The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-09-06
Chapter Ten
Strange Bargain

~ NtNns gave biaze swift hand
4 clasp and slipped through the
door to the harem enclosure.
She joined the Princess eating
her breakfast at a little table,
The woman received Sherwood's
message thoughtfully and asked
again. rs he in love with you?a
Anne flushed. NO." she said.
Mr.. Sherwood might Jolly d girl
along but doubt il he'd fall in
love where it wouldn't do any
good. He knows how to take care
Of himself"
The Princess looked distaste-
fully at Anne's breeches and boots
and shirt. The servants will
bring you clothing belonging to
the Persian daughter and help
you prepare for the visit Of the
Emir."
"But what II he should detect
the trick. " asked Anne terrified
at the thought.
TIE woman lifted her somber
black eyes. You'd better pray
AAA1& LIZ QNCSttft. III
Servants painted Anne's finger
nails with an unguent made of
marigolds and henna, tinted her
toes and the lobes Of her ears
with the same fierce orange,
darkened her eyelids and dressed
her in q flowing pale blue gar
ment with voluminous white
crepe veil that gave her the ap-
pearance, when she walked. of a
perambulating tent.
The Princess lined up the wo-
men like cattle for inspection. To
Anne the ordeal seemed almost
unbearable. She was torn BY
mixed emotions Of fear and rage.
Fear that some sly sense in the
Enair might detect the disguise;
rage that she, an American girl.
must submit to such an expert
ment. The other women seemed
almost as nervous as Anne.
Suddenly their chatterin <
ceased The Emir stood at the
entrance to the court. He came
across the tiled floor and walked
down the line, lettering on spind-
ly legs as he stopped here and
there. slapped one girls face for
no reason that Anne could
fathom and then paused before
his Persian daughter.
For a moment Anne thought
she saw sly triumph and knowl-
edge in his rheumy eyes. He made
a remark to her in rasping
voice. She could only bow. uf1-
able to understand or to answer
him. Then he passed CHI.
The Princess informed her
afterwards he had merely said
Good eyes, so her bow had
been quite all right.
4He tells me he has decided to
honor the man who saved his
life with the hand of one of his
daughters. He feels il will pro-
mote friendliness between himself
and the government OF Sham
Lun
Anne began to laugh: she was
still a bit wrought UP. docs he
think Mr.. Sherwood would accept
such a gift?''
AOne does not refuse gifts from
the Ernir if he values his life"
@Oh, gasped Anne. Presently
she said 1T might be good idea
to send that information to Mr..
Sherwood. Where would he be
expected to take the girl if he
married herr"
aTo Shani Lun. by the way
of Chuka."
Anne's eyes began to shine.
(Which daughter is to be given
hirn?" she asked in nanted
voice.
'ETe has left the choice to me. |"
Anne caught her hand. aOh.
Princess, don't you see-ttis is
my chance to escape. Let me be
the daughter who marries him.
I'm sure DR.. Sherwood is willing
Ito do this thing fer me"
The Princess picked up a long,
looselg wrapped cigarette 10
which a servant held a coal. She
Booked at Anne through narrowed
lids.
What would he get out of it,"
"Why--wl1y $3.50" Anne staril-
mered and stopped. His pay
would be the satisfaction Of hav-
ing done a noble deed--a deed of
chivalry."
"What does chivalry mean?"
SIT means disinterested service
to the weak or oppressed.
Note To Blaze
STHE Princess shook her head.
L .The love of Allah might cause
a man to deal nobly with another
man, for men have souls--but wO-
men, like animals, must earn their
right to live. IF this man is will
ing to take you in preference TO
another girl it is because you are
desirable to him.
Anne thought. in comparison
with these pathetic native girls,
/ probably ann" Aloud she said,
'.just help me get a message 70
him" o.
an incoherent mess. she felt, and
added that if a native Wedding
ceremony made legal conpllca-
tions native law also made dr.
vorce for him extremely easy, he
need merely TO make a declara-
ton before witnesses. The Prifa-
cess had told her so.
Several hours later an answer
came from Sherwood:
A very nice proposal--f1ly-
first--but don't you over
.nt;cinafa - mentioning die