar he was up. His hand reached
for sword hilt-dropped away when he saw the
speaker For it was Padmavati, the aksakai,s
daughter, and you might have sought through
out High Tartary for handsomer maid and
not found her.
"IIad you been O man." he replied, "there
would be now my blade across your throat.
But you are o girl"
He walked up to her.
''Your locks are storm-dark as the parting Of
friends and your smile bright as the noon
when friends meet again. And as to your eyes
by my honor, the moon shines IN them