The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-06-14

the city, but the Persian struck his trail and
followed on his track like an Indian on the
trail OF his enemy. Across mountains and
prairies, into the very encampment of the
enemy, on the march and in the bivouac, in
the hotel and the saloon, the unwearied ennis
sary followed in the shadow of his enemy.
By night and day he haunted his presence as
! the mind is haunted by the recollections of
an injured friend. You know what power
Zera yields over her household and followers,
by what ties of fidelity they are bound to her.
All the fierce nature of the Oriental was en-
listed in the enterprise. His lady, the success
sor and grand-child of his emir, wiIled it to
be done-he inquired no further; at tho.
hazard of his life, or what was of less account,
the life of his victim, he would accomplish
his mission, and fulfill her commands. Days
and weeks passed away-dangers thickened
around the faithful slave, but still with I'M
wearied fidelity he chung to the path of the
man who held the paper he was bent on secur-
ing. But still all his exertions were baffled
He could and would have slain him without
remorse, but he had to provide way for his
own retreat; not that he valued his life when
weighed against his mistress's pleasure, but
unless he got away himself the paper could
not be safely transmitted.
"At last a scouting party, of which Hayes
was one, started in the direction of the
Southern encampment Now was the time
Before the party returned he determined that
the precious document should change its
possessor. Close on the heels of this
party he hung all day. Through brush
and over prairie he chung in close
pursuit. At last towards night, and
when not more than twenty miles from the
Southern headquarters, he found Hayes for
moment separated from his companions.
Without moments hesitation, in the twink
ling of an eye, he spurred his horse 10 the
side of his victim, and dealt hirl a blow
which felled him senseless to the ground.
Quickly dismounting he obtained possession
of the paper; and binding his victim hand
and foot, he threw him across the pummeI of
his saddle and dashed away towards the head
quarters of Gen. Price. On, over the prairie,
through the cloudless moonlight, over hills
and valleys, rushed the Persian and his pris-
oner. 1t was mad and savage ride, but to
prevent pursuit and secure his prisoner, il
must be made. Two hours after midnight he
reached the camp and delivered up his pris-
oner. Gen. Price himself undertook his Sc
curity and provided from his own bodyguard
band to guard him.
Scarcely pausing to rest the man again re-
sumed his journey; but this time his destiua-
ton was the city; and last night just before IL
O'clock he laid this paper IN Zera's hand. It's
your letter."
The old man was deeply affected when the
narration was ended. Tears of joy coursed
down his withered cheeks, and raising his
clasped hands above his head, his lips moved
in silent gratitude.
"We owe your safety, father, to Zeral"
''May God Almighty bless her, was the
fervent response.
Sand now, father, want to see this paper
destroyed; it has worked mischief enough;
bid me hold it over this flame until it is con-
sumed."
"Do so, my child; it has worked its mission,
but 1 am not insensible to the mercy of
Heaven in showing me what that mission
wasl"
What, father?" inquired Laura, as she
uSlu lHo paper InaI udu OccaSlOned so much
sorrow, over the flame of the lamp, and saw
it gradually crumble into ashes
alt is that we may know how to cherish
the noble stranger who has wandered to our
land, from her far-of home; and whose COM
ing has scattered blessings wherever her foot
steps have trod," was the old mans feryent
reply.
"True, father, she is noble girl brave
pure, and good as the angels"
"May God bless her Tell her that an old
mans prayers rise hourly in her behalf Go
now, my chId; my imprisonment sits lightly
on me now They must release me after
awhile, since no evidence can be produced
against me. Do not grieve for me, my child,
for shall not grieve for myself"
Goodbye, father God preserve you'll"
And is she gone? Yes the old man and his
God are alone in that gloomy cell; yet the
light of that beautiful presence fingers in the
calm Joy that gladdens the old mans heart.
ITO be Continued
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