Edgefield advertiser. (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, May 30, 1894, Image 4
By JOHN A. STEUART,
[Copyright, Ifc?C, by Jolin Alexander Stcuart.1
CHAPTER XXII.
BEDOUINS.
i All day we labored through the loose, hot,
.unshadowed ?nids, our water bottles con
stantly at our months, oar garments like
un wrung dishcloth. ot:r drooping hordes
int. lather. Nightfall fcuud us still crawl
ing on, silent, weary and in much pain.
Tabal was the worse of iii.* twa Yet the
stoical fellow never complained, nor ever
forgot to comfort me when in my torments
I panted and groaned.
"With darkness it became cnn]cr, and to
our joy there sprang up a delicious breeze
that put new life into us. We were still
wading in sandy seas, but v.-e were now able
to mend our pace a little, and indeed there
was urgent need of speed, for in cir condi
tion another day like the last would clean
finish us. By and bj- our horses began to
tread more lightly and firmly, a little later
they were stumbling over stones and nib
bling at scrubby bushes, and we knew the
watercourses wi re not far ofT. It was mid
night, however, .-.>... we bad climbed far
enoc?:h to feel sat . i - th * night, or perhaps
the 1 jtter w..v tc pnt It is thatat midnight
I swore I would go r.o* farther if the halt
cost me my life. Tabal said he thought we
might rest. So, r.n.-r liing and tying the
horses' forefeet to prevent them from wan
dering, we had ano;!.er drink an ! threw
ourselves on t ie ground to sleep.
We woke with the level sun beating in
our faces, greatly refreshed though stiff and
sore in thc regions of our wounds. Our
first act was to scramble to the top of an
adjacent crag and reconnoiter the situa
tion. We looked cautiously round among
the rocks, then out r.u the plain .is far as
eye could see. br nothing living was visi
ble save flocks ol ravenous birds going to
and fro betwee- the mountains and the
scene of the battle. Finding ourselves se
cure, ??ve descended, watered ourselves and
our horses at a bubbling spring and break
fasted on half a dozen dates .apiece. Then
we saw to our wounds, and the surgical
operation done, we lay in the shade of a
rock to think and for the hundredth time
discuss our adventures and prospects.
I asked Tabal what he thought would be
the result of the battle we had fought and
lost.
"The ravaging of the whole country by
Tumen Yusel and the man on the black
horse," he answered promptly. "Amood
Sinahath fattened and grown large on his
neighbors, and Abor. Kura u hath had im
mense tribute for rendering aid. Three
times have they leveled the palace of Yu
men Yusel and enriched themselves with
great plunder. - ow methinks it is Yumen
Yusel's time to vin."
"That means that the enemy will con
verge un Amood Sinn's capital," I said.
"Yes," said Tabal; "wouldst thou have
them victorious without reaping the fruits
of victory:-"
A brilliant idea flashed apon me. "Let
us goto Amood's capital also," I said. "1
would fain meeline man on the black horse
again."
"And be cloven in two for thy pains," re
turned Tabal quickly.
"Thou shouldst sec us embrace like
brothers."
Tabal glanced at me with the old expres
sion of incredulity and jumped to his feet,
saying we must saddle up.".nd get to the
green valleys an? rushing streams that
were ahead. I was iu his hands and could
not dissei c.
We had traveled slowly for perhaps two
hears round the shoulders of bluffs and
al jut crags and rocks and on the brink of
dizzy precipicesaud over rubbly hills, when
all?t once we came upon aspo: of such ver
durous beauty it might have been the ver
itable garden of Eden. Ic lay in a deep de
pression walled about by cliffs save at one
corner, where there was a narrow gatelike
opening. As soon as we sighted it Tabal,
who suspected it might be inhabited, whis
pered me to remain quiet and slipping
from his horse went stealthily forward and
peered over the breastwork of rock in front
of ns. Returning with gestures for silence
he took charge of the horses and I went
so'ftly to spy. Climbing tho parapet 1
looked cautiously down the other side, and
there to my amazement was Ahmed, the
son of Koor Ali, sleeping like a cherub.
Motioning to Tabal to remain still I ran
quickly to the entrance, went in, and then
crept along the base of the rock, intending
to give Ahmed a line surprise. Reaching
him on tiptoe, I tickled bim under the chin
with my finger. He sprang up as if I had
pierced him with a spear, a moving speci i
de of ferocity and fear, and drew his dag
ger, which was his sole weapon.
"Put up thy dngg. ;.. ".h.-acd:" I said. "I
am surely thy fricad."
"Thoa art no friend," he returned sav
agely. "A man does z? t spit on his friend.
Thou hast ca-t the rinsings of thy foul
mouth into my face a disgrace, for which
thy blood will atone. _ I will fight thee
where thou standest, dagger to dagger, but
I will not let thee call thysejfmy friend.''
"With that he wrapped his torn mantle
about his left arm as a sort of shield, and
put himself in a petare of defense.
"Let it be quick," he hissed. "Stand not
dallying as thou wert afraid of thy fair
akin."
"What thou sayest is impossible," I an
swered, drawing myself up just enough to
show I was not held back by fear. "It
would be a sin in me to light thee. Thou
art in the midst of grievous misfortune."
"Thou art right," he said. "But 1 will
bear myg.-ief as becomeih a man and de
sire not any sympathy at thy hand. I was
eager to meet thee alone, and, lol here thou
art, and we will fight."
"We will not fight," I returned. "Thou
art famished with hunger and weak from
fatigue and would be at a sore disadvan
tage. I will give thee a share of my food;
it is not much, but it will strengthen thee,
and when thou hast eaten thou shalt rest |
undisturbed. If after that thou be of a
mind to fight, I may gratify thee. "Mean
time put up thy d igger."
He kept his blazing eyes on me for the
space of perhaps half a minute, then sul
lenly thrusting the dagger into his girdle
he threw himself on the ground w.thout a
word.
Tabal came down with the horses and the
dates, and Ahmed was invited to eat. He
accepted the invitation with au ill grace
and a lowering glance at mc. Bat he was
in my power, and I would not let his petit
lenee or ingratitude irritate me.
"If thou wilt sleep now," I said when he
had finished our dates, "I promise thee no
hann shall come to ti iee."
"I am in need of no more rest," he an
swered gruffly.
"Concern?nj; this quarrel, then," I said,
"which yp i choo 3 to make between
ns"
"It was thou put disgrace on me," he
growled.
