Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1850-10-04
The Young Jew ofTunis.

| People are glad to be assured that an inter
esing story s true. The following history i
communicated to the writer by a friend, resi-
ding in the East, who had it from the French
Consul himself 1t reminds one of the Arabian
Nights.
In the year 1896, Jewish family, residing
in Algiers, were plunged in the greatest dis
tress by the death of the father. A son., two
daughters, and mother were, by this calamity
left almost destitute. After the funeral, the son
whose name was Ibrahim, sold what little prop
erty there was to realize, and gave it To hs
mother and sisters after which, commencing
them to the charity of distant relative, he left
Algiers and departed for Tunis hoping that if
he did not find his fortune, lie would at least
make livelihood there.
He presented himself to the French Consul
with his papers, and requested license as a
donkey driver. This was granted, and Ibra-
him entered the service OF man who let out
asses, both for carrying water for others and
for him.
lbrahm was extremely handsome and very
graceful in his demeanor; hut being so poor,
bis clothes were too ragged for him to be en-
po,ed on anything but drudgery that was out
of sight. lie used 10 be sent with waterskins
to the meanest part OF the town.
One day, as he was driving his asses ladened
with water, up narrow street, he met caval-
cade of women, riding las usual in that country
upon donkeys covered with sumptuous housings.
He drew in one side to allow them to pass by,
but string of camels coming up at the same
instant, there ensued some confusion. The
veil of the woman became slightly deranged
and Ibrahim caught sight of a lovely counte-
nance.
He contrived to ascertain who the lady was
and where she lived She was Rebecca, the
only daughter of wealthy Jew.
From this time Ibrahim had but one thought,
that of becoming rich enough to demand Re.
becca in marriage. lie had already saved
few pieces of money; with these he bought
himself better clothes, and he was now some
times sent to conduct the dunieys hired out for
riding.
1t so chanccd that ono Of his first expeditions
was TO take Rebcc a and her attendants to
MERGERS hop. Either from accident or c.
quctery, Rebecca veil became again de anged,
and again Ibrrhm behcld the heavenly face
beneath it. lbrahim's appearance, and his look
Of burning. passionate love, did not dspIoase
the young Jewess. He frequently attended her
on her excursions and he was often permitted
to look beneath the veil.
Ibrahim deprived himself almost of the ne
cesities of life, and at length saved money
enough to purchase an ass of his Own. BY
legrees he was able to bny more, and be;i m
mas e: and employ boys under him.
When lie thought himself sufficiently well
IF in the world, he presented himself before the
amily Of Rrbecca an dcmard ded her in mat
agP; but they did not consider his prospects
,rll Iaut. and re- e ted his propnsal with COZ
empf. Rebecca, however, sent her o!d nurse
o in Gust as IA lady in the Arabian Nights
night have sent similar messagr) to let him
know the family contempt was not shared by
r.
Ibrahim was NOR, determined than ever to
obtain her. He went TO a magician who bade
lin to return TO Algers. aud declared that if he
accepted the first offer Of any kind which he
should receive after entering the city, he should
De made rich, and obtain the desires of his heart,
lbrahim sold his asses and departed for A.
giers. He walked up and down the streets un
III nghlial, in expectation of the mysterious
offer which he had been forctod-5ut no one
came.
lie had, however, been observed by a rich
widow, somewhat ad 'anced in years, a French
woman, aud The widow OF an officer of eng-
neers. She dispatched an attendant to discover
" no lie was and where he lived, and the next
address fascinated her even more than his good
looks, and she made him an overture of mar
riage, offering at the same time to settle upon
him handsome portion of her wealth.
This was not precisely the mode in which
Ibralam had intended to make his fortune but
he recoected the prediction Of the magician,
and accepted the proposal.
They were married, and for twelve months
Ibrahim lived with his wife in great splendor
and apparent happiness. At the end OF tha-
time he proessed to be called TO Tunis by in
dspensbe business, which would require his
presence for some time. His wife made no op
position, though she was sorry to loose him, and
wished to accompany him, but that he prohibi-
ted and departed alone taking with him
good supply of money.
He again presented himself to the French
Consul at Tunis, who was surprised at the
change in his appearance. Tie yes, of flower
ed sllkbroached with gold, was grded round
the waist by Barbary sash OF the richest 81 k
his ample trouses Of fine cloth were met by
morocco boots, Cashmere shawl Of the most ra
dent colors was twisted round his head his
beard carefully trimmed, fell halt way down to
his breast a jewelcd dagger hung at his girdlc;
and an ample BournooZ wore over all, gave an
additional grace to his appearance, while it
served to conceal his rich attire, which far ex-
ceeded the license Of the sad.colored garments
prescribed by law to the jews.
lie lost no time in repairing 10 the honso of
RebeCca. She was still unmarried, and again
he made his proposals; this time it was wi n
more success. lie had all tho appearance of a
man of high considerations; and the richCs which
he half negigen.ly displayed took due effect
lie had enjoyed good character when he lived
at Tunis before, and they took it for granted
hat he had done nothing 10 forfeit it. They
askcn 10 questions how his riches had been
obtained, but gave him Rebecca in marriage.
A. the end pf six months, the French Consul
received inquiries from Algiers about lbrahim
his wife, it was said became alarmed at his pre-
lonced absence.
The Consul sent for Ibrahim, and told him
what he heard lbrahm at first appeared dis
turbcd and afterwards indignant He denied in
the strongest terms that he had any other wife
than Rebecca, but owned that the woman in
question mad fallen in love with him. lie also
denied that he had given her any legal claim
upon him. The French Consul was perpleyed
lbrahim's papers were all regular, lie had al
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