12 THE OMAHA DAILY BEE : THURSDAY , APRIL 28 , 1898.
THE AMBASSADOR'S PIGEONS , |
. V IJY ROBERT DARK. I
ill
* . < * Author of "In the Midst of Alarms , " -Luke Sharp Pnpcri , " Etc. , Etc. Jfl ,
( Copyright , ISM. Ijy S. S. McClure Co. ) <
Haftlddln. the ambassador , stood at the
door of bin tent and gazed dow.n upon the
famous city of .Baalbek , seeing It now for
the first time. The night before he had encamped -
camped on the heights to the south of Baal-
brJi and had sent forward to that city mes
sengers to the prince , carrying greetings
and acquainting him with the fact that an
embassy from the governor of Damascus
awaited permission to enter the gates. The
un had not yet rlden , but the splendor
In the eaot lighting the sky with wondrous
colorings of gold and crimson ahd green
anhounced Jhe speedy ccmlng of that god
which many of the Inhabitants of IMalbek
still worshipped. The temples and palaces
of the city took their tints from the flaming
Blry and llazlddln , the ambassador , thought
hfl had never seen anything so beautiful ,
notwithstanding the eulogy Mahomet himself
had pronounced upon his own metropolis
of Damascus.
The great city lay In sllonre. but the
moment the rim of the sun appeared above
tbo horizon thd silence wan broken by a
faint sound of chanting from that ornate
temple , seemingly of carvcn Ivory , which
had bestowed upon the city Its Greek name of
Hcllopolls. The temple of the Sun towered
over all other buildings In the place and , as
If the day cod claimed his own , the rising
un shoj his flrst rays upon this edifice , strik
ing from It Inatar/.ly all color , leaving Its
rows of pillars a dazzling white , as If they
wcro fashioned from tbo pure enows of dis
tant Lebanon. The cun seemed a main
spring of activity , as well an an object of
adoration , for before It had been many
minutes above the horizon the ambassador
saw emerging from the newly opened gate
the mounted convoy that was to act as hla
escort Into the city ; so , turning , he gave
a quick command which speeJlly levelled
the tcn'.a and brought hi. * retlaue Into line
to receive their hosts.
The officer sent by the prince of Baal
bek to welcome the ambassador and con
duct him Into the city greeted the visitor
with that deferential ceremony so beloved
of the eastern people , and together they
Journeyed down the hill to the Kiittii , the
followers of the one mingling fraternally
With the followers of the ether. As If iho
deities of the -wonderful temples IVy ware
approaching wished to show the futility of
man's foresight , a thoughtless remark made
by one of the least In the ambassador's reti
nue , made to one of the least who followed
the Baalbek general , wrought ruin to one
empire and saved another from disaster.
A , mule driver from Baalbek Bild to one
of his lowly profession from Damascus that
-the- animals of the northern city vcumed
of superior breed to those of the siuthcrn.
Then tlho Damascus mm , his rlvlc pride
disturbed by the slighting remark , replied
haughtily that If the mules of Baalbek had
endured such hardships as those of Damas
cus , Journeying for a month without rest
through o rugged mountain country , they
would perhaps look In no better condition
than these the speaker then drove.
"Our mules were as sleek as yours a
month ago when wo left Damascus. " As
Baalbek Is but thltty-ono miles north of
Damascus the muleteer of the former pluco
marveled that to long a time had been spent
on the Journey , and he asked his irllow
why they had wandered among the mtiuu-
talns. The other could but answer tlutt eo
It was , and he knew no reason for II , end
with this the man of Baalbek had to con
tent himself. And so the tale went from
* mouth to ear of the Baalbek men until It
reached.the general himself. He thought lit
tle of lt' for the moment , but turning to the
amTj3ESuJ.br.aid , having nothing ulso to
' " *
ay :
"How long has It taken you from Dam' s-
cua to Baalbek ? "
Then the ambassador answered :
"Wo have done the Journey In three d'ys ;
It might have taken us but two , or perhaps
It.could have been accomplished In one , but ,
there being no necessity for speed , wo trav-
clkd leisurely. "
Then the gcncml , remaining silent , e
to himself :
"Which has lied rumor or the ambas-
eador ? "
HP cast bis eyes over the animals the am-
bai'fa-fr had brought with him , and saw
Jh.it they Indeed showc-d signs of fatigue , ani ]
perhaps of Irregular and Improper food.
