Omar Kassam

Lake County Press, Issue 2138, 4 October 1906, Page 2

Omar Kassam

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. A MODERN FREE LANCE, \-<a OR THE *==— •f|| "Romantic Career 4$ —=* OF THE «» Baron's daughter. By St. George Rathborne, Author of "A Godess of Africa, "■ TAUT 12. CHAPTER XXVIIT. THE POLICY-OF SOOTHING By this time the engagement near by had come to a termination, since the supply of Tartars had given out, and without material to vent their military valour upon, the bold Cossacks could not well keep up the fracas. Of course, the desert riders had not all been placed hors de combat, but evidently deeming discretion the better part of valour when out-classed, they had scampered away in hot haste, vanishing into the darkness that mercifully screened them from the arms of their foes, and which also prevented the Russians from entering upon any pursuit since, in all probability, they would only become lost upon the wide plain that stretched around.

Kassam became intensely interested in something about this time, although ho made no comment, being a man of few words ; but his cheek flushed and he gritted his teeth in a way that spoke just as well.

He had discovered that Captain Orloff was all there, but. something of a mysterious change had taken place in his following since last the fugitives had enjoyed the rare pleasure of gazing upon the outfit. Counting those unfortunates who had suffered at the hands ol the Tartars, the llussians appeared to number almost a score, while in the former intance OrlolT's men had just reached half that amount, showing that in some, manner beyond the comprehension of any one not in the secret the worthy captain had received reinorcements while in full chase of the runaway party he was ordered to nrrest.

While Kassam sighted a certain figure eagerly advancing towards him he had no trouble in guessing the truth. It was the count who had made a most remarkable journey against time, and overtaken his fel-low-countrymen some hours previously, and iwho now came to gloat over his fallen enemy. No wonder Knssam's cheek burned. This man aspired to win Kloise for his bride by fair means or foul, and if the idea of such a thing had appeared in a bad light to him before when • he simply knew that she disliked the other, it was detestable now, since association with Kloise had endeared her to him more than he ever dreamed.

Of course, he could not forget, that he had onco given the count good cause for hating him most bitterly, since few men could receive the blowas he had and not wish to crush the offender who thus dared lay violent hands on the person of a close friend of the mighty Czar of All the Russias.

Hence it. was not with any pleasure one might well believe that our good friend witnessed the approach of this nobleman.

He was ready to give the other credit for having made n remarkable dash over the wild country to the north, following with unerring sagacity the plain trail made by the tarantass and OrlofT's troopers. Not every man could do so clever a bit. of tracking, and perhaps it was this fact that made Kassam especially morose just now, for he felt that an enemy of this calibre was not to be despised ; and the prize, confound it all, was this lovely creature at his side.

Eloise did not seem to fully grasp the situation as yot. She only knew that she had been saved from a terrible fate by the coming of thoso valiant Russians, of whom she should feel proud, so that her face became wreathed in pleasant smiles at the approach of the count, a fact that immediately delighted that worthy, and of course sent the mercury down to zero with Kassam who began to fear her dislike for his rival had died out, since she so joyfully greeted his coming on the scene. The count quite ignored him for the nonce, and seized upon the hand she held out in her enthusiasm over the success of the Itussian arms. Kassam was inclined to believe he squeezed her hand quite too warmly, and insisted on holding it a greater length of time than there was need of ; but as long as the lady did not com: plain he had no reason to demand that the nobleman be less effusive in his greeting. At least no reasonable plea for interference, since she was his wife only in name, and not by means of the holy passion that unites people in the sight of Heaven. "You came just in time, antl, believe me, 1 am proud of the manner in which your brave men have stood up for their traditions. To tell the truth I do not ever remember being half so glad to see familiar faces as now. lint you wore not with the captain when he started. How have you managed to come up with him wh'-n we gave him so little rest ?"■ So she chatted on, giving vent to the feelings that, chanced to be uppermost in her mind, and apparently forgetting the very serious nature of his long chase into the wilderness.

"Wc had better horses than Orloff, and my men possessed the eyes of eagles, since nothing was hidden from them. We would have found you though you had gone thrice as far, for, you know, Lady Eloise, a true Russian never gives up any cherished object."

There was in his remark a concealed significance that gave her uneasiness. Perhaps she remembered that this same man had sworn a mighty oath to make her his wife sooner or later, and suspected that he had this in mind when he mentioned the fact. concerning the determined trait, in the composition of his race.

"Count. Vladimir, because you and thia gentleman were once on bud

term?, surely in this distant land, with perils all around us. you would not, keep that old feeliup alive ? You art' also n hra\'e man. and can only hnvc admiration for one who has never hesitnted to throw himself into the strife when there was righting going on,*' she said, hoping to heal the breach, and never dreaming how wirle and impassable it

had become, since the count knew Kassain could not have spent those days in the society of this charming creature without being madly in love with her whom u strunge fortune had made his wife.