"lt was not intended as such, Ahmed," 1
sai . "I did but jest in putting water on
thee."
"Nay; by my faith, it was no jest," he re
turned sharply.
"It was done in ignorance of tho cus
toms of thy country," I explained humbly.
He appeared to sway for a moment be
tween two opinions.
"What sayest thou?" he asked, turning
suddenly to T.abal. "Thou art of my own
nation and not ignorant, like this infidel.
Thinkest thou the Christian meant dis
honor ki casting water in my face?"
"Hadst thou cast water in his fae," said
Tabal, with the grave impartiality of a
jndgo, "I would say thou hadst meant him
dishonor. But he acted nnt ia malic;'; but,
ashesayeth.inigncrance. Think what that
meaneth! Peradventure it' t?'.'i wert to
visit the Christian's country thy ignorance
should betray thee into e rror."
This lucid reasoning sceau 1 to weigh
with Ahmed. "It maybe thou speakest
the truth," he said, turning to me. "I
will so take it. Only remember that, if
thou put disgrace ai ain upon i . wi
ly or unwitting';.-, f wiil 1; theo on I be
spot."
"I nm warned and : '," J replii 1, "and
now what uews 1 a -1 ..
"The worst that tor ;ae cn rel!. The
troops of Abou Kurara a- ter? ; o -
chaff in the wind, a: d my f. I ' . r is dead,as
thouknowest. ButJiisd athshallnot he
.unavenged. A son liveth after him. Look
you here. Thc man on th? black horse is a
mighty warrior, but I will Blay him if he
were tho very dc i I him -If and 1 brid to
hunt him to the ends of the earth. I have
?worn it. and that which I swear I will do."
r
j il was useless lu argue, so 1 n??i
peace For awhile bc sat in silent ange
i hand clutching Ib? hilt of kisdagge
blabing eyes on thc ground. But, lot
up and Anding T:ibal aud nie wat chi u
rose, shook himself, tossed his head p;
ly and began to talk as if he h. . i
known a grief.
All this time our horses were feedh
the neb grass with such relish ns
Arabs escaped from the desert can kn?
saw Taltal looking thoughtfully at
sw -.liing sides as ?i' he were concerned a
the matter.
"Are t hy sins troubling thee that
art so solemn, good Tabal:-" I said.
"By the holy prophet, sins enough
I to trouble me," he answered. "Yet it
not of them I was thinking, Look you
these horses swell. Ii we were to be
sued, where would be their wind? Li
take them where thc grass is less swee
"Then speakest wisely," I replied.
US go."
I put Ahmed on my mare by way c
menting our friendship, and then Tabu
Bisted 1 should ride his horse.
"I have the goat's pleasure in climbi
he remarked. " 'Twill be but a pasthx
me."
"Nay, nay, Tabal," I said, "I will
consent to anything of the sort. I am r
of a mountain child than thou art. I c<
scramble with delight over rocks, the c
look of which would make the giddy,
sides thy wound is worse than m
Mount, my friend; and let us beofiV'
"Nay, not while I have two feet to w
and thou but ene whole leg," bc am wt
?"Tabal, do not put me to the tumbi
ho's: lng thee ey the back of thy neck
the wide part of thy breeches. Up v
thee. Xot a word more. Am I net lea
and shall I not be obeyed?"
Tabal laughed loudly, and declarin
was making him as the grandmother <
hundred children leaped into the saddle
At first our path was no more than a f<
trail running a devious and dizzy coi
i roum" thc base of great reeks and al
the brow of beetling crags, and at time
steep ; hat thc riders had to dismount!
almost hoist their horses hythe bridle re
Then suddenly the aspect of the pl
changed, and we found ourselves in n s
of level dip several miles in extent and \
lng one the impression of having been 1
lowed out by the hand of man.
"We mast ero warily," said Tabal. "I
chance wc are not alone."
When he spoke, We were winding ami
a confused mass of bowlders, momenta]
expecting to debouch upon the open sp
or plateau. I was stumbling on behi
my eyes on the ground for the gren
safety of my neck, when all at once I he;
strange voices, and looking up saw a do;
men about Tabal and Ahmed, some pt
lng at the bridles and others dancing abt
ina disquieting manner with spears fi
matchlocks. It required no wizard to
plain the situation. The; irere Bedout
and we were prisoners.
"Whence come ye and whither go yi
demanded a man who appeared from
air of authority to bc the chief.
"Wc are fugitives from the battle
which ray lord has doubtless heard," <
swered Tabal, who was coolest of us tbr
"We have lost all."
"Nay, by my father's honor, that is a li
said thc Bedouin. "Ye have i.ere two
good horses as ever, blessed n roan's sig
Yet there is truth in what thou hast sn
for presently ye shall be without the
Take these horses, Saba, and get ye dov
my friends," addressing Talia! and Ahmt
"And thou step beside them," turning
me, "so that we may see if ye be wo?
stripping. Torn and ragged," be remark
examining us like a Jewish pawnbroke
assistant. "Yet methinks these garnie:
may he worth having. Mohammed,"
called out, with bis hand cn my should
"take this fellow and leave him ming
but. the skin God gave him. By myswoi
'tis more thar he deservetb."
"Ile may <^.rip my dead body," 1 sai
stepping quickly back and pulling my p
toi, "but not a stitch shall he have wuih
breathe!"
"Sayest thou so?" laughed thc chief.
"I have spoken," I answered.
"And, by that baby face of thine, tht
hast spoken bravely," returned the Be
ouin. "If thy deeds equal thy won]
thou art a comrade worth having. .M
hammed, thou mayest leave him his cloth
as well as bis skin. Heaven hath bei
gracious of late, and each man may in t i
I meantime carry his own garments. It wi
be a convenience. And now, my men, 'i
time to eat and drink. Let us join ot
companions, for by this time the fe;ist wi
be ready."
They took the horses and marched on, v
three walking, carefully guarded, in the
midst. At their rendezvous, in a small,
opening higher up the mountain, we foun
preparations in progres;; for the feast i
which thc chief had spoken. Fires wei
blazing, meat was roasting and cakes we:
burning among the ashes, and while tl;
cooks were busy others wen; laying on
supplies of colic?, sherbet and tobacco
things you would not see in a Bedouin et
campinent oftener than once in a lifetimi
There were also many horses audadrov
of camels, besides bundles of dresses an
various other articles of merchandise, al
testifying to the exceptional luck of th
band in its recent enterprises.