1 Prince-lamael himself received HazldJIn ,
Ambassador of Omar , governor of Damascus
it fhp gates of Uaalbsk , aid the pomp am !
splendor of .that reception was worthy of him
who gave It , but the general found oppor
tunity to whisper In the ear of the prince :
"Tho ambassador ujs to was but three
days coming , but a follower of hlu told a fol
lower of mlno that they have been a month
on the road , iwandcriug among the moun
tains. "
, Suspicion Is ever latent In .the eastern
mlind , and the prince was quick to sea a
possible meaning for this wandfrlug among
1IH CLUTCHKD THE POLISHED SUU-
IN VAIN.
the mountains ? It might well bo that 'the
pary was seeking a route at once eaay ani !
unknown by which warriors from Damascus
might fall upon Ttaalbek , yet If this were the
case why did not , the explorers re'upj directly
to Damascus rather than venture- within the
walls of Baalbek. It seemed to 1'rlnce
Ismael that this would have been the more
crafty method to pursue , for , as It was , un
lesa messengers had returned to Damascus
to report .the. . result of their mountain ex
cursion , he had the whole party practically
prisoners wlt ! | | > i the walls of his city , and he
could c-aslly waylay any envoy sent by the
ambasiiaiJor torhls chief In IXinrascus. The
prince , however , showed nothing in his man
ner of wtat was passing through his mind
but at the test moment he changed the pro
gram ho had laid out for the reception of the
ambassador. Preparation had been made for
a great public breakfast , for llazlddln was
famed thoiighcut the east , not only as a UIp-
lomatlst , but also as phjslcUu and a man of
science. The iirtnco now gave orders thai
his officers were to entertain the retinue
of the ambassador at the public Breakfast
while ho bcatoned upon the ambassador thi
exceptional -honor of asking him to lite
private table , thus giving Hazlddln o
Damascus no gpportunity to confer with his
followers after they had entered the gates o
BaaVbek. ' -
It was Irapd&rible for Hazlddln to demure
o ho could but bow low and accept the bos
pltallty which might at that moment be
most unwelcome , as Indeed It was. The
prhice'e manner was so genial and friendly
tbrtt the phj&lclan , Hazlddln , soon saw bet
bad an easy nun to deal with and he sus
pected no elnlitcr motive bcceath the cor
diality of ttie prince.
The red nine of Lebanon Is itrong and
hU hlghnces , ttamael , prra d It upon ha !
gueet , urging Uhflt his three dajs' Journey
bad been fjtgulug | , The ambassador had
asked that hli'90 servant might wait upon
him , but the rjirfnce would not dear of It ,
end Mid that none should serve him who
we.re > not th n elves the drat nobles In
Baalbek. u
"You represent Omar , governor of Daman-
cm. con of KIHAyoub , and as such I re
ceive you on lerdu of equality with my-
elf. " -
The ambassador- flrat nonplussed wit1'
lavlihncea tb > t was' moat unusual , grad-
overcame hi * dlffldecc * and bectm *
warm with ( tie wine and o failed to notice
hat the prince himself remained cool and
Irank sparingly. At last the head of Hazld-
lln earA en his breaet and he reclined at
ull length on the couch he occupied , falling
nto a drunken stupor , for Indeed he was
deeply fatigued and bad spent the night be-
ore flleepleeo. As bis cloak fell away from
ilm It left exposed a small wicker cage ot-
achcd to his girdle , containing four pigeons ,
ilo.'eiy huddled , for the cage was barely
arge ertough to hold them , and here the
prince saw the omtaEeador's swift messen
gers to Damascus. Let loose from the walla
of Baalbek and flying direct , the tldlngo
would. In a few hours , be In the hand. * of
Uo governor of Damascus. Hazlddln then
wa spy as well as ambassador. The prince
also poestfssd carrier plgeor.y and used
.hem as a means of communication between
hla armies at Tripoli and at Antloch , so he
was not Ignorant of their consequence. The
'act ' that the ambassador himself carried this
small cage under Ilia cloak attached to ho !
girdle showed -tKc great'lmportancc that wa.J
attached to the # j toKM _ , messengers , other
wise Hazaddln VQllJd .have entrusted them
to toe of his mibjfrdhjatca.
"Bring meWWidc < rthe prince to his
general , "four of my own pigeons. Do not
disturb ttip thongef attached to the girdle
when > ou open the cage , but take the am-
iascador's out and cmbstltute four of my
own. Keep these pigeons of Damascus
separate from ours ; wo may have use for
them In communicating with the governor
of Damascus. "
The general , quick to see the scheme which
IODK , level promcnaJo of hU roof , ever quc -
tlonlng the south. A full moon sbono down
on the silent city , and In that clear' air the
plain outside the walla and the nearer bill *
were distinctly- visible , as If It were day *
light. There was no algn of an approachIng -
Ing army. Baalbek lay Ilko a city of the
dead , the splendid architecture of Its count
less temples gleaming ghostlike , cold , white ,
and unreal In the pure refulgence of tho'
moon. Occasionally the ambassador paused
In his walk and leaned on the1arapcU HoJ
had become vaguely uneasy , wondering why ,
Damascus delayed , and there crept over him
that sensation of dumb fear which comes tea
a man In the middle of the night , and leaves
him with the breaking of day. He realized
keenly the extreme peril of his own poiltlon.l
Imprisoned , and at the mercy of his enemy,1
should his treachery be discovered. And |
now as he leaned over the parapet in the
breathless stillness his alert car missed
an accustomed , murmur of the night. Baal- ,
bck wart lulled to sleep by the ever present
tlnklo of running water , the most delicious
sound that can sooth an eastern car , ac
customed as It Is to the ccholess silence of
the arid , rainless desert.
