The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1854-12-19


--supposing them to possess the power in each
respect--whose diligence in such case would
be sloth, and whose solicitudo would be apa-
thy. i5fI ca 10 si.b oat if ronlFegat
tni .raii grilrl From Blackwood's Magazine. n
MERCANTILE PR0BITY. fo lo
When Hal Hamed borrowed hundred di-
mars of the merchant Kodadad, he swore by
the faith Of the prophet to return the sum with
in six months from that time and fixed the
hour and day. He was young man, full of
hope and confidence and Kodadad was old and
wary. "My son." said the latter, "this is per-
haps a rash promise; say ono year" But
Hal. Hamed would not accept further delay.
He was going from Tarsus TO Damascus on
commercial journey, and had accurately calcu-
lated tho timo. One month to go ono month
to come back; three months to sell all his
goods; whole month to spare. But the ac-
cidents Of the road-sickness, robbers, unfore-
seen delays? He relied upon tho mercy Of
God; and with many asseveratons said that
at tho appointed time he would present him
self at tho kiosque Of the merchant Kodadad,
on the banks of the river, and lay before him
hundred golden dinars. Tho money was
lent without interest, and payment was sacred
obligation.
The caravan sot out, flags flying and drums
beating from the rendezvous on the opposite
side of tho river, and soon entered the gorges
of the mountains. After proceeding little
way, halt was agreed npon: for many of the
merchants had stayed behind saying their last
adieus to their families; and making additions
to their merchandise. Hal. Hemcd, who pos
sessed several camel loads, and had been u
mong tho first to be ready at tho place OF meet
ing. repined at this delay.
He had earned his title of Hal or Pilgrim,
when a boy. going in company with his father
to the shrine of the Prophet; but this was the
frat journey he had undertaken since. His
impaiencc, therefore, may be excused. He
had started with the idea of making fortune,
and was inpatient TO be doing. Besides there
was his promise 10 Kodadad. If he forfeited
that, his credit was gone forever. According
ly, he spent the first part of tho day that fol-
lowed the halt sitting by the road side, count
ing the stregglers that came in, and jeering
them for their tardiness "rhis young man,
said some, 'believes that time was made only
for him. What matters day more or less?-
At the end of life we shall have to regret our
impaience There are evils by the wayside.
Why should we be eager TO come up withth
These philosophical remarks found no favor
with Hal Hamed, who, instead of initiating his
companions, and reclining lazily under tho shad-
ow of trees on the green grass, listening to tho
songs Of birds and the gurgling of the stream
began to roam uneas'ly about. He saw that an
Other sun would set and perhaps another, and
behold them still in the lap of the valley. Hc
climbed tho mountains endeavoring to distract
his thoughts, and whenever ho obtained a
it, ondcavoring TO discern signs of forward
movement. But the tents remained innsbruck;
tho people recined in groups; tho camels and
horses were dispersed hero and there: and tho
lazy tnkling of their bells showed that they. at
any rate, we,e enjoying themselves. Tho
young merchant at length turned away and
plunged into tho deep recesses of the Forest
Nature had no charms for him. AS he went
he counted in his memory tho number of pieces
of cloth his bales contained, compared the cost
price with the probable market price, and rev.
elled in tho anticipation Of gigantic profits to
bo realized in the paradise Of his imagination
-somo dusty bnzar i'm tho far off city of Da-
mascus.
While ho was meda,ing on these sordid
matters, no was suddenly recalled to himself
by surprising accident. A hugo mantle was
thrown over his head, and before he had timo
10 struggle, he was on the ground. and rolled
up like bale Of hls own goods, in complete
darkness. At first he thought that instant
death was to be his fate; ind he murmurcd,
"AIay heaven pay my debt TO the merchant Ko-
dadad" Soon, however, it appeared that hc
was only prisoner. while smothered laughter
camc to his ears. He tried to speak. but no
answer was returned except removed laughter.
Presently, those who carried him set him down.
the bands which confined him were looscned,
the mantle was whisked away, and to his sur
prise, he found himself in beautiful garden.
surrounded by bcvy Of maidcns who clapped
their hands, and enjoyed his amazed appear
ance.
IIaj. Hamcd was too thoroughly an Oriental
not to understand his position, after few mo-
mcnts thought. lie had evidently been watch
cd during his progress through the forest, by
the inmates of somo barem unencumbered by
male attendants who in a spirit of fun, made
him prisoner. The accident is not an uncom-
mon one, if VIC may believe narrators; but it
generally leads to disagreeablo results Our
merchant felt uncomfortable. These merry
girls wcro quito capable, he thought, after
having mado butt Of him, of throwing him
down well, or into a pond. He looked
around for the chief among them rather onx
iously, and soon recognized her in very young
maiden, who. after having laughed with tho
rest, had flung herself carelessly on pile Of
cushions under n tree, and was gazing at him
with interest.
"Lady," said he, assuming an humble atti-
tude, "ths is not wise nor we'll am mer-
chant travelling with my goods, that require
care and watchfulness, and beg to bo released
She seemed annoyed that her beauty, which
was great, did not amaze him. and replied:
"Fear nothing. 1h%o is no danger. This
is my kiosquc. lie has given it to mo, and
live hero with my maidens unmolested. There
is guard of slaves at tho gate; but they only
appear at signal of dangcr-whcn sound
this bcl."
She raised conch to her lips and a shrill
sonrd filled tho air. The slave girls scarcely
tho motive, again cast tho man
tie over lIamod, and bado him be silent and
mo,onless. Several men came hurred'y, but
worc dismissed with jcers and mockories In
a few moments the merchant, more dead than
alive, was uncovered again, and told to be of
good cheer, for no had permission to depart.
BY this timo. however. boanty had begun to
exert its influence; and Hal. Hamod, instead
of rising, remained gazing in admiration at tho
lady of tho place She met his glance, at first
with disdainful expressions; but according to
tho Orienfal idea tvo such eouIs have secret