When we arrived the cookingWOS held t
be dor. ', and the company, numbering a
least L O, squatted to cat, Tabal, Ali mei
and myself being ordered to join. In ar
predation, as he said, of my brave wonk
the chief did me tho honor of keeping m
close to himself, and we sat down beside th
carcass of a gazelle which had been roaster
whole. As usual at such merrymaking
decency was thrown to thc winds. Ever
man had a wolf's appetite and took a wolf;
ready method of appeasing it. The ebie
opened the proceedings by thrusting hi
hand down the gazelle's mouth and tearin;
out its half raw tongue. Taking a hug?
bite himself, he requested me to follow hil
example.
"Bite," he said, balding the bleeding
piece of flesh to my mouth. "Bite. Bj
the prophet's mule, never hast thou hat'
such a sweet morsel under thy tongue
Thou wilt not!" he exclaimed as I drew
back in disgust. "Then is thy belly likelj
to cry out ere thou bast more to oiler it.
Come ye hither," bc called to Tabal anil
Ahmed, who wen: a little distance oiT.
"Come ye hither and bite. Ha! ye knott
hov.- to drive tho fangs,"as they complied,
"What aile; ii thc other dog?"
"Defeat lieth heavy on bis stomach, Su
leiman," put in one of his comrades, with a
laugh.
"Perchance, Abd el IVIahsin," returned
Suleiman. "Nevertheless tho rogue shall
eat. It is my humor. Perdition to him.
what is he that he should cross my purpose?
Come near, thou dog, and bite," be added,
addressing me. "Lite, or by our holy re
ligion I will crush it down thy throat with
tiie shaft of my spear. Nay, I may even
widen the passage with the point."
".My lord," I replied in my humblest and
most respectful manner, "I have already
eaten and have no apr* .ire."
"Xo appetite for such ns that, thou mon
grel cur! Thy vile stomach knowetb not
what is go-xi. Had I cat.n a 2-year-old
camel, yet would I find appetite for such
sweet bread as that, [say to thee, stick
thy teeth in it."
I might have persistid in my refusal, for
the look of the thing sickened me, but just
then my eye caught Tabal's, which gave
mc a hasty but earnest admonition. Sol
bit at the OUtcr edge where the meat was
best done.
"A dainty bite?, by my saber hilt," cried
Suleiman. " 'Twas but a pretense. Open
thy ja .vs and try again, as i bon vainestt hy
welfare. That is better. S >. BO," bc laughed
"Nov.- thou shalt, drink, my merry one. To
morrow morning I may lind it in my heart
to give thee to the sun to roast and the vul
tures to eat, bul today thou shalt fare as if
thou wert a brother. Take that," and lie
held up a goblet of coffee. "If thou say
not it is the rarest mocha, I will tell thee
to thy [nett}- face thou art a scandalous
liar."
I drank, and thc coffee was good, so good
that my Ups smacked of their own accord.
"Ila, bal my gazelle hath thc right taste
in his mont ii yr." cried Suleiman. "That
is from the sion- of our beloved friend and
brother Amood Sinn. Thou mayest have
beard of bim. Me i* an unfortunate son
of Ishmael, biitri right good judge of cof
fee. Yet is it not better-than bis sherbet,
which dclighteth the soul as the smile of
the houris? Arawd Sinn isa, ?nan of un
dcrstaoding '.'>?? gocth forth to battle and
leaveth his good things to the needy. My
blessings on bim. May the holy prophet
give him the bliss of parad;: '/'-laking a
draft of sherbet. "It grievetb my henri
to think that Vumen Vuseland that devil
on thc black horse will bc drinking his
wine ana dividing lils wives so soon, Take
a cup of his sherbet, my gazelle. Ha) that
is good. Thou smackest thy lips again.
Now thou shalt have another bite," and,
thc tongue having by this time disap
peared, he seized the carcass and tore a
hind leg off. He held it toward me, and I,
remembering Tabal's admonishing look,
made a feint of biting greedily.
"Nay, not all! By my faith, not all!"
cried Suleiman. "Abd el Mahsin, seest
thou this? Ile who a moment ago would
not put tooth on a tongue is now ready lo
devour an entire limb. Pie will be asking
for a whole carcass next. Yet he shall eat;
yea, eat and chink,''turning to me again.
"Yonder is the desert that will bring my
gay one's sides together in emptiness."
So saying he pushed thu mass of mc it
against my mouthandlaughed uproarious
ly because I showed symptoms of choking.
But now that I was docile the diversion of
coercing nie was at an encl, and so, letting
me eat as I pleased, he centered his atten
tions on himself. Never surely did man
regale himself with such desperate energy.
Nor was ho alone in his voracity, for the
entire hand laid to in such an exhibition of
ravening as the civilized cannot imagine.
Whole carcasses disappeared as mouthfuls,
and where one minute there was meat
enough to furnish a score of butchers'
shops the next there was only a heap of
bones piled for the wolf and the hyena.
Tobacco and huge drafts of coffee and
sherbet followed. Then the gormandized
camp lay down to sleep off its surfeit, the
sentries alone remaining alert and unde
bauched. They would get their share later.
"When we rose again, there was no longer
any hilarity. The festivities were over, and
the festive spirit gave place to one strictly
concerned with business. Alen who had
laughed riotously at the feast were grim
and hard faced, and among tho grimmest
of the lot was the erstwhile jocular Sulei
man. He looked indeed as if he had never
learned how to smile, and I noticed his curt
orders were obeyed with a silent alacrity
that told of an authority which would
brook neither questioning nor insubordina
tion. The saddling up was done so quietly
that you would not have heard us a hun
dred yards off, and so quickly that in an
hour after the first order was given we were
in a breakneck gorge a mile from the rest
ing place.
By express injunction Tabal and I rode
our own horses by the bridle of Suleiman,
while Ahmed was accommodated by the
rein of Abd el Mahsin. Though there was
no path save such as could be picked
among broken ravines and craggy water
courses and up and down breathless steeps,
the progress was swift, for Bedouin horses
leap and dodge and climb with the agility
of goats. In Iryiug moments when wo
three strangers were demonstrative from
fear of our necks we were admonished to
silence with the butt end of a spear and so
learned to hold our peace and look death
in the face.