The little river which cnterel Paalbek
i first flowed past the pahco of the prince ,
' then to the homes of the nobles and the
j prlccts , meandering through every street
tad lane Until It ua'iio ' to the baths left
bv the Romans , from whence It flowed
through the- poorer quarters , and at latt
dltappejrtrt under ths outer w.ill. It might
ho termed a liquid guide to Baalbek , for
the stranger leavlug ttic palace nil 1 follow
ing Its current , would bo led past every
temple end residence In the city. It was
the limpid thread of life running through
the veins of the town , and without It Baal
bek could not havj cxletoj. As the nmlub-
eaJor leaned ovsr tlo : paripet wondering
whcllic.- was his Imagination which made
this night seem moro still than all that had
cone before since he came to the city , he
suddenly became aware that what he missed
was the purling trickle of the water. Pe < ? r-
1 Ing over the wall of his house , and gazing
AS HIS CLOAK FELL AWAY , IT EXPOSE D A CAGE CONTAINING FOUR PIGEONS.
wau In the prince's mind , brought four
Boalbek pigeons. Identical with the others
In size and color. He brought wild him
also a cage Into which the Damascus plgeona
were put , and thus the transfer was made
without the knowledge of the slumbering
ambassador. His cloak was arranged about
him so that It concealed the cage attached
to the girdle , and then the ambassador's
own servants were sent for and he was con-
flded to ttielr care.
When Hazlddln awoke ho found himself In
a sumptuous , r < feta of 'the palace. He had but
a hazy remembrrnc'e of the latter part of the
meal with the prince and his ( tret thought
went with a thrill of fear toward the cage
which had beeM''under his cloak ; finding ,
however , that this was Intact , lie was much
relieved In his mind and could but hope that
In his cups ho had not babbled anything of
hla mission which might arouse suspicion In
the mlad of the prince. His filet meeting
with the ruler of Baalbek after the break-
fa at they had had together set all doubts
finally at rest , because the prince received
him with a friendship which was unmistak
able. The physician apologized for being
overcome by the potency of the wine and
pleaded that he had hitherto been unused to
liquor of such strength. The prince waved
away all reference to the subject , saying that
he himself had succumbed on the same oc-
caoloo , and had but slight recollection of
what had passed between them.
Ismail assigned to the ambassador one of
the palaces near the Pantheon , and Hazlddln
found himself free to .come and go aa ho
pleased , without espionage or restriction. He
speedily learned'that ' qne of the armies of
Baalbek WES at "the north nar Antloch ,
the other to the went at Tripoli , leav
ing the great city practically unprotected ,
nnd this unprecedented state of affairs , Jump ,
ing so coincident with the deelgr.s of his
maatcr , that he hastened to communicate
the Intelligence. le wrote : "
"If Baalbek lo Immediately attacked , It
cannot be protected. Half of the army Is a :
the shore of the Mediterranean near Tripoli
the other half Innorth at Antloch. The
prince has no suspicion. If you conceal the
main body of your army behind the hills to
the soutb of Baalbek and cane on yoursclt
with a small retinue , sending notice to the
prince of your arrival , he will likely himself
come out of the gates { o meet you , and hav
ing secured his person , willo I with my fol
lowers hold the open gates , you can march
Into Baalbek unmolested. Once with a force
Inside the walls of Baalbek the city Is as
nearly as possible Impregnable , and holding
the prince prisoner you may make with him
your own terms. The city Is Indescribably
rich , rod probably never before in the hla-
tory of the world ihae there been opportunity
of accumulating so much treasure with so
llttlo risk , "
This writing Hazlddln attached to the leg
of a pigeon , and -throwing the bird aloft
from the walls , It promptly disappeared over
the housetops , and a few moments later was
In the hands of Its master , thy prince of
Baalbek , who read the treacherous mea igo
with amazement. Then , Imitating the am
bassador's writing , he penned a note , saying
that this was not ( be time to Invade Baal
bek , but , as there were rumors that tl.s
armies were about to leave the city , one
going to the norfc ( and the other to the
west , the amlxUsjijr''would send'by ; an
other pigeon , nedfeWtba ! proper moment to
strike. % * & i
This communicant ADO prince attached to
the leg of one of the Damascus pigeons , and ,
throwing It Into the air , taw with satisfac
tion that the "bird " flew straight across the
bills toward the south.
Ismail that night sent mesacngera mounted
on swift Arabian horses * to Tripoli and to
Antloch , recalllntt'Jjls' armies , directing his' '
generals to avoid Baalbek and to join forces'
In the mountains to the south of that city
and out of sight of It. This done the prlnco
attended In state a banquet tendered to him
by the ambassador from Damascus , where
be charmed all prcseat by hi ? genial ur
banity , speaking touchlngly on the blesslugs
of prace , and drinking to a thorough under-
st.indlnc between -the two great cities of the
east , Damascus andBaalbek , eentlmenta
which were cordially reciprocated by the
ambassador.