"IJecause yon were tin- stake, no doubt, mi fair cousin," avowed the other, in a sneering manner, which, however, acted upon F.loise far differently 11nt 11 he could have expected, for she darted a quick glance in the direction of Omar Kassam. and allowed the colour to Hood her cheeks, ns though a sudden, singular suspicion which had never occurred to her before had Hashed into being—a thought that once would have caused her intense indignation, but now seemed rather •confusing to her maidenly modesty alone.

"Sir, I only know that he has stood between ine and a thousand perils, without a thought of his own safety ; that several times he has tried' to give his life as a ransom for my own ; that 1 owe him a debt of gratitude which 1 fear can never be repaid, and that I honour him as n friend, tried and true. As such I had hoped my own relative would not disdain to take the hand of so brave a man, letting bygones be forgotten," she pursued, intent on securing for Kassain the best terms.

"Oh, I do not doubt the gentleman's qualifications for a moment ; but considering what lies between us he would know me as a hypocrite ii in that spirit T offered him my hand. Sir, you understand, I am confident." "Certainly I do, and wish to remark that T have no more wisli to clasp hands with Count Vladimir than he with me. I have my opinion of a gentleman who would desire to force his attentions on a young lady against, her will," said Kassam. with aggravating sang froid. Plainly, the count was of the opinion that it would have been to his advantage had the rescuing part\ come up a trifle later, alter the Tartars had taken their (ill of revenge upon this fellow, lie did not say as much, but looks speak stronger at times, and there was something of satisfaction in the way he remarked: "You belong to Captain Orlnfl. m\ man, and therefore 1 have nothing to do with you. lie has his orders from the Coventor, and I rather think his Excellency is desirous of making amends for his former lenienc.j At that Kloise looked alarmed.

Perhaps it just occurred to hei that Kassam had played fast and loose with the powers that ruled in Eastern Siberia, partly because ot his desire for a bit of dashing frolic. and, latterly, on her account He had more than a few times assured her how the Coventor would probably deal with a fellow of his size it lie could once lay hands on him—hang him higher than Hainan, perhaps or give him the privilege of a soldier's fate before a corporal's guard. What Vladimir said so snccringly brought this before her mind vividly enough, and she began to experience some of the tortures that had for a long time given him much anxiety with regard to her welfare. About this time the redoubtable captain hove in sight. anxious, doubtless, to make sure of his prize; for seldom had any man gone further and braved greater difficulties ;„ secure n given end than he. Kassam could admire some of this man's traits, while deploring his blockhead methods. lb- knew argument would be wasted with Orloff. and that the only hop.' of outwitting him lay in keeping quiet until such opporl unity came about, when a horse or two might be stolen, and another flight commenced. Hence, instead of running athwart his iron will. Omar Kassam concluded to try diplomacy and soothing syrup, his only hope being that the captain, being stroked the right way might prove a little lenient, and al low him to remain unbound.

liven grim old Orloff could not conceal a smile when at last he stood face to face with the man who had led him such a chase. It was worth something to triumph over so stalwart a foe. "Colonel Kassam has given us a pleasant run. We hope he is now satisfied that nothing can get away from a Russian who is determined to possess what he pursues," was his salutation, which caused the count to nod his head in approval, though the party to whom the remarks were addressed did not seem to agree with their tenor, having a well-defined notion of his own that he knew at least one subject of the Czar who might be disappointed unless all signs failed.

He answered the captain as a man might who does not care to dispel the pet illusions indulged in by Ins captor—answered Orloff with a laugh that won him even a higher niche in the esteem of the old warrior. Their conversation, naturally enough, was exceedingly brief, since Orloff could not forget his station as a commander of a punitive expedition even for a minute, but, must shoulder all the responsibility connected with such n desperate undertaking. Hut. Kassam was not despondent. He knew something about the character of these Tartars, and was very well aware that, they were not in the habit of giving up easily any more than the men whom Captain Orloff represented. Could they gather their scattered forces together, those who chased the tarantnss, as well as the survivors of the late lint tie royal, he believed they would try to rush the camp, just as the Cossacks had rushed their temporary sojourning place, under the principle that one good turn deserves another.