By nightfall, after a ride that recklessly
tore and jolted the soundest joints and
bones, we emerged from the raDge on a
level dip on one of the spurs overlooking
the plain to the west. Here we halted for
supper, which was stealthily prepared and
silently eaten; for the need of conceal
ment had come. As soon as the meal was
over, Suleiman and Abd el Mahsin held a
brief but animated consultation, the result
of which was an imm?diate order to mount
and march. By daybreak we were at the
moulh of a steep and narrow defile thftjt
issued on a piece of green sloping down io
the plain, and here we rested in the shadow
of some tall precipices, 1 managing tosuatch
perhaps an hour of sleep.
The east was blazing iu all thc glory of
crimson and gold, when some one prodded
nie vigorously in the ribs, and I leaped up
to find the company tightening girths for
the road. Tabal, who insisted on being at
once brother and servant to me, had my
mare ready by my side. I had just time to
take the rein whe n Suleiman gave the or
der to mount, and, like one man, the band
sprang into the saddle.
At starting we divided, Abdel Mahsin,
with Ahmed and the necessary guard, go
?r_ ~?i+hirnrrl with tho cvwtured horses
a
a
\\
v.
s;
fi
tc
h
f
L
ueuone ast?ou desirest," lie an
swered.
"One thing more I would beseech of
you," I added," "and it is this-that if thou
fall in with t he manon the black horse thou
wilt not fight with bim nor provoke him."
"I will slay him," returned Ahmed
fiercely.
"Nay, Ahmed, tempt him not lest he slay
thee," I said. "As for avenging the death
of thy father, thou canst not right the
wrongs of battle. Koor Ali fell like a gal
lant soldier. Lay that to thy heart. Fare
well."
"Farewell," answered Ahmed. "I will
think of what thou hast said." And we
parted, I turning to pressing interests of
my own.
It was easy to see from the demeanor of
Suleiman and his men that something big
was in the wind, and preseutly an inkling
of its character was conveyed in a whisper
that we were bound for Amood Sinn's pal
ace. The band swelled with elation, for
the prospect was glorious, but they held
their peace, and our march was as the
march of the army of the dead.
CHAPTER XXIII.
TS AMOOD SISS*S PALACE.
"Wc pushed on with the speechless haste
of men who cannot afford to waste energy
on words, nc-itfrer heat of sun nor lack of
water being allowed to detain us. In and
out among drifting dunes, across shifting
ridges, over fissures that would have swal
lowed us all without being aware of it,
through black rocks and scraggy shrub
bery, dipping into valleys, climbing hill
ocks skirting villages-on, on we went,
with never an abatement of the pace and
no hint of our burning impatience save
what might be gathered from flashing eyes
and keen set faces. To me it was the old
agony over again.
The pangs of thirst were upon me, and
my hurt was paining me dreadfully. From
his uneasy wriggling and his peculiar stoop
I understood that Tabal, too, was suffering.
But as we had no desire to be stripped and
left in the desert to console each other in
native nakedness no murmur of complaint
escaped our lips.
Two days and nights this continued with
scarce a pause or remission. Our food was
calen in the saddle, and, as fur prayers,
heaven and the-prophet would forgive a
little present neglect in view of the urgency
of our business and the amplitude of the
after atonement. We did not think of eat
ing, we had no time for devotions, and snell
momentary halts as were permitted were
wholly out of consideration for the labor
lng horses.
By noon on the third day we entered
upon a high plateau or tableland clothed
with succulent grass and giving promise of
some sort of civilization. The eagerness
of the men increased. They began to strain
their eyes, and whispers were passed that
now we must be near the place of spoil.
We came upon many herds of goats and
cattle, with some camels, and the herds
men when questioned told of the comino
tion and revolution of war. Toward even
ing one of them reported having seen
several bm ids of our own order, as weil as
parties ol' in ops that he took to be portions
ot' the victorious army of Yumen Yusel.
Suleiman listened with interest and in
vited thc man to become our guide.
"How shall I answer my master for for
saking the Rocks intrusted to mei"" lie
asked tremulously. "Truly lie will beat
me, and, it may lie, have me put to death."
"We will ourselves lake the blaine of thy
faithlessness," said Suleiman. -"We have
a not iou of laking possession of these flocks,
and thou shalt be our chief herdsman and
shall have two slaves for thy friendliness,
the sleekest that can be found, besides
?1 nell rich apparel and dainty food. Wo
are in haste and cannot tarry. Get theo
' bold of my stirrup strap, my gazelle. So.
I know hy I hy looks thou canst use the feet
God gave t hee and canst easily outrun a
spent horse. Thou shalt feast in Amood
Sinn's banqueting hall-yea, thou shalt be
in paradise ere thou knowest it. Be not
afraid lo grip, my brave one. And thou
wilt fake ns by the shortest way. It will be
best for thyself."
We started at a good round trot, the
guide running as he was directed and not
daring to comnlaia. . -
"Thou wiltoo," remarked Suleiman en
couragingly. "Thou skippest like a roe ou
the mountains. Yen, then ?rt fleeter of
foot than the leopard. 1 said two shires
by my sword hill, thou shalt have three."
Presently we began to fall in with rival
bands of marauders, hard, fleshless, fierce
eyed rogues who scowled and snarled at
each other and at us, and rode faster and
ever faster as they found more and more
competitors forAinood's spoils. As they
fouled and jostled in their haste there were
high words and sudden gleams bf steel. In
deed it often looked as if we were on the
brink of a decimating fray, but the Bedou
in, with booty in his eye, will use much
un-Christian language and many savage
gestures before staying to shed blood. So
they pressed together, imprecating furi
ously, but nursing their private quarrels
against a more convenient time of settle
ment.
The vulture has not a surer, quicker scent
for carrion than the Bedouin for the prop
erty of the fallen or the unfortunate. From
a?l points the children of the desert-the
dirty, tawny, picturesque, warlike, cruel,
generous, abominable progeny of Ishmael
were converging upon the capital* of the
luckless Amood Sinn and making desper
ate haste to divide his possessions. As we
drew near our common destination the com
pany was constantly swelling, and so was
the tumult. Curses were bandied as thick
as jests at a revel-and it was not orna
mental swearing, for the oaths were hissed
from between clinched teeth and carried
with them the intention of swift death.
