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 - - 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> '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-'" 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.