Very well, if such a little entertainment came about, lie would feel that it was a direct interposition on the part of Providence in his favour, and that it would also lie a great pity were he unable to take advantage of the situation, which, he imagined, might be rather mixed. ft is without doubt a splendid endowment for any man to he possessed of a nature that cannot be crushed by any misfortune, but springs to the fore after each mishup with now resolutions and abundant reason for hope : Kassam belonged to this scanty class, and seemed more resolved than ever before not to let | riliuhil ions overwhelm him Such an inllueiice may a woman

(have over a man, buoying up his spirit and bringing.-forward the better elements in his libre—for it was I undoubtedly because he wished to I save l'.loise from the net of the lowlj er. and take her 10 some place j where she could everci.se her own I free will, that influenced him to n | great extent in all he attempted. ~ Feeling as he did. Kassam was just as well pleased to discover from certain signs that the weary Cossack riders' had no intent ion of urg- | ng their horses any further while ! night lasted ; there appeared no reaj son why one spot should not oiler i them just as good a camp as another i o that Hhen the evidences of the ; late blooiiv fray had been removed to j some extent, they set sentries, made [everything secure a'tei- ihe fashion of ! troopers on the warpath, and then [ proceeded to take advantage of the opportunity to secure some rest. UIIAPTEH XXIX. "WHEN GREEK MEETS GHEEK." [I. was a remarkable scene upon which Kassam gazed as he stood there. The Cossacks had of late been so constantly on the. jump that they had not found much chance to secure any of the ordinary comforts of life; so having the fire kindled by their adversaries at hand, they had proceeded to brew some tea, and in various ways to show their appreciation of the privilege. They were also dead tired, so that presently one, and then another, curled up in a manner peculiar to their class—Kassam thought if looked like so many hounds at rest—ami prepared to sleep, satisfied that the camp was in good hands so long as the sentries remained on guard.

Well, they had not bound his hands or taken the least notice of him, so that Kassam was more than a little surprised. He tried to figure it out, and halted between two opinions — either the captain knew full well the man would never leave without Kloise, and devoted his attention wholly to keeping the lady secure, or else the tine hand of the count was seen back of it all.

Kassam reflected that it would be to the advantage of this gentleman could something happen to put him. the husband-in-law of Kloise, out of existence. Why i' would be much more speedy than an Imp.-rial decree annulling the eereniojn . and a better method of satisfying the lady's scruples. Really, no one could lind fault with Omar Kassam for experiencing some slight despondency, though he buoyed his spirits up as best he could with Ihe reflect ion that so long as there was lite t here was hope ; and somehow lie seemed to lay pe culiar stress upon the coming back of those m ild fellow - who had so recently been scattered far and wide |>\ the handful of Cossacks, for unless his judgment were at fault, he bad read main of OrlofT's best traits in that leader of the Tartars. When thieves fall out honest men get their dues, and if he could nnl.i See Ilii>s.< fellows at each other's throats in a death struggle. Kassam believed he might easily slip awnj with Kloise and take his chances. The nighf wore on. He could not sleep for 111-' life of him. \ll that might be made up at some later date, u hen t here c.mbl be no object in keeping watch. Somehow or other, as he looked upon the sleeping camp w ith t his hope all the whil>- tugging at his heart, he was again and again reminded of the familiar poem w hicli described the attack of Ho/arris upon the camp of his country's enemies ami unconsciously repented In himself t he couplet : "An hour passed mii t In- Turk aw ok.To die 'mid flame and batt !•■ smoke" And he w oiuleivd. with a longing he had never fell before, if that would be the case in the present instance—nof that Ic felt Venomous towards these Itussiail riders, for Ih'-y were a gallant it a rough set m' ii ; but ill his e\ es t hey represent ed tyranny, and stood between him and the accomplishment of his pro tnise to Kloise. So long as tiny re mained in charge she could not call Iter soul her own, and would lie denied the privilege of elmosing her own future. Therefore they were enemies, and In- must allow no scruples to prevent any evil from overtaking them. It would be hard to keep silent, should lie see those savage Tartars creeping up on the camp, and Kassam groaned to think of the thing : for, given his ivv will, he would sureh have stood shoulder to shoulder with the men who came front t lie north, since they more nearly repre seated his kin Naturally enough, by degrees his thoughts drifted towards the lady in the cast —indeed, he had only by severe efforts prevented himself from having her in mind most of the time. Now he allowed himself a brief period to survey the case in connection with Kloise. lb- could not deceive himself longer with reference to the state ol" his feelings towards her for he knew beyond any doubt that she had carried his heart by storm ; and when he reflected upon man;. things that had come to pass, he was not absolutely without hope that she was gradually growing to care more for him than simply as a friend.

