Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-10-25
MISC LII AN Y.
From Black,cOods MagGsine.
The Oriental Merchant.

When HaJ l1ameu BORROWER HunuIeu uludiS
of the merchant kodadad, he swore by the faith
of the prophet to return the sum within SIN
months from that time, and fixed the hour and
day. He was young man full of hope and con-
6dence. and Kodadad was old and wary. "My
SON - said the latter, ''this is perhaps rash pro-
mise. Saw one wear" But ltaj Hamed would
not accept further delay He was going from
Tarsus to Damascus on 4 commercial journey.
and had accurately calculated the time. One
month to 90; one month to come back; three
months to sell all his goods; whole month to
snare. But. the accidents Of the road sickness,
robbers, unforeseen delay? He relied upon the
mercy of God and with many asseveratons said
that at the appointed time he would present him
self at the kioslue of the merchant kodadad, on
the banks of the river, and lay before him hun
dred golden dinars. The money was lent with
out interest, and payment was sacred obligation.
The caravan set out, flags flying and drums
beating. from the rendezvous on the opposite side
of the river. and soon entered the gorges of the
mountains. After proceeding little way, halt
was agreed upon; ,or many OF the merchants had
STAYED behind, saying their last adleus to their
families. and making additions to their merchan-
disc. Hal. lIamed, who possessed several camel
Ioads. and had been among the first to be ready
at the pllce OF lNectHl8. ltpl'Su "t 'hiS NN'"J'
He had earned his title of Haj, or Pilgrim,
when a boy. by going in company with ms father
to the shrine Of the prophet but this was the first
iournev he had undertaken since. His lmpa
Iiance therefore, may be excused. He had start
ed with the idea of making fortune; and was
impatent to be doing. Besides. there was his
nromise to Kodadad. Ii ne forfeited that, his
credit was goae forever. Accordingly, he spent
the first part of the day that followed the halt,
sitting by the roadside, counting the stragglerS
that came in, and ienring them for their tardineSs.
ss'rhis Young man." said some, ''belleves that
time was made only for him. What matters a
day more or less At the end Of life we shall
have to rerret our impatence. There are evils
by the wavsde. Why should we be eager to
come up with them ?''
These philosophical remarks found no favor
with Hal Hamed, who, instead of Initiating his
companions, and reclining laz;ly, under the shad-
uw of trees on the green grass. listening to the
slngs Of the birds and the gurgng OF the stream,
beuan at length to roam uneaSiiy about. lie saw
that another sun would set. and perhaps another,
and behold them still in the lap OF the same val
lev. He climbed the mountains, endeavorng to
distract his thoughts, and whenever he obtained
ulinpse Of the encampment below. he gazed at
il. endeavoring to discern signs Of a forward
movement But the tents remained innsbruck ;
the people reclned in groups; the cameIs and
horses were dispersed here and there; and the
law tinklinr of their bells showed that they, at
any rate. were enjoying themselves. The young
merchant at length turned away and plunged into
the deep recesses of the forest. Nature had no
charms for him. As he went, he counted in his
memory the number of pieces Of cloth his bales
contained. compared the cost price with the prob
able market price, aud reveed IN the anticipation
of uiCantc profits to be realized IN the paradise ot
his inayinatlons dusty bazaar in the tar-olf
city Of Damascus.
Whilst he was medtating on these snrdld mat
ters he was suddenly recalled to himself by sur
prisinp accident A huge mante was thrown a.
yer his head and before he had time to struggle
he was Gus, on the ground. and rolled up, like a
bale of his own goods, In complete darkness. At
first he thaurht that instant death was to be his
fate and he murmured 'sNay Heaven pay my
debt to the merchant Kodadad!" Soon. howev
er, it appeared that he was ouy prisoner, while
smothered laughter came to his ears. He tried TO
speak, but no answer was returned, except re-
newed laughter. Presently, thuse who carried
him set him down the bonds that confined him
were luosened, the mantle was whisked away,
and to his surprise, he found himself in beauti-
luI garden. surrounded By bevy Of naidenS. who
chpped their hands, and enjoyed his amazed ap
paarance.
Haj Hamed was too thoroughly an Oriental not
to understand his position, alter a few moments
thought. He had evidently been watched during
his progress through the forest, by the inmates of
some harem unencumbered by male attendants.
who in spirit OF fun made him prisoner. The
incident is not an uncommon one, if we may be-
eve nlrratprS; but 1t generally leads to disagree
able results Our merchant felt uncomfortable.
These merry girls were quite capable, ha thought.
alter having made a butt of him, of throwing him
down well or into pond. He looked around
tor the CHEF among them rather anXously, and
soon recognised her IN very young maiden, who,
after having laughed with the rest had flung her
self care!eSsly on pile of cushions under a tree,
and was gazing al him with interest.
Lady" said he, assuming Il hum le attitude.
''thls Is uot wise nor well. | am merchant
travelling with my goods that require care and
watchiulneSs, and beg t0 be released"
She seemed annoyed that her beauty. which was
great, did not amaZe him and replied:
"Fear nothing. There is no danger This is
my fathers kiusque He has given it 10 me and
| live here with my maidens unmoeSted There
is guard Of slaves at the gate but they only ap-
pear at signal Of danger-when | sound this
5! ell"
She raised conch to her lips, and shrill sound
filed the air The slave girls. scarcely uader
standing the mo,v", again east the mantle over
ilamed, aud bade him be- silent and motionless.
Several men came hurriedy; but were dismissed
with ieers and mlckeries In few moments. the
merchant more dead than alive, was uncovered a
5ain and told to be Of good cheer, for he had per.
mission tn depart.
BY this time, however, beauty had begun to
exert its influence, and lIaj liamed, instead Of
-sinr. remained plzinr In admiration at the lady