Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1855-01-31

satisfied with his scrutiny he bent him
self to his oars, and was soon on the deck
of the Witch of the Waves. Hashau
made signal to the stranger, and they
both walked aft
Ghurza, | will take the helm for few
hours, and you may retire. said the chief.
approaching the helmsman.
1t is well, Captain-your least com
mand should be obeyed,' returned the
corsalr in a respectful tone
Thanks, faithful Ghurza; I will re
member you in the future
Well, Osmar, what tidings bring YOU
from lspahan p asked the chief as they
were left alone.
Zelia is in danger and as the serf
spoke an unearthly scowl rested on his
dark visage.
In danger, Osmar2'
Ay, in danger, Hashan.'
Then does Ashraff even dare to tempt
the vengeance of the gods p
1t is even so, Hashan, and Zelia is now
at the Kings palace
The corsair buried his face in his hands.
and remained for some moments lost in
thought
;Zelia shall be rescued = he at length
uttered in tone that showed his deep
resolve
Would you, then, dare to enter Ispa-
han2'
Ay, Osmar, and even dare to tread the
halls of the shah's palace
1t would be bold, reckless thus to
tempt death for there are spies who
watch your movements
8 fear them not, now, for Zelia is in
danger and as the corsair spoke his
dark eye flashed fire, and his broad breast
heaved with excitement.
'Will you, then, enter the city, when so
large price is set upon your head q
Ay, Osmar, and ere the dark veil Of
night falls over Persia the Black Infdel
will be within the city's walls
Then it will be for the last time, Hash
an
Away with your idle fears. and be your
self again for we must away now to the
rescue
AS the Chief spoke he made a low sig
nal, and the aged helmsman returned to
his post
The sun had reached his mid day track
as Hashan and the serf put off from the
corsair vessel. The barge glided swiftly
over the blue waters, throwing the light
spray far above its PROV while the Witch
of The Wave fast receded from their view
Your vessel looks nobly, Hashan, as
the golden beams of the day-god play over
her long dark hull spoke the serf glanc-
ing proudly on the gallant ship.
'Ay, she is truly a noble craft, Osmar
yet | like not this mode of life, returned
the corsair in sad tone.
and why not, Hashan p
Think you, Osmar, l take delight in
shedding blood2'
Nay, l do not yet it is only done in
self defence, and how many a poor plebe-
ian has been saved from death by your
daring deeds. 1t was but last eve [ over
heard an aged monk say to the kings
guard, even before the palace, that the
gods would weep if you should fall, and
the streets of Ispahan would be deluged
with blood
And what became of him pray?' ask
ed the corsair in a bitter tone.
He was struck down by the guards,
and young plebeian, as he passed by,
demonstrated with them for their cruelty
And he was killed
Ay, it is too true, Hashan, he was :;
one of the soldiers run him through with
his javelin.'
And the monk-did he escape?'
Nay, he was not that fortunate, for he
was thrown while senseless into the dark
waters Of the Zuderood
All, how long will Ashraf rule Persia,
thus p ssa.
His star even non BALES, Hashan'
and the proud xizfer, Kishon Ludin,
shall fall by the hand of him whom he
now scorns for re Knows not that the sea
sometimes gives up her dead, and it is
we'll he should not, added the corsair: in a
tone of deep meaning.
He will soon learn the fatal truth,
Hashan.'
The Oracle wil1seveal it to him; yet
tell me, when is Eudin to set out on his
journey2 -
In few days
He is to - to Helat2 q
Thus | heardsn
Then he will cross the desert, Osmar2
| He will. yet it would be certain death
to attack him.
| 1T might fell from Hashan's lips, and
he gazed earnestly into the dark features
of the spy.
The serf spoke not for be was gazing
earnestly towards the shore which they
were nearing, and turning the prov of the
barge it shot up into narrow inlet, so
hidden by the trees aud evergreens that,
to casual observer, it would be unnotic
ed After securing it they bent their
steps towards an old ruin. A short walk
brought them to the timeworn walls
when the serf, raising large stone, made
sign to the corsair, and they both disap
reared from view, and the stone was re
turned to its place over the vault.
For nearly an hour they remained II
the vault and when they came out The
serf was habited in the coarse garb of {
plebeian, while the corsair bad donned {
monkish gown and cowl.
Let US mount our steeds, Osmar, anc
away; for there is not moment to bs
lost said Hashan. unlooseDing two snow
white steeds that were tied to tree neal
IL