Strange how the human hour! may bo buoy or] up by so slender a thread even when surrounded I».%" nn abyss <>f woe. Here was this man allowing himself to indulge in dreams thai would have better become a young man of twenty-three, when to judge by appearances there was not more than one chance in a thousand that he would live n month longer, at least, outside of a Russian dungeon. And yet he really gave himself over temporarily lo the enjoyment of the delightful prospect. No wonder the condemned prisoner continues lo hope for a reprieve up lo the very second the drop falls that shoots him into eternity. Human nature is so constituted that man rarely gives way to utter despair. It must have been past midnight. Twice had the guards been changed, and. though Kassam looked VL-ry carefully, he had not been able to discover the fellow whom ho fe.lt so positive Kept, particular watch over his movements, ready to send him over the divide at, the slightest provocation. Perhaps he wronged the count by such a grave suspicion, but it, was there all the same. So the dreary time passed until it might In- only it couple of hours to dawn.

Kassam s uneasiness increased as he critical time drew near. His long experience with the Indians taught him that savage people know when the hour is most propitious for such an assault, as men are apt to sleep heavier later in the night, lie diil not doubt that the "tactics of the roamers of the Manchurian steppes must coincide with those of the American plains, and that consequently, if they wore to be expected at all. i't would be about this time. lie had. like a wise general, mapped out his plan of action in case such a diversion occurred. This, of course. was subject to incidental changes, but in the main it would hold out.

Several limes he thought he detected some suspicious movement outside the lines, but on each occasion it had proved a disappointment . Vet he enme up to the scratch again and again, smiling, believing in the Providence that watches over man's destiny, ami confident in the justness of his cause.

J,ike the boy who cried "Wolf " many times, when there was no wolf the hour came at last. when there was. indeed need of alarm. For the wolf came.

When Knssnni detected unmistakable evidences of the fact, ho was thrilled ns never before. Flu I for the saving of Kloi.se. he would surely have given the alarm nl the beginning, for he could not have stood the strain and witnessed the surprise of the Russians. As il was he had to shut his teeth hard together to prevent himself from shouting out to OrlofV thai his enemies were creeping near, and inform him thai the snake which had only been scotched had returned for vengeance. The head that lie had a momentary glimpse of, was. without doubt, that of a Tartar scout, ami when he disappeared Kiissiun knew full well he had gone to make his last report. Those minutes were fraught with the most intense agony to him, for he was unable to reconcile his conscience to t lie task of simply holding his owji counsel.

By keeping before him the fads ol the case, and what little mere;,- he had to expect from OrlofT and his men. he was able to refrain from spoiling his own plans b.v being too tender hearted.

H was therefore, with something like relief that he learned through several little signs, familiar 10 such an old Indian campaigner, that the foe had advanced near to the camp, and the attack could not now be delayed long : for anything was preferable to this suspense, and in the heal of action he could lind his true sphere. When the critical moment arrived at last, and he actually saw the moving mass of horsemen coming stealthily down upon |he camp, as though l hey had even taken the pains to inutile the hoofs of their steeds, Kns.sam could hold in no longer and call himself respectable. lie gave a shout of warning, even he started in the direction of the little yellow tent under which he had seen I'.lois.- disappear earlier in the night . and which had com.- in lor so great a .-hare of his espionage. Thai ,i\ was a signal for the breaking loos,- of pandemonium, it I'Yom twenty lust\ throats went up the wildest shout <-\i-r heard tin field 01' bat i le. The Cossacks met ihe I ide of bailie as it -welled. like the brave fellows that they were, and gloried in the prospect of another lic'ht. for their, natures, were such that as >ei no man could sa,\ lie had ever known a sufficiency in that par t icular line. Perhaps they would get it: now, for certainly the Tartars meant business and from the ferocity of their onset it brcame evident they were loaded for big tiiime. Omar Kassam was also in his ele-

•11 was not for naught he had fashioned his plans so elaborately, since alTairs had so adjusted themselves that he now had the opportunity to prove the value of being forehanded. lb- prayed he mighl fare better than on the occasion when these same rovers at t ticked his camp, and only by the rarest luck in the world had he caught the stampeding horses of t In- t arantass. St ranee to say. no one had Veiiturned to disarm Kassatn. so that he still had on his person not only the knife that had served him so well, but also the small revolver which Klois,- bad thrust into his hand when that tierce raider knelt upon his chest and was about t,i finish him. As he ran lie gripped t he lal ter. determined to give any one who dared bar his progress the benefit of its remaining contents. When a deadly light ■ is on. it allows of lit tle scruples regarding nice points of etiquette ; and had Kassam met (lie count just then, he must have looked upon him in the light of an adversary, and treated him accordingly, for there be times when even a long line of patrician ancestry does not stand a man in more value than if his forebears had 1 n the wildest ~f Tartar corsairs on the desert. In this spirit Omar Kassam ran for that precious goal —the lent that protected Kloise from the rn w night air. To In Ooiililined. ( 101 ;i )