Evening star., 1934-07-15
CHAPTER XIV.

AhAf ZEN AANs
TINE two girls we're discussing in
low tones possible plans for
Diana's escape when the snarl-
Al ing OF Shiv reached their ears
II meant that the Cobra was
coming 10 visit Shireen.
A minute later the rings Of the
heavy curtains covering the door
clashed noisily. and the huge man
entered the room.
The persians heart beat quickly,
for there was in his face a look which
it had never before worn in her pres
ence-a threatening look.
With a supple movement she rose
from the cushions and went swiftly
toward him. her bare feet making no
sound on the marble pavement.
Hush. o tree Of my desirel" she
whispered. laying a finger on her lips,
THE Inglis girl sleeps, thanks be to
Allahl In truth, she Is very
sick"
Let her be wakened!" retored the
Cobra brutally. When I send for
slave, that slave comes-or she goes
nowhere ever afterward!"
Shireen's graceful form, clad in
diaphanous robe of soft pink muslin,
grew apprehenSive. Here. indeed, was
danger-not only the English girl.
but also herself and Gulbudun.
Her fear of you. lord, has turned
her brainl She fell senseless from 1t
an hour since
The Cobra glowered at her. and he
gave a savage jerk at Shiv's chain
which he held twisted round one OF
his great hands. AS if she shared
her masters ill-humor, the tigress
was still snarling viciously, her eyes
fixed on Shireen.
BE still, thou accursed daughter OF
darkness" he calculated angrily.
THE beast is not wearing her rope
Of Mogre fiowersl' said Shireen,
smiling up at him dangerously.
"Mayhap. like a woman, she misses
that which she knows makes her
beautiful"
"She misses a whip" retorted the
Cobra, as, exerting his strength. he
dragged the animal closer to him.
She all but killed the man who
would have wound the flowers about
her neck when he brought them this
morning. In taking hold OF her
head his hand touched the key.
The Cobra was alluding to key
of blued steel which was hung from a
spring clip on Shiv's broad collar.
1t was the second of two which
opened the inner doors Of the treasure
room, where lay the untold wealth
that had been accumulated by success
sive rulers of this fortified strong
hold throughout the centuries. The
tigress would let no one but her mas
ter lay finger on it.
Sometimes I think you love her
more than you love mel" pouted
Shireen. And love you more than
my lifel"
For a moment the Cobra hesitat-
ed. Then her fascination and the
call of her warm slimness as she
pressed against him won the day
But first he must assure him
self of the truth of her statement
that the Inglis girl was Ill.
Bending down. he laid hand on
Dianas white arm.
by Allah, it is true!" the man
exclaimed, signing. She has feverP
And turning, he strobe toward the
veranda, followed by Shireen.
AS she sank down voluptuously on
to a low divan piled with many-hued
silk cushions, the Persian began
grooming to a plaintive music which
was now floating in from the quar-
ters of her slave-women.
Shiv'S chain knotted round pillar,
the Cobra threw himself down beside
her. Today the fiawless beauty Of
his exotic flower of love" has in
spired in him a jealousy as fierce as
it was groundleSS.
Art thou truly loyal to me, Rose
of a Hundred Leaves?" he demanded,
his terrible eyes searching hers. Like
all tyrantS, he took no virtue for
granted.
With a graceful movement Shireen
nestled closer to him.
II would swear on a thousand
Korans that I love thee!" she said
unevenly. Her laughter mingled with
the songs of birds. 1T is now I who
wish to test your love!" she went on.
Il said I had favor to ask"
what is the favor?" His voice
sounded ominous.
When my arms are useless, owing
to your absence" she answered
softly, land my eyes are as unlighted
lamps because they cannot look upon
you, am lonelyl"
Thou hast thy women
1T is for yet another woman that
your slave is about to ask!" muir