Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-07-12
THE RUBY MINE-A PERSIAN IRA
D1TI0N.

1t was many years ago, firm belief at
the Persian court of lSpahan that small
Hindoo tribe, dwelling near their borders,
possessed valuable mine of precious ru-
bies The Persian monarch, excited by the
accounts of its great wealth, determined to
possess it. For this purpose he dispatched
an army commanded by one of his ablest
generals 1t was soon discovered that these
Hindoos were possessed of spirit to de-
fend rheir own, for they met the invading
Persians routed them in battle. and drove
them back into their Own country.
This success, however, was but short liv-
ed. Bravery cannot contend against over
whelming numbers Enraged at this repulse
the Persian monarch strongly reinforced his
army, and ordered them TO lay waste the
Hindoo country and utterly extermiuate the
t.ibc
In the next battle that eusued TIE brave
but small army of the Hi,doos was surroun-
ded and cut to pieces. aud their raiah slain.
Many saved themselves By fight; but one
survivor was lett upon tie field, boy of
twelve years of age, who clung convulsively
TO the dead form Of the rajah, and would
not leave him.
Though the Persian generals orders
were, on penalty of death, TO spare neither
Young or old, he, however, forgot his duty
as soldier, and listening to the voice OF
humanity, saved the youth with the deter
mination, for he was chi.dless, of rearing
him as his own son.
The slaughter of the innocent Hindoos
availed nothing towards the discovery of
the secret Of the mine. The fugitiyes re-
treated to some secure retreat among the
hills and forests, whittier the Persians
could not trace them. General ASsad aban
doned the search, and led his army home
again
Being relieved from active service he es
tabIished himself in a comfortable home
near the frontier Isnail, the governor of
the province, occupied a strong fortress
within a short distance of the spot that
Assad had selected for his residence. Ii
was his duty to watch the wandering tribes
that harrassed the borders and gain, if pos
sibie, the much sought alter secret Of the
ruby niue
To his new home, Gen. Assad brought
the Hndoo boy whom he had found upon
the battle field Though his extraction was
well known to the Persian monarch, he was
suffered to live III hope, that one day he
would reveal the secret of the precious mine
of rubies.
The boy gave his name As Araxa, and
said he was the favorite page of the slain
raiah but ne was not disposed to part with
the secret of his race. For years he resist
ed threats, PROMISES, rewards, and every
other means employed to draw the secret
from him. lnfexible and firm, he scorned
them all. He was wiling to fight for Per
sia and her laws, he told General Assad,
but he would die sooner than Jetray his
country.
He Gid fight for Persia, by Assads side,
and by his brave and gallant demeauor rose
quickly to chief command Indeed, he
sUon superseded Assad at the head Of the
army; the old general being worn with age
aud service, being only too glad to yield him
ms place Araxa vas generally regarded by
the soldiers is A>saa's son. his Hindoo orr
gin being known but to few.
In the full promise Of his early manhood
strong temptation TO betray his sacred trust
beset him. lie loved the daughter of Is
mail, the governor, lovely girl, With whom
his happiest days OF youth had been spent.
His passion was reciprocated by its fair
object, who, for his sake, rejected the suit
OF Nasrod, a proud and naughty chief.
The governor favored his suit, in the
hope that her possession would prevail on
him to disclose the secret of the mine,
knowing that such an event would enrich
him, and gain the lasting gratitude of his
monarch. To prove his conStancy, he sent
Araxa to fight the foes of Persia upon the
Caspian shore, from which, after u most
successful campaign, he returned a con-
queror.
On his return Ismail received him with
great pomp and ceremony, and conducted