The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1850-08-24
The WisChief Maker,
ny C3NrLEs rICFUvs.


Between the rivers Kistnah and Bcehma, in
the Dcckhan, surrounded by wild rocky hills, lies
the town Of sho-apoor, capital Of u state Of that
name inhabited by IL people VII, have generally
been considered awcss superstitious and quarrel
some. OF late years they have been ilorc indus
trious md peaccaLle, and though still an cxcita-
hle race may be said to be advancing in the arts
| ofpoace
Itwas during more remote period, when toW
strangers ever ycuturod to penetrate the country
that a weary-looking traveller covered with dust
entered one ofthc gates, and sat down for Il while
at the side Of a well. He then proceeded to take
of bis waistbaud and turban, washed his head
and his feet, drank Of the cool refreshing water.
combed hi, beard and muStachios, and spreading
a small carpet ON which he laid his trusty sword.
drew from his wallet neat little muslin skulcap.
than seated himself cross-legged, lighted his pipe,
and began to look very comfortable indeed.
In the meantime there were not wanting many
idle and curious people, who having first at dis
tanco observed the movements OF the stranger,
approached nearer and nearer. But he seemed
to take little notice Of the crowd, and appeared
absorbed in q sense Of his own enjoyment, taking
long whiils of his pipe, and looked rs if he had
made considerable progress towards the third
heaven.
Mt length respectable looking man, who had
come up drew nearer than the rest, and asked
him from whence he had travoilcdard whittier hc
was going What he was seeking in Shurapoor
and whether he was merchant, or merely came
to look about him But the questions ended III
smoke, being answered only IN whjfS
Then came another still bolder mrn, and said
"Slr, the heat : great; be pleased to come with
me TO my house and rcpose yourself there and
will give you nice cool place IN which You may
sleep
Upon this the stranger drew his pipe from his
mouth and replied, "You are extremely sind
good sir and am really grateful to you Tor your
pro.lercd hospitality; hut the fact Is, l don't be.
heye you would wish 10 have mo IN your house
did You know what really am"
Aud thus saying, he rollcdhis eyes a1out, twis-
ted up his mOustdchios, sirokod his beard, and
assumed such n mysterious a'r, that an indescr
bable terror seized the by SANDERS; so much so
that in falling hastily back some ofthem tumhlcd
down, and others tumblud over them in a very IL
diculous manner,
Hes thief whispered one. "Or Thar'
said another "Or on evil spirit in the form Of
man." observed fourth. nj all events, doesn't
he look like one who has tWcI dpotLoi'
In short the alarm became general and several
deemed it prudent, first 70 sneak Oh, ard then
take to their heels. A few, however, ofthc bold.
cr spirits kept their ground, and seeing that the
stranger did nothing but take long whiifs from his
pipe, sending the smoke peacefully curling over
his beard andmustachlos out Of both his nostrils,
they regairod their confidence, and began TO
think that after all he NIGHT be some important
pcrsonago-who could tell So after little
pushing and elbowing among themselves, n man
was thrust forward under an idea that something
might como oft; but no, the stranger appeared
us unmoycd rs ever.
Then another, who had screwed up his courage
to that point, boldly advanced aud thus spoke
"Oo pray, sir, tell us who upon earth You may