The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1871-04-06


delibly marked upon his heart. Still
it was hard alternative to betray his
country OF give up the girl he loved,
aud that very love inspired him with a
scheme TO obtain her, aud homer would
not blush to own the, means.
He told Assad vaguely OF this scheme,
and said he still remembered we'll the
secret path which led to the retreat of
his dear eountrymen; and often (un-
known to any Persian) had be already
visited their abode. They loved him,
they would espousc his cause, aud help
to gain Zaphyra.
"When am gone beace," he added,
in conclusion, ''tell Ismail ! repent; bid
him despatch chosen baud to the four
rocks north Of the citadel, where the
aged palm tree stands by louely cav
ern: there | will meet and conduct them
to the mine"
Assad, whose trust in the youth he
had reared was uubounded, promised to
obey, and Arax mounted his swiftest
stced and spurred quickly away.
He passed the. Persian boundary,
galloped among the hills, penetrated in
the secret way, and appeared among his
countrymen in the vast cavern which
contained the precious rubies. They
hailed him with shouts Of joy, for he
was their prince-their rajah Yes
Araxa was the sou Of that slaughtered
rajah, beside whose dead body he had
been found on the battle field. A cousin,
an ambitious chieftaiu named Hyder,
to whom he had delegated his authori.
ty, ruled his people in his absence.
Gladly would Hyder have had him re
maiu forever absent, for he cnviously
coveted the rauk he held in trust. But
Araxa was too firmly seated in the peo-
pies heart for him to attempt to thrust
him forth. Nay, more, he durst not
attempt it,
Araxa quickly made known the OBJ
ject OF his journey to the MING. He
directed the tribe TO collect such frag-
nents as P omised most a glittering
harvest, convey them to the palm tree
cavern, and deposit them deep in the
earth. There would he lead Ismail's
officers, who, by this stratagem, would
think the niue WAS found. Having
given them his instructions, aud prom.
ised speedily 10 revisit them with lis
bride, Araxa took his departure aud
returned to Assad's dwelling.
All CHANGED as he hoped. Ismail
deceived BY the glitteriug specimens
found By his officers in the palm tree
cavern, readily gave his sanction for the
nuptials OF Araxa and Zaphyra. The
great hall of the fortress was decorated
for the purpose, and all the dignitaries
OF the province assembled to grace the
nuptials. Iaphyra, believing that her
lover had betrayed his country, would
have hesitated to ritiiy her VOWS, but a
whispered assurance irom Araxa dis
PEELED her scruples, She trusted in his
honor, aud awaited patiently the expla-
nation.
Scarcely had the priest pronounced
the nuptial benediction than a man
rushed irauiically into the hall, ex.
claiming, yehcmently: ~ amediIl.i
8 Where, where is the governor !?
Suspend the marriage n
Astonishment seized upon all prcsent
at these words. Isniai was curagcd at
the interruption.
What bold presumptaous slave dare
thus intrudc upon our hallowed rights?'
he cried.
Mighty Ismail," answered the iu-
truder, who was nootherthan Haphyra
rejected suitor, Nasrod, '.as | overlook
ed our Pcgsiaus working ID the spot
supposed to be the minc, aud yainly
trying to discover a treasure, too soon
exhausted, Hindoo of Araxa's tribe
rode swiftly towards US, and scoilins at
our useless labors, Fools said he, why
search for mines in heaps of barren
sand? fyou would your MASTER honor
save, deliver this letter before .Araxa's S
marriage with Zaphyra. This said, he
placed the letter in my hands, put spurs
to his horse, and fed across the desert. !"
Araxa and Zaphyra were strongly
agitated by these words, knowing how
much truth there was 10 the disclosure;
but Ismail was incredulous.
Nasrod,D he answered, awell know
your love for Zaphyra, and jealousy has
brought you here in an attempt to de.
stroy Araxas happiness"
Read, sir, aud be convinced" re-
piled Nasroi; and with triumphant
smile he placed the letter in the COVER
nor's hand
lsmail hastily opened il aud read
these words penued by the ambitious
and designing Hyder, who thus sought
to destroy his rajah, aud usurp his
throne.
lsmail, Araxa has deceived YOU
No mine has he discovered. Ii is a
deep laid scheme to rob you of your
daughter, who once espoused, will leave
her fathers province, to reign with
4ht"Aa ofei the iithuoos VI tho fuuy
mine"
This letter was signed "a friendly
Hindoo." lsmail could scarcely crcdi,
the evidence of his own senses.
6 Araxa, can you be guilty of such
perfdity2" he cried.
Spare your rcproach, answered the
young chieitain calmly. Forced to
choose between base dishonor aud ths
loss Of my beloved Zaphyra, sought
by stratagem to obtain what your sterr
cruelty denied. ~" sat.'
" Audaeious" exclaimed IsmaiI, fu
rio1sly; doyou then confess your treach
cry 7"
Not treachery, father" returne,
Zaphyra .bu. natriofism o,d unshat =,