Next morning th second1 pigeon came to
the palace of the prince. "Ismail la still
unsui-plelous. " the document ran. "He will
fall an easy prey If aotlcn Is prompt. In
case of a failure > to surprise , It would bo well
to Impress upon your generals the neces
sity of surrounding the city Instantly so
that messengers cannot be sent to the two
armies , it wllll then be advisable to cut
off the water supply by diverting the course
of the small river which flows tote Baalbek
The walls of the eltr are Incredibly
strong , and a few men can defend them suc
cessfully agalnat a host once the gates are
shut. Thirst , however , will soon compel
them to aurrendtr. Strike quickly , and
Baalbek la yours. "
The prince sent a note of another tenor
to Damascus , aud .the calm day passed
serenely on , 'the ambassador watching
anxiously from the roofof bti palace , hla
gaze turning now westward , now nortkw.ud.
The third nlgbt-f tee -the. second mewMge
h4 btea Mat the ambaaaadtr paced tin
downward on the moonlit street , he saw
no reflecting glitter of the current , and
realized with a leupi of the heart that the
stream had run dry.
The ambassador 'was quick to understand
the meaning of this rudden drying of the
etroam. Notwithstanding his vigilance , the
soldiers of Damascus had stolen upon the
city , unpercclved by him , and had already
diverted the water course. Instantly hla
thoughts turned toward" his own escape.
In the morning the fact of the Invasion
would be revealed , and his llfo would Heat
at the mercy of the exasperated ruler. To
flee from Baalbek In 'the night ho knew
to be no easy task , all the gates were
closed , and not one of them would be opened
before daybreak , except through the Inter
vention of the prlnco himself. To spring
from even the lowest part of the wall would
mean Instant death. In this extrccnlty the
natural Ingenuity of the man oamo to hh >
rescue. That which gave him warntag would
also provide an avenue of safety.
The stream , conveyed to the city by a lofty
aqueduct , penetrated the thick walls .through
a tunnel cut In the solid stouc , Junt large
enough to receive Its volume. The tunnel
being thus left dry , 'a man. could crawl on
his hands and knees through It , and once
outside , walk upright 03--the top of th (
viaduct , along the empty bed of the' river ,
until ho reached the. spot where the water
had been diverted and there find his com-
Tadea. Wastlrg- not a thought on the
Jeopardy In which he left his own followers
thus helplessly Imprisoned In Baalbek , but
bent onlycu his own surety , ho left his
house silently and hurried , deep In the
shadow , along .the obscure side of the street.
Ho knew ho must avoid the guards .of the
palace , and .that done , his path to the In
vading army was clear. But 'Before ' he
reached the palace _ of the prince there re
mailed for him another stupefying surprise.
looming to a broad1 thoroughfare leading
to the square .In which stood the temple of
life , ho w-as amazed ; to eee at hla feet , flowing
rapidly , the full tide of the stream uhaiter-
Ing Into dancing discsof light the reflection
of the full moon on Its surface , gurgling
swiftly toward the square. The fugitive
stood motionless add panlc-strlc-ken at the
margin of this transparent flocd. He knew
that his retreat ha'i' ' been cut off. What
had happened ? Perhfjs"tho ) strong current
had ewept away , the Impediment placed
against It by the Invadera , and thus had re
sumed Us course lute the city- ; , Perhaps
but there was little use In surmising , and
the ambassador , recovering In a. measure bis
self-posseeslon , resolved to sec 'whether or
not It would lead him to his own palace.
Crossing the wmVj thoroughfare Into the
shadow beyond , ho followed It towarl the
square , kceptog his eye on the stream that
flowed In the moonlight. Tbe , rivulet flowed
directly across the square to the temple of
life ; there , sweeping In a semi-circle half
round the huge bulldivg , It resumed Its
atralght course. The arobasjador hesitated
before crossing the moonlit square , but a
momemt's reflection showed him that no
suspicion could possibly attach" to'his move
ments in this dlroctlco , for the temple of
llfo was the only sacred edifice forever open.
The temple of life consisted of a huge
dome , which was erpported by a double circle
of pillars , and beneath this dome had been
erected- gigantic marble statue represent
ing the god of life , who stood motlonlcfa
with outstretched arms , as ! [ Invoking a
bleeslng upon the city. A circular opening
at tbe top of the dome allowed the rays of
the moon to penetrate and Illuminate the
held of the statue. Against the white
polished surface of the broad marble elab
which lay at tbe foot of the statue the
ambassador saw the dark forms of several
prostrate figures , and knew that each was
there to beg of the sightless statue life for
some friend lying at that moment some
where on a bed df Illness. For this reason
tbe templeof life was always open , and
supplicants prostrated themselves within It
at any hour of the night or day. Remem
bering this , and knowing that It was the
resort of high and low alike , for death
respects cot rank , Hazlddln , with gathering
confidence , entered the moonlit square. At
the edge of the great circular temple he
paused , meeting there hla tblrd surprise.
He eaw that the etream was not deflected
around the lower rim of the edifice , but that
a stone bad been swung at right angles
with the lower step , cutting off the flow of
the Btrectn to the left , and allowing its
waters to pour underneath .the temple.
