Sugar planter. [volume] (West Baton Rouge [i.e. Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, La.]) 1856-1925, 1856-02-16

| laTor Win iaJ llaned, who, instead OF
initiating bis companions, and reclining
| lazIly, Under the shadow of the trees OH
the green grass, listening to the songs
Of the birds and the gurglins Of the
stream, began at length to roam uneas-
| y about. He saw that another SUI,
would set, and perhaps another, and be-
hold them still in the lap Of the same
valley. lie climed the mountains, en-
deavoring to distract his thoughts, and
whenever he obtained a glimpse of the
encampment below, he gazed al it, en-
deavoring to discern signs of forward
movement. But the tents remained
innsbruck; the people recliDed in groups;
the camels and horses were dispersed
here and there; and the lazy tiukipg 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 probable market price, and reveled
in the anticipation of gigantic profits to
be realized in the paradise Of his imagiu-
ation-some dusty bazaar in the far-ofs
city Of Damascus.
While he was meditating on these
sordd matters. he was suddenly recalled
to himself by this surprising accident
A huge mantle mantle was thrown over
bis head and before he had time to
struggle, he was cast on the ground, and
rolled up, like bale of his own goods.
in complete darkness. At first. he
thought that instant death was to be
his fate; and he murmured, "May Heav-
en- pay my debt to the merchant Ko-
dadad" Soon, however, it appeared
that he was only prisoner; and he felt
himself raised and carried along, while
smothered laughter came to his ears
Ifthls were joke, it was practical one.
He tried to speak: bnt no answer WAS
returned, except renewed laughter
Presently, those who carried him set him
down; the bonds that confined him
were loosened, tue mantle was whisked
away, and, to his surprise, he found
himself in beautiful garden, surrounded
by bevy Of maidens, who clapped their
hands, and enjoyed his amazed appear
ance. .-...- --... .... ...
Haj Hamed was too thoroughly An
Oriental not to understand his position,
after few moments thought He had
evidently been watched during his pro-
gress through the forest by the inmates
of some harem, nnencumbered bg male
attendants, who in spirit of fun had
made him prisoner. The incident is not
an uncommon one, if we may believe
narrators but it generally leads to disa-
greeabe results. Our merchan. teI, an-
comfortable. These merry girls were
quite capable, he thought, after having
made butt Of him, of throwing him
down we'll or into pond. He looked
around for the chief among them rather
anxiously, and soon recognized her in
very young maiden, who, after having
laughed with the rest, had flung herself
caielessly on pile Of cushions uuder
tree, and was gazing at him with inter
est.
''Lady," said he, assuming humble
attitude, ''this is not wise nor well. I
am merchant travelling with my goods
that require care and watchfulness, aud
beg to be released" -
She seemed that her beauty, which
was great, did not amaze him and re-
piled: .-..r ....... -..
'Fear nothing. There is NO danger.
This IS my fathers kiosque. He has
given it to me and | live here with my
.naidens unmolestea. There is guard
of slaves at the gate; but they only ap-
pear at signal Of danger-when Isound
this she'll"
She raised eoncl, to her lips, and
shrill sound 6iled the air. The slaves
girls, scarcely understanding her motive,
again cast the mantle over Hamed, and
bade him be silent and motionIess.-
Several men came hurriedlv; but were
dismissed with jeers and mockeries. Ii
few moments the merchant, more dead
than alive, was uncovered again, and told
to be of good cheer, for he had permis-
sion to depart.
! BY this time, however, beauty had
begun to exert It's influence and Haj
Hamed, instead of rising, remained gag
ing in admiration at the lady Of the place
IShe met his glance, at first, with dis
dainful expression bat according to tbe
Oriental idea. two such souls have secret
sympathies, from the influence Of which