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

NS' "Ho tOon hSf pIdCc Dcslue ner
fathers chair, awaiting the issue with
beating heart.
Young warrior" began the govern.
or, graciously, "by your mobarcb's or
der, | greet your safe return, aud am
prepared to offer such reward as your
services demand"
'One only boon ever asked, Ismail,"
responded Araxa, land that gift is in
your power to bestow."
lie cast an eloquent glance upon the
blushing maiden, who was not slow to
comprehend the meaning of his words.
lsmail smiled significantly; he under
stood it too.
"What says my child?" he asked
turning to Zaphyra. Remember" he
cautioned, sinking his voice to whiss
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.
den's hapd and started from her side.
why this smotion?" 2" added Ismail,
with secret doubts.
The breast Of the young chieftain
heayed with passionate emotion, and IL
sleain 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 countrymen, she
drove them from their happy homes to
seek for shelter in the barren mountains;
there, innocent and unoffcndng they
remain, and stiae every thought of Just
revenge; and would you make me a fire.
brand to illume the path Of those whose
sordid thirst Of gain would once more
desolate my native land p
The governor grew angry at these
words whose truth he could not dispute.
Your treatment in your adopted
country, young man, might have dcser-
we'd language Of less reproach," hc re-
piled cnrtly.
True" admitted Araxa, with gcner-
Gus caudor, you taught me to be a
soldier, when boyish fancy eagerly i'm
bibed the dazzling promise of future
fame. Habit has made 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
mingles with my own ?"
''No sacraiice like this do we demand"
answered the governor, eagerly. "Your
friends arc pastoral, nor want what We
so much desire. Yield but the mine,
and rI-.t l,fb g.
''But the mine y interrupted Araxa.
"You know not what you ask. Think
not the glittering dross that it contains
weighs as a feather with my humble
race. Willingly would they aud trans
port its every gem to Persia's court,
could that suffice; but the mine itself
it is the secret pass which leads you 10
their homes, their only refuge in the
hour of danger. 1t is their barrier aud
defence; surrender that 0 never, ney-
erl swear it !" et
There was NO mistaking the dotermi
nation with which these words were
spoken. Ismail saw that Araxa was
firm in his refusal. His baffled cupidity
broke forth in anger.
'For your pertinacious silence when
you could serve the state and gain your
mouarch's favor" he said, will deprive
you Of all hope Of ever obtaining Ia
phyra,s hand; nay, more,. Danish you
fiom Persia. Begonc.y
| Zaphyra made an imploring gesture,
but her father checked her harshly.
Araxa was deeply moved. Ismail saw
his hesitation, and the hope returned
that he might triumph yet. He took
his daughter by the hand, as if to lead
her from the apartment.
"Stay one instant, stayln cried Araxa
desperately. As this is by far the most
important moment of my life, grant me
a little pause for reflection. To part
from Zaphyra is worse than death; to
betray my country is"--
zaphyra checked him by advancing
to his side and laying her hand upon
his shoulder.
'Bc firm, Araxa," she cried, with
beaming eyes. "Let no selfish thought
lntrude. / love you and why do |
dare thus avow it? Because that love
is founded on respect. Bctray your
country, and the fame Of love your
virtues have kindled in this heart will
be extinguishsd, never more to be re-
lighted"
These noble words proclaimed her
worthy of the young chieitain's love,
but they enraged her father beyond
measure; the hope Of still obtaining
possession Of the mine led him to re-
strain his passion, aud he dismissed
Araxa from his presence with these
ominous words:
Il grant you until tomorfow's dawn
for your final resolution; that tune ex.
pired, and the secret not diyulged, your
punishmentis death iffound in Persiap'
On leaving the citadel Araxa hasten.
ed to the dwelling Of his adopted father
Assad. The old veteran was very much
surprised at the recital Of what had
taken place; but he bade Araxa to be
of comfort still; admitted that it was i
base return for his services, but thought