Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 1 — page 111: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE CARAVAN have planned, to meet the vulture. I will pledge my word as surety that she will never speak of Yahka Arik outside the val- ley. I hope to marry Miss Rand.” Mahmoud weighed the girdle in his hand very thoughtfully. Edith looked at him with breathless interest. It was becoming clear to her that these three natives could do with her as they willed. She did not struggle to free herself from the binding veil. The nearness of the flooding vapor had struck apprehension into her heart, She wondered at Donovan’s calmness. The Sayak chief shook his head. “Tt is not enough. We are no more than servants of him’’—he pointed to the cur- tain into which the Aadjt had retired—“ and the law of Yahka Arik is binding. Miss Rand must die.” - Donovan looked up at the circle of sky framed in the dome opening. He drew a long breath, and his shoulders stiffened. He had lost his point. He knew that there was no hope in re- sistance. Iskander and the chief were armed. A cry from Mahmoud would bring a dozen Sayak guards from the barred door. Even if he could account for the three Sayaks—and, weaponless, this was impos- sible—he could not leave the mosque with the girl. Fleetingly he thought of seeking the Zadji, as a last card to be played in the © face of the Sayaks’ will. But, knowing the settled purpose of the men, he did not dare leave Edith’s side, even for a moment. Instead, he turned swiftly upon the silent Iskander. “ Scion of Tahir,” he said bitterly, ‘“ you have drawn sword in the army that was once mine. You and IJ are brothers in arms against the Turk and our foes. You know that I was once an officer. You have eaten the bread and salt of the English. Will you stand aside and see this thing done?” The Arab bent his head. ““ Aye, Iskander, and you once had'‘a wife. I was willing to help you to your revenge. You, alone of these men, know the bond of a man’s love for a woman, and the tie of fatherhood.” At this Iskander plucked at his ‘sword hilt, his dark eyes roving. He attempted to speak, but his words were choked. OF THE DEAD. 101 “ Effendi,” he muttered, “ it is true that I have seen you as an officer among the English. Because of this, and the salt I have eaten, I spoke in your favor when you first came unbidden to Yahka Arik, But this is otherwise—”’ ‘“Your wife died, Iskander. Will you let the man who took her from you escape? I know his name.” ‘“May Allah the Generous forgive!” The manaps turned a moody face toward them. ‘I will not see this woman die, Nay—I will protect her!” His forehead was wet with perspiration that did not come from the heat of the steam. He laid a hand on his sword, glar- ing at the two Sayaks. But Donovan stepped forward. Iskander’s assistance, po- tent though it might be, would not avail to safeguard Edith Rand. True, the Sayak chief and Mahmoud might be dealt with, possibly killed if necessary. But Donovan guessed that hidden eyes were watching the scene; he knew that in the event of a struggle the alarm would be given—and if that ae | pened, all was lost. Edith would have spoken, anxiously. He shook his head at her smilingly. Iskander’s aid would weigh in the balance, but not if a sword were thrown into the scales. After his first outburst the Arab was im- passive. The two Sayaks waited, with downcast eyes. Only the chief gripped a dagger in his girdle in a powerful fist. So deep was the mosque in the shadow, so quiet the group by the vapor gate, they might have been five worshipers gathered in prayer—except for the veil that bound the limbs of the woman. A slight breeze passed through the shad- ows, cooling the damp foreheads of Dono- van and Iskander and touching the yellow curls of Edith Rand. The white man put hand to belt. But, as the Sayak chief looked up intently, he slipped loose the leather strap at his waist and held it out to Iskander. ‘“‘ Man of Tahir,” he said, “‘ here is a cord to bind me. If they lay Miss Rand upon the vapor gate, you must bind me and put me beside her. I will not live, if she dies.” Iskander drew back as though a snake cComicloooks C@©