Listening , the ambassador heard tbe low ,
muffled roar of pouring water , and Instantly
hla quick mind Jumped at an accurate con
clusion. Underneath tbo temple was a
gigantic tank for the storage of water , and
it was being filled during the night. Did
the authorities of Baalbek expect a siege ,
and were they thus preparing for It ? Or
was the filling of the tank an ordinary func
tion performed periodically to keep the
water sweet ? The ambassador would have
given much for an accurate answer to these
qucst'ons ' , but bo knew nofwhom to * k.
Entering the temple , be prostrated htm-
lelf on tbe marble aab ! and remained there
for a few momenta , hoping , teat , if bis
presence bad beta oU'errtd , Uln action
'
*
w-ould1 provide CXCUAO for his nocturnal wan
derings. Rising , he crossed again the broad
square , and hurried up the street by which
he bad entered , it. This street led to the
northern gate , .whose dork arch ho caw at
the end of It , and just n ho was about to
turn down A lane which led to hla palace
ho found hlmeolf confronted with a fourth
problem. One leaf of the ponderous gate
swung inward , and through the opening he
caught a glimpse of the moonlit country be
yond. Knowing that tbo gates were never
opened at night , except through the direct
order of the prince , ho paused for a moment
and then saw a man ten horseback enter ,
fling himself hurriedly from his etccd , leav
ing It In care of those in charge of. the
gates , and disappear ! d wn the street that
icd directly to the ' -prince's palace. In a
most perturbed elate of mind the ambas
sador sought hla ovrn house and there wrote
his final dispatch torDamascus. He told of
hla discovery of tbo water tank and said
that his former nclvlco.regarding . the divert
ing of the stream waeinot longer of prac
tical value. He tald be would Investigate
further the reservoir under the Temple of
LI To and discover IT .poa Ule how the water
WCB discharged. IM he succeeded In his
quest ho would endeavor , In caeo of a long
siege , to set free Batatbek'0 store of water ,
but he reiterated fclsl ibcllet that It was
bettor to attempt the capture of the city by
surprise and fierce lacaault. The tnessacn
that actually went tfl Damascus , carried by
the third pigeon , TWOS again different la
tenor.
"Como at once. " at tald , "Baalbek Is un
protected , and the > prjnco has gene on a
1
hunting expedition. 'March through the pass ;
of El-Zald , which Is unprotected , because It
is the longer route. The armies of Baal
bek are at Tripoli and at Antloch , and the
city Is without even a garrison. The couth-
em gate will bo open awaiting your com
ing.1'
Days passed nnd the ambassador paced the
root of his house , looking In vain toward
the south. The stream flowed as usual
through the city. Anxiety at the lack of
all tidings from Damascus began to plow
furrows In his brow. He looked careworn
and haggard. To the kindly inquiries of the
prince regarding his health he replied that
there was nothing amiss.
'One ' evening an urgent jmessago came
from the palace requesting his attendance
there. The prince met him with concern on
his brow. |
"Have you had word from your master ,
Omar , governor of Damascus , since you
parted with him ? " asked Ismail.
"I have had no tidings , " replied the am
bassador.
"A messenger has Just come in from
Damascus , who says that Omar Is in deadly
peril. I thought you should know thlc ,
speedily , and so I sent for you. "
"Of what nature is this peril ? " asked the
ambassador , turning pale. i
"The messenger said something of his
falling a prisoner , sorely wounded , in the
hands of his enemies. "
"Of his enemies , " echoe.1 the ambassador.
"He has many.- Which one ias besn vic
torious ? "
"I have hid ; no particulars , and per
haps the news may not bo true , " answered
the prince soothingly.
"May I question your messenger ? "
"A'.suredlv. Ho has irene to the Temple
of Life to orav for some of his own kin ,
who are In danger. Let us go there to
gether and ted him. "
But the messenger had already left the
temple before the arrival of his master ,
nnd the two found the great place entirely
empty. Standing near the edge of the. slab
before the mammoth statue , the prlnco said :
'Vtand upon that slab facing the statue ,
and I will tell you more faithfully than
any messenger whether your .master . shall
live or die. and when "
"I am a Mcslcm , " answered Hazlddln ,
"and pray to noao but Allah. "
"In Baalbek. " said the prlnco carelessly ,
all religions ere toieirated. Here we have
temples for the worship of the Roman nud
the Greek goia , and mosques for the Mos
lems. Here Christian , or the Jew , sun wor
shipper , or Pagan Implore their several gods
unmolested , and thu ? Is Baalbek prosperous.
I confess a liking for this temple of Llfo ,
and como hero often. I should , however ,
warn you that It Is the general belief of
those who frequent th'tr place that he who
< btps upon the marble * Blab facing > the < god
court ? disaster , unless .this heart is as free
i'rom treachery and gullo as this stone be
neath him la free 'from flaw. Perhaps you
have heard the rumor ; and' therefore hesi
tate. " i
"I have not heard it , heretofore , but hav
ing heard It , do not'healtato. " Saying which
the ambassador stepped upon the stone. In
stantly the marble itirrned under him , and
falling , he clutched ills polished surface in
vain , dropping helplessly into the reservoir
beneath. The air under his cloak bore him
up and kept him frorrKElnklng. The res
volr into which he ihaQ fallen proved to be
as largo as the temple Itself , circular in
form , as was the ( edifice above it. Steps
rose from the water ) la unbroken rings
around it , but even If he could have reached
the edge of thcThugoitank la which ho found
himself , ascent by thofrteps was impossible ,
for upon the first 'three burned vigorously
some chemical substance , which luridly llu-
mlnated the surface of this subterranean
lake. He was surrounded immediately by
water , and beyond that by rising rings of
flames , and he rightly surmised that this
substance was Greek 'fire , for where it
dripped Into the water it stlil burned , floatIng -
Ing on the surface. A moment later the
prlnco appeared on the upper steps , outsldo
the flaming circumference.