In the whole tumultuous mob none spoke
deadlier words than the band of Suleiman.
We were in danger of forgetting our
mission and breaking into gory hostilities,
when, with the blood red flush of the sun
set upou them, we descried points of clus
tering minarets. A few minutes later the
chimneylike turrets, at sight of which the
famished traveler blesses himself, and the
towers of a castle were drawn clear and
firm against the dazzling splendors of the
west. Then the children of the desert, with
such whoops and howls as no throats on
earth but their own can utter, clapped
heel to flank, anti the race became a mad
scramble, with most of the features of a
battle and a rout combined. It was as
the descent of wolves upon an unprotected
sheepfold.
Just before the final dash orders were
issued by Suleiman that if either Tabal or
myself showed the least sign of disloyalty
we were to be speared without question or
ceremony, the legality of the deed to be con
sidered afterward. With the knowledge of
these heartening instructions safely lodged
in our minds, Tabal and I exchanged smiles
of intelligence and rode gay ly with the rest
to the looting.
In spite of the forced march Suleiman's
band was belated. Already the town was
in the panic of a sack, and the company
plied their spurs, growling viciously at the
thought of finding the pillaging half done.
The crooked channels of streets overflowed
r?-ith shrieking people who had been hunted
out of their houses like rabbits out of
burrows, to be c'.iasj I for sport and revenge
in the open. Their eries to heaven and the
prophet were pitiable, but did not detain
us, for the call was eager on every hand:
"To the castle, to the castle! In tin- ?? -:le
is the big spoil!"
The gloom of night, had fallen i.in?n In
the midst of a howling and riotous press
we clattered under its frowning bastions.
There was diflicnlty ia finding a gate, and
when discovered it was only hy using our
spears, butt and point, as was handiest,
that we managed to reach it. It was closed,
buta hundred shoulders and musket ends
burst it as at a touch, and t lie surging mass
poured in with hideous noises. I fancied it
was not properly fastened. Before our ar
rival the guards had been killed or over
como, or, what is perhaps more likely, had
joined the looters at the lirst chance and
were already busy w ith their master's most
valuable jewels and his prettiest wives.
The outer court was dark and full of
maniacal people who behaved like an en
raged menagerie. Dismounting inside the
walls, we gave the horses over toa strong i
party of the most stalwart of our band.
because it could neither go on nor turn
back and was frautic for plunder. Thc liv
ing trampled furiously on the dead and dy
ing, aud the din was as the uproar of caged
beasts rending each other in the nicht.
In the brief lulls of the delirium wild
sounds swooped from above, and tho tum
bling bodies cast riven and bleeding out of
windows told that work was vigorously
proceeding where we particularly wished
to be. Once the sharp scream of a woman
rang out directly over our heads, like a
shrill bugle note in the clamor of battle,
telling that the pillagers were already in
Amood's holy of holies. Suleiman made a
remark about the harem being cleared be
fore we could reach it, adding commeuts
which it would be unwise to repeat.
It got horribly dark, with a thick, stifling
darkness that you tried to ward off wi i
your hand because it was choking tue
breath out of you. No man knew how or
where to get a light, so, jammed in a reek
ing pen from which there appeared to be
no escape, we slew each other in utter hor
ror and confusion to no purpose whatever.
If the abattoir were not burst somehow,
none would be left to enjoy the good things
that had brought us together.
At last some one got hold of a torch,
and kicking open a stove that smoldered
in a corner lighted it. Another and an
other followed suit till 20 brands were shed
ding a red glare on thc ghastly scene. In a
swift glance we reckoned the multitude of
demous against us; then, clustering once
more about T'uleiman, we reaped a path in
ward till we came to a battered staircase.
Somewhere at the top of it were the secret
apartments in which Amood Sinn's most
precious possessions were kept, and we
made haste to ascend, stabbing and tear
ing down all that blocked or barred the
way. It would have saved much life and
considerable trouble had the several bands
agreed to combine and distribute the booty
share and share alike. But no mau thought
of that, and probably would not have en
tertained the idea had it occurred to him.
For why? Becauso the good old rulo
Sufllceth them; tho 6iuiple plan,
That they should take who have tho power.
And fiiey should keep who can.
So every ruffian did that which promised
the best and speediest return to himself.
We gained the top with the loss of only
one man, who went down clutching his
slayer and bellowing frightfully. Remark
ing that, everything considered, wc had
done very well, Suleiman paused a moment,
trying to decide which way to turu. Laby
rinths of passages ran like an intricate net
work in all directions. Any one of them
might be right, but the probability was
that most of them were wrong, and it was
important to make the proper choice. As
we were debating in our own minds which
corridor to take, and with the aid of our
weapons endeavoring to maintain our foot
ing, Suleiman caught a man who seemed
anxious to escape and punched him under
the fifth rib till he yelled.
"Have a little forbearance, friend," said
Suleiman, "what do they call thee?"
"Baruk," answered the mau, ready to
fall in terror.
"And thy office, gentle Baruk?"
"Chamberlain of the harem."
"By my faith, heaven is gracious," re
marked Suleiman softly. "Thou seest
this dagger," drawing a crimson blade
Blowly before the man's eyes. "Take note
of its color, lt is sharp and cruel and will
be on thy heart if we are not in Amood's
most secret chamber within three minutes."
"How can it bul'" asked Baruk, with a
livid face.
"That is for thee to devise," answered
Suleiman quiet ly. "Thou art at home and
Bhouldst know thy way about. And I pray
thee make haste, lest 1 be tempted to fall
on thee where thou standest."
"My lord would go to the harem?" said
Baruk.
"Thou art a magician," returned Suki
man. "It is even so."
The man i urned, making an effort to get
on, but could not force his way.
"It is better to kill me," he moaned. "My
ribs crack as dry twigs tinder the hunter's
tread. Never have mine eyes looked on so
woeful a soectacle as this."
BE CONTK?UKD.J
<s*~ PRICKLY ASH, POKE ROOT
g~ AND POTASSIUM
Makes
Marvelous Cures
in Blood Poison
and Scrofula
-
(2^-- P. P. P. purifies tho blood, builds np
?fi&>- - tho 'weak and aobilltato?, gives
strength to weakened nerves, expels
o5^* " dlseasos, giving tho patient health and
happiness whore sickness, gloomy
feelings and lassitude llrst prevailed.
