The Rodney telegraph. (Rodney, Miss.) 1838-1840, 1839-03-30
THE YOUNG ARAB SHEIK
A TALE, ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE ARABIAN
MANNERS.
ssFree as the mountain air."

A TALE, ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE Arabian
MANNERS.
ssFree as the mountain air.
The heat of the midday was scorchng
the desert plain of Arabia Petrea, and the
intensity of its rays warned the pilgrim to
rest himself beneath the shady palm, and
induced the wild Arab to put spurs to his
fleet steed, and seek out his temporary home.
At distance were seen the mountains Of
Horeb and Sinai; between them and the
traveller OF the desert, appeared one of those
delightful spots on which the cye'of the A
rab looks with peculiar pleasure. He is the |
child OF enthusiasm and romance, g. though |
his life is one continued scene of predatory
warfare, he bounds over the plains with the
rapturous FEELINGS of a superior being, g. for
him alone is ''Eden raised in the waste will
derness." The palm-tree, tamarind. g. the
pomgra-1ate were towering over this garden
OF the desert. 1t gladdens the weary nil
grim when he first behods it from afar. and
his heart leaps with delight when he is shell
tered in its bosom, from the ferceness Of the
sky, and his feet relieved from the insuppor
table heat of the burning sands. He sits in
this grateful shade g. refreshes himself with
the fruit OF the tamarind and the Indian fig
tree and drinks the milk of the cocoa nut.
An Arab flew along the. desert, on his
beautiful courser. His long lance was in
his hand, and bis sabre hung by his side;
his firelock was fixed at his saddle bow. He
passed along with the swiftness of an arrow
but the easy motion of his steed reused him
not from The luxury of his imagination -
HIS eye was lifeless, and settled gravity
ioverspread his features, but his mind was
actively employed in scenes of romance
He was thinking of the fair Cora, the delight
of the desert, and he had separated himself
: from his tribe that he might search out the
tent Of the old sheik, her father. He bent
his way towards the oasis, ror would he
have been long in reaching it, but his atten-
ton was at this moment directed to en- OBJ
ject which appeared on the horizon-al
sight OF it he abated his speed, and some
4 what altered his course.
> The dark sPeck had motion, vet what il
might be, common eye could nts have de-
termlned; but the eye of a Bedouin is seldom
deceived. The Arab placed his spear il
rest and passed on at an easy pace. The
object now began to assume a de.erminat.
: form, and horseman might be perceived
advancing rapidly across the plain TIL,
Arab eyed the stranger as he approached, s
when he had come up Within bow sho:
. suddenly wheeled his horse round, and cha
. ged him at full speed. The stranger drew
his sabre, but the impetuous attack of TIA
Arab could not be withstood; aud thoug
= the former received no wound, yet the fore
, of the charge overthrow both man & horse
l. and before he could recover. the Arab wa
!" at the spot with his frelock pointed at hi
- fallen enemy. 81 want gift for Cora,
exclaimed the Arab; "give me your pols
and do not oblige me to shed your blood;
is counted a curse among Us to take ava
the life of traveller in the desert" an,
thinks answered the other) your scruple
n are somewhat nice, after upsetting me
mt UT cannot be necessary
Or preach morality whist you are Robin. me-
a "What have the sons of Ishmac,f' cal
es the Arab; Shy fraud our progenitor was d.
e, prived OF his inheritance, and by force W
Ill may recover our right. Nothing was lie
for us, but what our arms might obtain fro
the hands of the spoiler: we have no hon
but the desert"
eff you will remove that old rusty firelot
from my jaw" said the traveller, "I shs
OF feel much more at home than do at pre-
M ent. Here are two bags filled with gold
" quins of Cairo-take them and be satisfied
The Arab stretched out his right hand
take them, still holding his firelock in Il
left, and directed towards his prisoner.
- should judge by their weight" said he, pt
ing them as he spoke, ssthat it is as you ga
by and shall examine them at my leisure.
or There is no necessity" continued he, 81
is you to remain longer on the ground II
on heat of the sand may incommode you.".
of "Your courtesy is rather ill-timed," said t
M. traveller, rising "and can very well
Ia pense with any further attentions from yo
of have already sunk under the weight of yo
err favors, and been lightened of my cares
at your ciyility. shall not stay here to
'ce roasted alive, but make the best fmy W
ne to the green island yonder.n So saying,
re, mounted his horse and turned his head
ck wards the oasis. 81 was going thithel
md exclaimed the Arab, ''when your approa
led drew me from my road. Let US now ma
by our way to the shade, for you may have
Sc ceived some injury in your late fall, VIII
the can examine for you when We get Their,
lue The other made no answer, but had cow,
ed his hand to the holsters Of the saddle.
of The Arab comprehended what he was
mr. bout, and in moment his sabre was witt
ont few inches Of his throat. aIf you will
ace mounts said the Arab, 81 will remove We