Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1857-06-20
VARIETY,
The Oriental Merchant

a2 The Oriental Merchant
When Hal Hamed borrowed hundred
dollars Of the mercban! Kodadad. he swore
blythe faith Of the prophet to return the sum
within six xmonths from that time and fixed
the hour and day. He was a young man
full OF hope and confidence, and Kodndad
was old and wary. "My son." said the
latter, "this is perhaps a rash promise. Say
one year" But Hal Hamed would not ac
cept further delay. He was going from
Tarsus TO Damascus on commercial Jour
ney, and hadaccurately calculated the time.
One monthto gopoHe'fnonth to come back !:
three months to sell all his goods a whole
month TO spare But, the accidents Of the
road-sickaassysrobbers, unforeseen delay :?
lie rel.eG upon the mercy of God; and
with many observations said that at the an
pointed time he would present himself at
The kosquc Of the merchant Kodadad, on
the banks of the river, and lay before him
hundred golden dinars. The money was
lent without interest, and payment was
sacred obligation.
.i'The caravan set out, flags flying and drums
beating, !fromthe rendezvous on the oppo-
site side of the river, and soon entered the
Sorges Of the mountains. After proceeding
little way, a halt was agreed upon; for.
many of the merchants had stayed behind.
saying their last adieus to their families, and
making additions to their merchandise.
llaj Hamed, who possessed several camel
loads. and had been among the first to be
ready at the place of meeting. repned at
this delay.
He had earned his title of Hal, or Pill.
grim, when boy by going in company
with his father 10 the shrine of the prophet :;
but this was the first Journey he had under
taken since. 1Iisimpatience, therefore, may
be excused. He had started with the idea
OF makinga fortune and was impatient to
be doing. Besides, there was his promise
to KoGadad. II he forfeited Chat, his credit
was gone forever Accordingly. he spent
the first part of the day that followed the
halt, sitting by the roadside, counting the
stragglers hat came in. and jeering them
for their tardiness "This young man."
said some, &c believes that time was made
only for him. What matters day more or
less? AT the end of life wo shall have to
regret our inpateuce. There arc evils By
the wayside. Why should we be eager to
come up with them?"
vor with Haj Hamed, Yho instead of imita-
ting his companions, and reclining lazily,
under the shadow Of trees on the green
grass, listening to the songs of the birds
and the gurgling of tho stream, began at
length to roam necessarily about. He saw
that another sun would set, and perhaps
another, and behold them still in The lap Of
the same. valley. He climbed the noun,
tains, endeavoring 10 distract his thoughts,
and Whenever he obtained a glimpse Of the
eneampment below, he gazed at it, endeav.
oting 10 discern signs of forward move
ment. But, the tents remained innsbruck: /:
. the people reclinede in groups; the cameis
and horses were dispersed here and there !;
and the lazy tinkling of their bells showed
that they. at any rate were enjoying them
selves. The young merchant. at length
turned away and plunged into the deep re-
cesses of the forest. Nature had no charms
for him. AS he yen., be counted in bis
memory the number Of pieces of cloth his
bales contained, compared the cost price
with the probable merket price. and ,reyeI-
led in the anticipation of gigantic profitsa
---some dusty bazaar in the far.off city of
DhlHHSOuS.' a q
49, Whilst he was meditating onthese sordd
matters, he was suddenly recalled TO him
oselfby surprising accident A huge man
tie was thrown over bis head; and before
he had time,to struggle, he was cast on the
ground and rolledLup like bale of his own
goods, in complete darkness. AT first he
? thought instant death was to be his fate
md he murmured 4" May Heaven pay my
debt to the merchant Kodadad r. Soon,
however, it appeared That he was only a
ptisoners while smothered laughter came to
his ears, Hetlied to speak, but no answer
was returned, except renewed laughter
Presently, those who CARRIED him set him
{ down; the bonds that confirmed him were
loosencd, the mantle was whisked away,
! and, 70 his surprise. he found himself in
Beautiful garden, surrounded by beyy Of
naaidens. who clapped their hands and en-.
.joyeti his amazed appearance,
Hal Hamed was too thoroughly on Orr
ensAj not 10 understand his position, after q