For primary, secondary and tertiary
syphilis, for blood poisoning, mercu
rial poison, malaria, dyspepsia, and
in nil blood and skin diseases, Uko
blotchos, pimples, old chronic ulcers,
tetter, scald he:.a, bolls, erysipelas,
eczema- wo may say, without fear of
contradiction,that p. P. P. isthobest
blood purifier In tho world, and makes
positivo, speedy and permanent cures
in all cases.
Ladios whoso systems aro poisoned
and whose blood is in an impure condi
tion, duo to menstrual Irregularities,
aro peculiarly benefited by tho won
derful tonic and bloou cleansing prop
erties of P. P. P.-Prickly Ash, Poke
Boot and Potassinm.
BjwiiMii ????in .mjamnmntmBm^^^Ms^^wmm
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Aug. 14th, 1893.
-I can speak in tho highest terms of
yourmodiclno from my own personal
knowledge I was affected with heart
disease, pleurisy and rheumatism for
35 years, was trented by the very best
physicians ana spent hundreds of dol
lars, tried every known remedy with
out finding ruilef. I have only taken
one Dottie of your P. P. P., and can
cheerfully say it has done memore
good than anything I havo ever taken.
I can recommend your medicine to all
sufferers of the above diseases.
MRS. M. M. YEARY.
Springfield, Green County, Mo.
gz>-?
fj>-'
??S>
Pimples, Blotches zs
and Old Sores 2
Catarrh. Malaria 2
aid Kidney Troubles^
9
Are entirely removed by P.JP.P.
-Prickly Ash, Poke Root and Potas
sium, the greatest blood purifier on
earth.
ABERDEEN. 0.. July 21,1891.
MESSRS. LIPPMAN BROS., Savannah,
Ga. : DEAR SIRS-I bought a bottlo of
?ruur P.P. P. at Hot Springs.Ark..and
t has dono me moro good than threo
months' treatment at the Hot Springs.
Rend three bottles C. 0. D.
Respectfully yours,
JAS. M. NEWTON,
Aberdeen, Brown County, 0.
Capt. 3m D. Johnston.
To all whom t? mai' concern: I here
by testify to the wonderful properties
or P. P. P. for eruptions of tho skin. I
suffered for several years with an un
sightly and disagreeable eruption on
my face. 1 tried every known reme
dy but in vain,until P. P. P. was used,
and am no^ entirely cured.
(Signed by) J.D.JOHNSTON.
Savannah, Qa.
Skin Cancer Cured.
Testimony from the Mayor of Sequin^Tex.
SEQUIN, TEX., January 14,1893.
MESSRS. LIPPMAN BROS., Savannah,
Ga. : Gentlemen-\ have tried your P.
P. P. for a disease of the skin, usually
known as skin cancer,of thirty years' ,
standing, and found great relief: it
purifies the blood and removes all ir- '
rltatlon from the seat of the disease ,
and prevents any spreading of the
sores. I bavo taken five or six bottles '
and feel confident that another course ,
will effect a cure. It has also relieved
me from Indigestion and stomach i
troubles. Yours truly,
CAPT. W. M. RUST.
Attorney at Law.
Book on Stood Diseoses Malled Free.
ALL DRUGGISTS SELL IT.
L9PPMAN BROS.
PROPRIETORS,
IJppman's BIock,Savannab., Ga '
WM. SCHWEIGERT
IT lie Jevsrellei%
Corner [Broad and ?Mclntosl) Streets.
.A. i Batista.
CITATION.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
COUNTY OF EDGEFIELD.
]>v.J. D. Allon, Esq., Probato Judge
HERE AS, Jacob Gibson, hath
mad'.1 snit to me, to grant li i ira
Leiters o?' Administration of the estate
and elf ec ts ol' isaac Kiley, deceased.
TIIK*E ARK THEREFORE, to cite and
admonish all and singular the kindred
and creditors of the said Isaac
Kiley, deceased, that they he ami
appear before me. in the Court of Pro
bate, to be held ar Edgefield C. II., on
Saturday.7thof -lune next, after pub
lication hereof, at ll o'clock in the
forenoon, tn show cause, if any they
have, why thc said Administration
should not he granted.
Given under my hand, this th? 91
day nf *:
. -o. yean in
,_ . -- -. MIC over thirty years hy the
people with entire success. Every single Speclflo
n special cure for the disease named.
They cure without drugging, mirving or reducing
thesystcmand arc In fact and deed thc Sovereign
Rem?dies of Hie World.
no. emacs, rr.icitn.
1- Fevers, Congestions, Inflammations.. .'25
2- Wornt), Worm Fever, Worm Colic.25
3- Teething; Colic, Crying, Wakefulness ,25
4- Diarrhea, of Children or Adults.25
7- Cough?. Colds, Bronchitis.25
8- Neuralgia, Toothache, Faccache.25
9- IleadaelieH, Sick Headache, Vertigo.. .25
10- Dyspepsia, Biliousness, Constipation. .25
11- SiipnreMsed. or Painful Periods... .'25
12- Whites, Too Profuse Periods.25
13- Croiip, l-iivynu'itii. Hoarseness.25
14- Salt Rheum, Erysipelas. Empilons.. .25
15- Rheumatism, Rheumatic Pains.25
IS-Dlalnria, Chills, Fever and Ague. ?15
19-Catarrh, Influenza, Cold in the Head. .25
20- Whooping Couch. ??5
27-Kidney DiHcnwon.25
2S-NervoiiH Debility. .1.00
30-Urinary WeakftCMt Wetting ned.. .25
HUMPHREYS' WITCH HAZEL OIL,
"Thc Pile Ointment.'-Triai Size, 25 Cts.
Sold !>y nrn:;|Hl?, or friit KMt-|wM on rrrclpt fit jirico.
Dn. Huariiunm' MANUAL II: ?...O ?, MAlLSn r>CK.
HUariinKYS'MKD.CO., ill & HSWlllliuaSt., MBIT TORE.
SPECIFICS.
[Gfok&Lf FREE TO OLLsT
! T^^S?^ifc, Our Kew Illustrated \
J J&J&?mf hJ?L. Catalogue of PLANTS, f
^^^^Ty'^^i ROSES, BULBS, VIN KS, f'
Pi -mSf^rfS?^tp^ SHRUBS. ORNAMENTA T. f
rl ar^&&'-jBr TREES, SMALL FRUITS, f"
j Jy.'?', ? '?^rS\ GiurE VINES, SEEDS, I
\ ??&*^&f&5?Yeic-' be mailed .
