The Democratic advocate., 1871-04-06

a 'NNe hSi pihSc Ucsluc Her
fathers chair, awaiting the issue with
beating heart.
Young warrior" began the govern.
or, graclously, "by your monarch's or.
der, greet your safe return, and am
prepared to offer such reward us your
services demand"
Zone only boon | ever asked, Ismail."
responded Araxa, land that gift is in
your power to bestow."
He cast an eloquent glance upon the
blushlng maiden. who was not slow to
comprehend the meaning of his words.
lsmall smiled significantly; he under
stood it too.
"What says my child 2" he asked,
turning to Zaphyra. "Remember," he
cautioned, sinking his voice to whis.
per, "Nasrod, an officer of high account.
still seeks your hand"
Dear father" she returned, "wring
not from timid maid secret before
the man who least of all should hear it;
you know my heart"
Araxa advanced joyously to her side,
took her hand and pressed his lips upon
it. A gentle pressure assured him that
the homage Was accepted.
Enough !" exclaimed the governor;
''then for the last time the touchstoue
of affection shall be tried; reveal the
secret Of the mine, Araxa."
The young Hindoo released the mai
dens hapd and started from her side.
"Why this smotion?" added Ismail,
with secret doubts.
The breast Of the young chieftain
heaved with passionate emotion. and u
gleam OF fire broke from his dark eyes.
"Ungencrous man." h, cried; "why
drive me to despair? When Persia
broke her bounds and poured her myri.
ads on my helpless countrymeu, she
drove them from their happy homes to
seek for shelter in the barren mountains;
there, innocent and unofending they
remain, aud stiae every thought of Just
revenge; aud would you make me fire.
brand to illume the path OF those whose
sordid thirst Of gain would once more
desolate my native land 2"
The governor grew angry at these
words whose truth he could not dispute.
Your treatment in your adopted
country, young man, might have dcscr-
we'd language of less reproach," he re-
piled cnrtly.
True" admitted Araxa, with gener
Gus candor, you taught me to be a
soldier, when boyish fancy eagerly im.
b;5ed the dazzling promise of future
fame. Habit has made a soldiers life
my pride. How can | then turn traitor
to my country and lift the sword, which
| have worn in honorable warfare against
the hearts of those whose blood com
minglcs with my own2"
'iNo sacraice like this do We demand"
answered the governor, eagerly. "Your
friends are pastoral, nor want what, we
so much desire. Yield but the mine,
and"-- l..-t 5e,t I.,
''But the mine y interrupted Araxa.
"You know not what you ask. Think
not the gittering dross that it contaius
weighs as a feather with my humble
race. Willingly would they aud trans
port its every gem to Persia's court,
eoaia 'has suihce; but the mine ITSELF
It Is the secret pass which leads you to
their homes, their only refuge in the
hour OF danger. 1t is their barrier aud
ue,e9ce' surrender that y never, nev-
ef ;c ! swear II
mere was no mistaking the determi-
nation w'th which these words were
spoAen' lsnail saw that Araxa was
nf'i in ms REFUSAL, Ills bafiied cupidity
pro1s lor'h ~ anger.
for your pertinacious silence when
you coala serve the state and gain your
monarch iaSor' ne said, ! will deprive
you Oh all hope OF ever obtaining Ia.
pnyfas mana; nay, more | Danish you
nom Persia. Begonc."
AaPhyra made an imploring gesture,
out hef iather checked her harshly.
Araxa was deeply moved. lsmaii saw
nus nositation' and the hope returned
,nat he might triumph yet He took
ms aaugh1er py the hand, as 1t to lead
"er from 'ne apartment
''Stay one instant, stayl1 cried Araxa
desperately. As this is by far the most
important moment of my life, grant me
a little pause Tor reflection. To part
from Zaphyra is worse than death; 10
oe,ray my country L.
Zaphyra checked him by advancing
- n's sue and laying her hand upon
ms snouluer.
DC nrm' Araxa, she cried, with
oeanins eyes, Let no selfish thought
ineruuc. love you ! and why do |
dare thus avOw lt Because that love