"Ambassador , " he cried , "I told you that
If you stepped "on the marble slab you would
be informed truly of the fate of your master.
I now announce to you that ho dies tonight ,
being a prisoner In my hands. His army
was annihilated In the pass of El-Zald ,
while ho was on his way to capture this
city through your treachery. In your last
communication to him you said that you
would Investigate our water storage , and
Irarn how it was discharged. This secret I
shall proceed to put you in possession of ,
but before doing so I beg to tell you that
Damascus has fallen and is in my posses *
sion. The reservoir , you will observe. It
emptied by pulling this lever , which re
leases a trapdoor at the center of the bottom
tom of the tank. "
The prince , with both hands on the lever ,
exerted his strength and depressed it. In
stantly the ambassador felt the result.
First , a small whirlpool became Indented In
the placid surface of the water , exactly in
the center of the disc. Enlarging Ha influ
ence , it grew and grew until It reached the
outer edges of the reservoir , bringing lines
of fire round with It. The ambassador
found himself floating with increased rapld-
ty , dizzily round and round , . He cried out
In a voice that rang against the atone cell *
Ing :
"An ambassador's llfo Is sacred , prince of
Baalbek. It Is contrary to the law of na
tions to do mo Injury , much less to encom-
pats my death. " "An ambassador Is sacred. "
replied the prince , "but not a spy. Aside
from that , an ambassador's duty Is to pre
cede hla master , and that you arc about to
do. Tell him when you meet him the secret
of the reservoir of Baalbek. "
This reservoir , now a whirling maelstrom ,
hurled Its shrieking victim Into IU vortex ,
and ttTcn drowned shriek and man together.
HAII/\VAV CASUALTIES.
CoiniinrlNon llc TVOon American and
Other Comitrlen.
Mr. Franklin IB. Locke contributes an
article to the ( May Century on "Railway"
Crossings In Europe and America. " In which
ho saTe :
With the casualties that are properly
classified as duo to grade-crossluga are gen
erally Include ! accidents to trespassers that
is , to persona who attempt to cross or walk
at grade upon the 'llries between the pre
scribed crossings. This class of accidents
forms a large factor Jn the sum total of
deaths and Injuries , and great care Is taken
by tbe foreign companies to protect the pub-
llo In this particular' Fully one-third of all
the accidents to persons on the English
roads belong to this1 class ; and ) while It la
generally regarded that those accidents are
the result of carelessness on the part of
those who take 'the i risks of entering upon
CASTOR IA
For Znfaafoaii Children.
tbo line * . It It nevertheless noticeable that
no rranonablo precaution * arc neglected. In
( America , i * & whole , scarcely any provision
Is made for preventing thla class of acci
dents.
lu the elate of Massachusetts alooo there
ro about halt as many deaths ( ram this
cause as In the whole of Grrot ItrlUln anil
Ireland ; m ! during the last flftocn years
nearly one-half of nil the fatalities upon the
railways In that state have bcrn of this class.
Cy averaging the fatalities occurrlug In
Great Britain and Germany , nnd comparing
with the average for Massachusetts and
Connecticut , the proportion Is about as seven
to ono In favor of ( ho foreign countries. Cer
tain elapses of accidents are now almost un
known lu Germany. Accidents to pedestrians
at road crossings , or to passengers from
crossing the tracks at stations , arc hardly
possible at the present time. Any one attempting
tempting- walk upon the track Is euro to
bo stopped , and very severe penalties are
Imposei for any defiance of the orders of an
employe.
In this connection a few broad comparisons
are very significant. In the city of 'Buffalo ' ,
for Instance , It was reported , a few years
ago , that sixty-ono fatalities occurred at
grade crossings In eighteen months , being
two more than the number reported for the
whole of Gej-maay for the previous five years.
Asaln , In the report of the terminal commis
sion , to the mayor' and common council of
Chicago , It was stated that over 200 people
lost tholr lives at 'the grade crossings In that
city In 1891. This Is nearly as many fatali
ties as occurred In the whole of Great Britain
aiaJ Ireland from the same cause itfurlng the
Biiccecdlng five years. These figures seem to
Indicate that these .two cities nfford from
three to five times as many fatalities of this
class as the whole of Great Britain and Ire
land and Germany combined.