{r^Bf?gLr ^$*??.FREEtoallnpplicants.
R?}^ ? 100 pages. SI ost corn
ey plctc Plant Catalogue i
published. Satisfaction Guaranteed. 20 RO?R I
HOUSES. 45 GREENHOUSES; 30 acres NURSERIES, f J
Address [] I
NANZ & NEUNER, LOUISVILLE, KT. 1
lats I
tots!
CelefirafeO Elli Brena.
Our Spring* Styles
of this excellent
brand of Hats are
now in store. If you
want a good article,
one that wears well
and holds its shape,
buy the Elk Brand
Hats from
J. M. COBB.
W. N. BURNETT
Successor to GEO. B. LAKE,
Office over Bank of Edgefield.'
GEO. W. CROFT. JAS. H. TILLMAN.
Croft & Tillman,
ATTORNEYS COUNSELLORS,
EDGEFIELD, (Norris Building) S. C.
?2F*Will practice in all Courts of
South Carolina and Georgia
S. G. EVANS, JOHN" GARV ' "
?'MllkVlVUl
ATTORNEYS AT LAW.
EDGEFIELD? S. G.
Will practice in all the Courts of the
btate. "~
TOBACCO!
TOBACCO !
We have a fine lot of excellent
quality-Virginia and North Caro
lina Chewing and Smoking. We
invite you to examine our goods
and 6ee our prices, We will save
you money. We have a fine lot
putup'in CADDIES OF 10 AND
12 POUNDS for the convenience
of our farmers in supplying their
hands.
JAS. M. COBB.
Ose T. X. L. For ML
It Cures
RHEUMATISM, NE URALGIA,
TOOTHACHE, GRIP, AND
COLD IN ALL ITS FORMS,
CUTS, SORES, BRUISES,
SPRAINS, LAMENESS.
It always relieves when properly applied.
SOLD BY AI2I2 DRUGGISTS.
PRICE 25 CENTS.
Prepared by T. X. L. CO.
C. M. DEMPSEY, Manager'
230 Main St., Columbia, S. C.
GEO B. LAKE
RE^L ESTATE
- AND -
INSURANeeAST,
OiSce over Bank ol Edgefield._
-FOR
Fire-Ufe Insurance
- CAL? OX -
D. R. DURISOE,
No. 3, ADDISON ROAN',
EDGEFIELD, - - S, C.
An elegant line of furniture al
ays on hand and for sale at
bottom figures at Ramsey &
BlandV.
Whenyou
want neat,
olear* ?nd
>rk
ll
Advertiser
Job
Office.
Satisfaction
always
guaranteed
Give
us aj
trial
order.
! Facts
and
Figures
The following letter from the
happy holder of a Tontine
Policy, gives a few facts and
figures, in which there is profit
able food for thought :
COLUMBIA, S. C. Dec. 22,1892.
Mr. W. J. nonDKY, Manager, Bock Hill. 8. C.
DEAR Sm:-I am In receipt of your favor of
the 20th Inst, enclosing check for f250.&) In
payment of Tontine Dividend on policy No.
..?9,312 on my life la thc Equitable ?lie Assur
ance Society.
I am pleased with the results on my policy
and can recommend the Equitable to any
seeking Life Insurance as a safe and reliable
company ; one that meeta Its claims promptly
and fulfils Its contracts to the letter.
Yours very truly, W. S. POPE.
Life insurance under the
Tontine Plan of the EQUITABLE
LIFE is an investment, not an
expense. The returns mature
during life, as well as after
death. If you are a single man
you owe it to yourself. If you
are are a married man you owe
it to your family. The time to
act is now. Interesting par
ticulars can be had by addressing
W. J. RODDEY, Manager,
Department of the Carolinas,
ROCK HILL, S. C.
fit
SPECIALISTS.
(Regnlar Graduates.)
Are the leading and moat successful specialist! end
nil glvo you help.
s^?&f?$p*^. Young and mid
?%t?}& ^^3?s RcrnarkaMe re
\ suit? have follow
Mofftvitf \ ed car treatment.
fi&SSSrf .rfaid Many year* of
JOSZ- V*C varied and success
\&%..~??&v\\ lui experience
\\&?fc*v -^?S ,u -fle ufli: of cur*
WW> '<VjSf? tire methods that
vflK-; ic?vr55!S? we alone own and
^^a^J^^S1^. control tor nil dis
-? VzxS&!fif^i&^\ . .. ord era of ?co who
^^^^^^g^ffl^S^^Aaye weale, uud*
i^^f?ft.^^s^'^^^^i^eased organs, or
J^iSwKv 1 Jrff&Bi&p^o are "uterine
fnggiffi^ >J _^-^&HSM8?^rorn errora ol
sl^SS^^'\^^[^^^>^ii^oul^ on(J cxccsi
jSBS?jPw^TTi-p^SSS;^!orv^o are nervous
t\'7-i l i ! fefiU"?jiWand Impotent,
iMBSSSSn 1 1 ?S?few'W/;thc scorn of their
*W^^SSb% I ellows a&d the
Vi'A-<?,'/.f //^('\ Iv^??'^i'-M^ contempt of their
*"S? .'//?<:A A .'..>'" friends and con.
^.BJ^iW**** pinions, leads u
:o tru::ratitco to all patient*. If they cr.n possibly
->e re?toreU, oar own cxclaelvo treatment
will alford acure.
WOUKX! Don't you want to get cured of that
iveakne?? witta a treatment that you can use at
lome without Instrument?? Our wonderful treat
nunt bas cared others. Why not you? Try lt.
C.LT.VRRCT, nnd diseases of tho Skin,Blood,
leurt, Liver aud kidneys.
HTPHTLIS-Thc mast rapid, safe and effective
emcdy. A complete Cure ? naran teed.
S?tiTi DISEASES of all kinda eared where
nany others have failed.
U>*XATrTlAI. DISCHARGES promptly
..ured Inti few days. Quick, sure and safe. ThH
nciudes Gleet and uonorheca.
TRUTH AND FACTS.
Wc have cured cases of Cbroi. ; Diseases th?
lave failed togct cured nttho hal. Is of other speclu.
5ts and medical Institutes.
mmmtOk BEaCEMBKB that there ls hopt
or You. Consult no other, as you may waste valuable
Imo. Obtain our treatment at once.
