Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-07-12


to the request he was about to make, he
commanded his daughter, the beauteous
Iaphyra, to array herself in her most be-
coming attire, and be present at the inter-
view. She was the only witness to this au-
dience, which was to decide the fate of the
gallant youth she loved. One passionate
glance she cast upon her hero, looking re-
splendent i'll his gittering armor, the insig-
MIA of the rank his own good sword had
won, and then modestly yelled her eyes with
side her fathers chair, awaiting the issue
with beating heart.
Young WARRIOR, began the governor,
graciously, by our monarch 5 order, |
greet your safe return, and am prepared to
offer such reward rs your services demand.
''One only boon ever asked, Ismail, -
responded Araxa, land that gift is in your
power to bestow''
He cast an eloquent glance upon the
blushing maiden, who was not slow to com
prehend the meaning of his words, smiled
significant he understood it too.
w hat says my child?' he asked, turn
ing to Zaphyra. Remember, he caution
ed, sinking his voice to a whisper. Mas
rod, an officer of high account, still seeks
your hand -
Dear father, she returned, wiring not
from a maid secret before the man who
least of all should hearit; you know my
heart. y
Araxa advanced joyously to her side, took
her hand and pressed his lips upon it. a
gentle pressure assured him that the hom-
age was accepted.
Enough - exclaimed the governor,
then for the last time the touchstone of
affection shall be tried. Reveal the secret
OF the mine, Araxa. -
The young Hindoo released the maiden's
hand. and started from her side why
this emotion p added Ismail, with secret
doubts.
The breast o. the young chieftain heaved
with passionate emotion, and CLEAN of fire
broke forth from his dark eyes.
'Uugenerous man." he cried; why
drive me to despair? When Persia broke
her bounds, and poured her myriads on ny
helpless couutrymen, she drove them from
their happy homes to seek for shelter in the
barren mountains; there innocent and un
offending they remain, and stife every tho't
OF just revenge; and would you make me a
frebrand to iIumine the path ofthose whose
sordid thirst for gain would once more desc
late 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 deserved language
of less reproach, he replied CURLY.
True" admitted Araxa, with generous
eanaor, you taught me to be soldier, when
boyish fancy eagerly imbibed 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 heart of those whose blood
comingles with my OWN
No sacrifice 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
But the mine !" interrupted AraZa.
'You know not what you ask. Think not
the glittering dross that it contains weighs
as a feather with my humble race. Will
lingly would they and | transport its every
gem to ersia's court, could that suffice
but the mine itsef-it is the secret pass
which leads you to their homes, their only
refuge in the hour of danger. 1t Is their
barrier, their defence. Surrender that o
never, never swear it !"
There was no mistaking the determina-
ton with which these words were spoken.
Ismail saw that Araxa was firm in his re-
fusal His baffisd cupidity broke forth in
anger.
For your pertinacious silence when you
could serve the state and gain your mon
arch's favor" he said, Il will deprive you
of all hope Of ever obtaining Zaphyra's
hand nay, more, Danish you from Persia
Begone !"
Zaphyra made an impluring gesture, but
her father checked her harshly. Araxa
" tlS 'stti'i1 4tlpNGAl- INiIdIt saw HiS hCSAld
tion, 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, STAY cried Araxa,
desperately. As this is by far the most
important moment of my life, grant me
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, aud laying her hand upon his
shoulder.
BE firm, Araxa - she cried, with beam
ing eyes. Let no selfish thought intrude
| love you and why do dare to thus avow
il? Because that love is founded on respect
Betray your country, and the flame of love
your virtues have kindled in this heart will
be extinguished never more to be reGght-
ed.
These noble words proclaimed her worthy
of the young chieftain s love. but they en-
ragged her father beyond measure ; the hope
of still obtaining possession of the mine led
him to restrain MS passion. and he dismis-