Page:Oriental Stories Volume 01 Number 04 (Spring 1931).djvu/144

 fought like a blood-mad devil if he expected to survive.

Now at a gesture from Saladin, those crowding the door gave back.

"Your way is open, Lord Cormac."

The Gael glared, his eyes narrowing to slits: "What game is this?" he growled. "Shall I turn my back to your blades? Out on it!"

"All swords are in their sheaths," answered the Kurd. "None shall harm you."

Cormac's lion-like head swung from side to side as he glared at the Moslems.

"You honestly mean I am to go free, after breaking the truce and slaying your jackals?"

"The truce was already broken," answered Saladin. "I find in you no fault. You have repaid blood for blood, and kept your faith to the dead. You are rough and savage, but I would fain have men like you in mine own train. There is a fierce loyalty in you, and for this I honor you."

Cormac sheathed his sword ungraciously. A grudging admiration for this weary-faced Moslem was born in him and it angered him. Dimly he realized at last that this attitude of fairness, justice and kindliness, even to foes, was not a crafty pose of Saladin's, not a manner of guile, but a natural nobility of the Kurd's nature. He saw suddenly embodied in the Sultan, the ideals of chivalry and high honor so much talked of—and so little practised—by the Frankish knights. Blondel had been right then, and Sieur Gerard, when they argued with Cormac  MASTER YOUR LIFE It Can Be Done the Rosicrucian Way FREE Boo Tells How You May Do It The Rosicrucians know how! For ages they have demonstrated a greater knowl¬ edge and a superior power over all ob¬ stacles in life. Let them help you solve your problems. Their guidance will reveal psychic laws and Mystic principles which will make you mighty and successful in attaining health, prosperity and self-mastership. The new free book, “The Light of Egypt,” will tell you how to change the whole course of your life in a short time. Write a letter asking for it today. LIBRARIAN V. J. O. ROSICRUCIAN BROTHERHOOD San Jose (AMORC) California Perpetuating the original Rosicrucian Fraternity Don’t Miss the next issue of ORIENTAL STORIES, as it will contain power¬ ful stories by some of your favorite authors: S. B. H. HURST WARREN HASTINGS MILLER OTIS ADELBERT KLINE FRANK OWEN G. G. PENDARVES PAUL ERNST E. HOFFMANN PRICE GEOFFREY VACE Next Issue on Sale July 15