Beware of free and tftenp treatments. We gin
hebest and most scientific treatment at moderan
trices-as low ns ran be done for sife and aklllfE
reatmenr. FREL cunnnltatlon at the o alee c
>y mall. Thor'j'ie!; examination ond careful dla?
..osla. Ahorne treatment can he given In a majority
if cases. Send fur Sym Hom Blank No. 1 for Men:
N"o.2for Women: Ko. 3 fur Skin Diseases. AU corm
.pondence answered promptly. Business strictly con
lcletitlnl. Ent re treatmentsent free from observa
. lon. Kcfcr to our patients, bouka and business mea
Address or cull on
OR? HATHAWAY & CO.,
?a i-a South Broad S>eet, ATLANTA. GA
TOWN TOPICS,,
Tho Journal oj Society,
(82 PAGES.) . (TltC.'!:I>i,A.}
KEWT03K.
Is universal*/ 'mcoattlx&K?a inc ms??; c:'taiCv~
weeki? ionnial li ?tho world. * y ^
Its ''Saunterkipi" culuains are rebfi??Tds. Uti
society news, csp jcial'y of ?lie dohrav ??C 3 iWii > <.*'.
Kew York, lJos?> u, l-.:!l.ni? e'i:<.?p, -md oil
over the tcoWit, l< nut igUiUl.it Uv ar.y Havan* juc.
Its Financial Di partnii ? I ls satlicm? v.'lih i-il
bankers and brou-r?. Its "Ll:?mr*' st.- -.v"-?? ititi
on current hVr nure -!.J by a,? ciirreewt < ? ;?. ,
?lewers, lt? "Afield und Afl.TM*' i? ?UD, u ?sj
most Interesting paiier for ntl iwv.n if i<;,:,.: -
yachting, football, rowing, si tin;.-. r.J&I-ig eba,
Its "On the Turf" excel* ill ol INT rusts? notes, MB
burlesques, poems anti Jokes are tin- el- ii rest. Its
.tories are ty the I.P?-C wriii is-r.n t nm .M rita
Blves, F. Merlon Crawford. Ju!!?si Ii-"? tl r:...-.?.-??uc
Fawcett, OntM-rt Karicer, .*.]..,.. J Vr.v I..- fLu'i m
Falcoaer"), Barry V lit. i1.. :i Roar*'!, P.tidyvil
Kipling, Amorose I'IIKT, c.-'-. it;-, HUI] :I-o, eva I. li
a trille risque, yet alway* eli ir? r, bright nnd pr? Hf.
without coarsene.-s irciiyiUing t oSmn the : jr; rc
refined and mom I utan. In audition to all litis
there ls each w. ck a sup. lenient, portrait,ia colocs*
of some man emlneut 1:: Iii? walk ot tire.
Tales From Town Topics
Quarterly, first dav j' 'strej, .Ti;::e. Septembef,
December; 255 pagt-s- t.'mo. . stains In each
number, In addition t." :in>n M r'.-s, poems, bar?
lesques, etc., from tlie ni ! iKsurs of 'f'.wx TOPICS, .
complete, original prize nu } of 130 to 100 imges.
No one who enjoys lhe nit he.?t rL'ixs ?.f fiction, and
would beaucoumni wl**i. ll Ibm pertains to good
society, can afford to bf. :. i nout Tows Tones every
week. There ls so muHi liitriestlug reading !n ft
and In the " Tales," thar n duli subscription to both
will supply any family with ai-undant reading of ti?
most entertaining character ail the year,
i KATES:
Town" Topics per annum. ?4.00. A trial subscrlp'
tlon for three months, ? 1 .OH. and a specimen copy
of " Tales " Free.
Tales From Town Topics, per number, 50 cent?.
Per annum, g-.'.OO.
Both Clubbed, per annum, ?5.00, and any two
previous Numbers of "Talen" you may specify FREX.
f9~Send io cents for sample copy Tows TOPICS.
N.B.-Have you read \ M ?l AK RIVES' latest
and best novel,
Tanis, The Sang-Digger?
12mo, cloth, gilt, uncut front and foot, $'.-50 post
paid.
Remit by check. P. O money order, postal note or
registered letter to
TOWN TOPICS.
21 West 23d Kirect. Kew York.
CA?V I OBTAIN A PATENT? Poro
.rompt answer and un honest opinion, write to
ouJKN ?fc CO.. who have had nearlyflfty years'
exp?rience In the patent business. Communica
tions strictly confidential. A Handbook of In
formation concerning Pa teilta and bow to ob
tain them sent lrcc. Also a catalogue of mechan
ical and scieuilnc books sent free.
Patents taken through Munn & Co. receive
sp?cial notice in the Scientific Amcricnn. and
thus are brought widely before thc public with
out cost to the inventor. This splendid naper,
issued weekly, elegantly illustrated, ha.- by far tho
largest circulation of any scientific work in the
world. S3 a year. Sample copies sent free
Building Edition, mouthly, ?}.50 a year. Singlo
copies, Sa cents. Every number contains beau
tiful plates, in colors, and photographs of new
houses, with plans, enabling builders ro show the
latest desitms and securo contracts. Address
MUNN & CO., NEW Youie, a(il BHOAUWAT.
CAUTION*.-ir r* dealer offers W. "U
Dou??na ali?os at a reduced prier, or say*
he has them without name ftaiupod on
bottom, put him down as a fraud.
W. L. DoucLA8
S3 SHOE THE WORLD.
W. X,. DOUGLAS Shoes are stylish, easy fit.
linsr, and give batter satisfaction at the prices ad
verused than any other make. Try one pair and
he convinced. The stamping of W . L. Douglas*
name and price on thc bottom, which jruarantecs
their value, saves thousands of dollars annually
ta these who wear them. Dealers who push the
sale of \V. L. Douglas Shoes gain customers,
which help-; to increase thc sales on their full line
of good;. They can aiTord to sell at a less profit,
and we believe you can save money liv buvinrjali
your footwear o'f the dealer advertised hrlmr.
Catalogue free upon application. Addrcw,
W. I,. DOUGLAS, "Brockton, Maas. Sold bv
er. IM:, COBB":
EDGEFIELD. S.".C.
You will no go blind if you look
at Ramsey & Bland's splendid
stock of blind bridles, just received.