Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-16

country-bred. The first was captain OF
horse in the army of his majesty the
Grand Khan of High Tartary while
the other was chief Of the Abdah tribe, whose
houses stippled valley tucked into the yellow.
brittle swash Of the steppe far east OF Samar-
kand
They were tall men both, bit hard in the
look, a bit brsggart with storm-gray eyes that
never narrowed at the sight of danger, and prey
to stubborn, elf-hurting pride. Twin brothers
they might have BEEN But-and this hap
pened before they were striving for the love OF
a woman, striving with tense passion that stops
for neither sleep nor supper nor mercy-they
hated each other.
AS sweet as honey was this hate as bitter as
gall Yet until the end their blades remained
in their scabbards like doves in cote.
For there was fear.
Not fear of each other But fear OF what
would happen, so swift and cruel to what was
most dear to them-in the chiefs case to his
tribe and where the captain was concerned, to
his younger brother in Samarkand Fear well
grounded, since neither could forget day a
few years earlier, when the Grand Khan OF
High Tartary, lolling against the cantle Of his
saddle had been surveying his troopers handi-
work-hroken swords and daggers, splntered
iances, bodies OF man and horse and camel stark
and lifeless and already the vultureS dipping
low.
THE Grand Khan saw, pitied, shuddered q
little, then shrugged his shoulders. He abb
horred strife. But he--thought- was he
to do? He was the ruler of this land. It's veal
was his duty. And these Abdali-arrogant, law
less thumbing their noses at decent authority,
ambushing caravans, raiding to the very gates
of Samarkand why, he told himself peace
was a white thing, but must at times be
mulched in blood to make 1t grow more Sturdily.
He turned to Ali Hassan, erect before him,
and pointed to the battlefield.
''You have learned the lesson of peace-and
the price of peace?" he asked in purring voice.
Peace only because you are the stronger"
came the vanquished rebels reply.
But peace that you swore upon the Koran.
If you break this oath--ah-I warn you. :"
81 am not afraid"
"Of course, you are not for yourself. But
what about your people? You love them, Ell?
Very well. Hear me give oath: II you deviate
hairs breadth from the path of peace-if
ever again you show your teeth-by Allah
/ shall make this land crimson shambleG
for jackals to roam In. You understand"
eyes"
Good" The Grand Khan turned away
from Ali Hassan. "Mehmet Yarl" he called.
MY lord?" The captain stepped forward.
1.-THE braveSt of the brave you are. But
you are like this Hassan. Your pride. too, Is
as bloated rs drunkard's nose. Seven times,
during our ride through the steppe, YOU
fought duels because Of trivial insults. Once
you spoke insolent words to my hrst-bOrn
and threatened him with naked steel. Can
you blame me that hereafter consider your
presence unwelcome in my pleasant City Of
Eamarkand?"
"Exile?"
~Exile with high honor, since bravery, be 1t
ever so reckless, must have its reward I APP
point you governor over the Abdah. By the
way" he went on while the other bowed his
hear he varT
Hassan?"
81 did, my lord"
'"The same applies to YOU You, too are not
afraid of death. But there is your younger
brother. He is dear to you?"
The captain inclined his head. He thought
of his younger brother, the gentle scholar, an
alien to the worlds clashing. factious turmoil,
quite unlike himself and how he loved
him, had always. since their parents passing
away been father and mother to him. I.
"Dearer than my salvation he is to me-" he
replied.
LET him be dearer TO you than your pride.
For"-the Grand Khan's voice rose shrilly-
IT desire peace I want no private feuds, no
Dragging, bloody duels. Or else-remember
your brother. Be pleased to remember that
my executioners are skilled at removing headsI'
He smiled at the two men, captain and chief.
"Here you are-both full of pride Very well.
Be as proud as you please. Hate each other
all you please But-no deeds OF violence. If
you disobey-you know the punishment"
And he galloped away, while Mehmet Var
and Ali HaSsan stood there, proud silent, until
finally the former-perhaps because the victor
he could afford to be generous-SpOke jovial
words:
"It is in my mind that you are the very one
I would choose to ride with side by side. Let
us be friends"
I'VE are enemies"
"No longer. There Is peace"
peace of the hand, not peace Of the heart.
You are the conqueror, the conquered"
What is it to be between you and me?" asked
the chief