Generally speaking- , the objections to
grade-crossings were clearly foreseen In Eng
land , and the remedies were applied In
U10 cities when the railways were estab
lished. In the country districts there are
still a considerable number of gradc-crc 3-
IngB. They are by no means so numerous ,
however , as on ttio Continental lines. Un
der the regulation of rallwajs acts , 1SCS and
1871 , a penalty of 40 shillings Is provided
for the offense of entering or being upon
a railway , except for the purpose of crsss-
Ing the same at como authorized crosslnn.
It Is provided , however , that the offending
party shall flr/t tiavo been warned by ttio
agents of the company. This latter fact
somewhat reduces tbe efficiency of the regu
lation , as It Is often difficult to give satis
factory proof \\arnlng. .
The Beard of Trade has mofle regulations
and rccommendatlcns as to the arrange
ments at stations , and regarding the pro
tection of grade-crossings where they exist.
Platforms are to bo not less than three feet
above rail level , except in rare Instances.
Rach paesonger track Is to have Its separate
platform , and stress 1s laid upon ttie prin
ciple that passengers .should fitm It dimcult ,
and always , unnecessary , to descend upon the
tracks. The character of gates , and the
manner of operating them , are prescribed ,
Private road-croEalngs ore also provided with
gates ; and under the law of 1815 a penalty
la provided for persons who neglect to close
them after passing through , and persons
using them enter upon the track at their
own risk. Ttio comparative freedom from
accidents of all classes on the Rngltsh reads
Is duo to much Investigation by parlia
mentary commissions , many of the reports
by tfacne commissions being very suggestive
and valuable. Among other tangible results
or these Investigations has been a wise ex
tension , In 1871 , of the powers of the rail
way department of the Board of Trade.
Slnco that time , and largely through tbe ef-
fortd of the board , there has been a ciiarked
decrease In railway casualties throughout
Great Britain , as Indicated by the statistics
covering tticpe matters.
Arnold's Brome Celery cures headaches.
lOc , 25c and HOc. All druggists.
Clock CoiuiiniiyKHKIIH. ! .
.BOSTON , April 27. The D. Howard Clock
and Watch company , Samuel Little , presi
dent , has made an assignment for the benefit
of creditors to P. E. Snow. Samuel Llttlo
and his van , Arthur , also have made Indi
vidual assignments. Both are paid to bo on
the paper of the clock company for largo
amounts. It Is estimated that the liabilities
of the watch company will reach ? 500,000 ,
"with assets of $400,000. The cause of the
assignment lu not known.
A soap that destroys the softness -
| ness of woolen will destroy the
MoftneBs of
the skin. Be
sure of that.
No matter
how much a
soap costs , if
it shrinks
wool it isn't
fit for the
toilet. The
best soap for
all uses is
thesoapthat
won't shrink
HVMAMA I WISH MINE WOOl.
" " " "
_ USED HAD
WOOLSOAP
* . IT SWIMS.
"Wool Soap Is an excellent article , and
very woman will be benefited by uuInK It. "
UELKN M.BARKEU , Trent. NatM W.C.T.U.
eo + t
See That Stamp !
It Is the Government
Internal Revenue Stamp
over the Cork nnd Cap.
\ sulo of every bottle of
Certifying to the Age and Purity of the
Whisky.
NOTE. It M the Government's Guar
antee that KOCH with thin bottling. See
that the name W. A. OAINIS A CO. Is printed
on the stamp.
ALL DEALERS SELL IT
The U. 8. *
GOVERNMENT
want ! tlron * men In IU
service. With one axs-
iCord the Army nnrt Navy
endorse IlAll-llKN ai
the urcntest k n o w n
strenRthoncr , invlirorut-
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creates solid flesh , miis-
clo nnd strength , clears
the brain , strcnfithcns
the nerves anil causes
the rcnerath o onrnns to
quickly regain their nor-
mnl powers. For nerv
ous prostration , over-i
worlc , Impntrcd vitality'
In either BOX. or oxcesilvo use of opium , llquot
or tob.icco , It pasltlvely cannot bo excelleiW
One box will work wonders. Six will cure.
11AK-1IKN is for sale by nit drUKKlsts , 00 t b *
let * . BO crntn. Ono to two months' treatment.
Fill out ana mall us the dliiRinsla sheet In each ,
box , mid wo will Klvo your cuso special atten
tion without extra chares. HAH-HKN Is pre
pared by lllalmcr O. Benson. l'h.U.U. B. , di
rect from the formula of U. K. llarton , M. IK
Cleveland's most eminent specialist Malledl
in closed p.icknRO on rroolpt of price
DHS. 1JAHTON : AND lIP.NfrON.
i : 01 Bar-Bon Block. Cleveland , Ci
. For sain by Kulm & Co , 13th nnd D6ug
las ; J. A. Fuller & Co. , HW UouKlos St. .
nnd Uruham Drug Co. , l.Mli and Ftirmimi
King I'lmnnacy , 27th and Leaven worth :
1'e.j-ton's I'hnrmncy , 31th nnd Lenvcnworthi
K. J. Sjykora. South Omaha , and nil other
drug-gists In Omnlui , South Onmhn , Council
MANHOOD RESTOREO"P1"- ; ; :
tlonof a famous . French physician , will quickly euro you of all net-
or dlsc.ose * of the gcucrutlve ,
yous orpain guch M tustMnnbnod.
Insomnia. J'Blns lu the HackSeminal Emission * . Nervous liobllltyl
rimplcs , UnQtncss to Marry , Exhoustlni : Drnlns , Vnrlcocclo aiii
Conatlnatlon. It stoiji n I lo < ; aM tiyilnr or night I'ievents quirk-
.
Dfssof UI < iCh.irEewlilclilfnotclii < ri > ( llpnMtoKperinntorrlia < ikand
, AFTER tliohorroMoflmpotencr. rin'imiNKclcuuscaUioUvtri Ui
CITPIDKNK ntrcnsthensand rrslorr3rtnnll wcnleorcnns.
The reason mitrori'M are not cured by IKK-lnrn Is beemiso ninety per cent are troubled wlttl
Proat tltl > . CUI'IliKNKIsthn known remedy to curowlllioutiin op < ration. ( TOOIeMlmonl-
(1s. A written nunrnmeotlven ( am. money returned If six ooTes does not ctfuci a j > erUIIUII.IHeuro.
51s. n box , sir for (5.00 , by innll. bend for riiKKclrcular and testimonials.
Address DA Vol. MEDICINE CO.,1'.O. llox WTO , Ban anclsco , CnL rSatebtt
MVKIIS-1JILI.OX UltUO CO. . S. 12. Cm , Kith ntitl I'ur.iuni , OinnliB.
-EAST , WEST , HOME IS BEST , " IF KEPT
GLEAN WITH
SAPOLIO
Pictures of the Navy and Cuba
The Bee lias arranged to supply its readers with a sot of
Portfolios which answer many important questions they
have been asking themselves and their friends for sometime
past. The Bee prints the news concerning Cuba , the Ha
waiian Islands and the American Navy , but where is
the reader that would not like to see these things as they
really are. The set will comprise
Ten Portfolios of Photographic Reproductions
presenting 160 views , accompanied by concise explanatory text.
They furnish much valuable information about
HAWAII , CUBA ,
Countries where America has largo interests to bo protected , and
THE AMERICAN NAVY
which will figure prominently in the protecting. Naturally ovoryAmoripan
wants to Know what sort of ships Unulo Sara uses in arguin ? nautical quos-
tlons , and The Bee's odor affords the moans of knowing the strength "df hs |
logic in heated disputes.
HOW TO'BET THEM
, The Omaha Bee will plcuso send to the
Fill out the annexed coupon *
undersigned reader PORTFOLIOS
as
legibly , stating how many you
wish , and bring ( or send ) It to
The Bee with 10 cents In coin issued , for which * is inclosed.
for ench PORTFOLIO wanted.
It will be moro convenient to
send $1.00 at the outset , ns you Name . -
can thereby avoid writing a
letter and enclosing a dime for Street . ' . ' . . , . . . .
each nf the successive Issues.
Thes- will bo f nt out as fast
as they come from the , presses. City State. . . . . . . . . . . .
Get One for a Dime Indicate In plain figure1 * how iminy Portfolios
; arc wanted unU how niuoli mnnuy Is Inclosed. ' Send
no slumps.
10 for a Dollar ,
Cuba and Navy Series
' ! ! .
Now Complete.
Parts 1 to 10 now here.
WINE OF CARDUI
"WORN-OUT" WOMEN '
FOR - . .k
ROBINSONVIU.K , Miss. , )
Nov. and , 1897. I
By the use of Wiue of Cardui I
am now in better health than at
any time since I became o woman.
I suffered greatly for a long time.
Had severe pains in both sides , ana
between the shoulders. When I
would rise in the morning I was
always weary. I could not do any
thing but lay around. I am now
in good health , and can do my
housework without difficulty. I
don't get up in the morning feel
ing tired and worn out. Wine of
Cardui is a great medicine.
MRS. P.JONES.
IREE S . 5
Cii r < l ' '
What a lot of ' worn-out ' ' women there are in the world I They go to
unrefreshed in the morning. Life is a hard
and rise
bed tired , get little sleep ,
battle for them. It's a fight for existence against heavy odds after a woman
her trouble commences with some
commences to go down hill. Usually
slight derangement or weakness in the organs that make her a woman. She
neglects that , and the whole system is soon vitally affected. Her condition
quickly becomes deplorable. How much better it is to seek relief at the first
appearance of such troublel If taken in time , Wine of Cardui will perma-
out of hundred cases of " female diseases .
nentlycure ninety-nine every
This medicine is a simple , pure , vegetable Wine , with no intoxicating quah
ties. It goes to the root of the trouble , and -
' health. UOIET ADVISORY OEPAITMOrr.
builds a woman's
permanently up For dTloa to cu i tMvMac § p -
flesh and strength , d l dlrfotiont , wldrM * . fWlni tjmtf
Every woman who is losing toml. EuMM'
especially if the menstrual organs are in any Tk CbMUaooc Cfc tt * , p T na.
way affected , should take Wine of Cardui.
IT COtTi ONLY 81.00 PER 1OTTLI AT THE DRUG WORE.
WINC OF CARDJJ
