New Orleans Republican., 1873-07-13
AN EASTERN ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE

AN EASTERN ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE
Mr. NJ. Francis, our consul a. Athens,
Greece. writes to the Troy Times as follows:
Il few years since there lived in Bebek. a
village on the BosphOrus, some six miles
above COnstantinople, an elderly Greek
warm hearted. genial old gentleman was
Mr.. Yorgaky. He was the pOssess0r Of
some properly in real estate, and a sufficient
income was derived from this source to
supply the moderate wants Of himself
and his amiable wife, leaving balance,
more or less, which was distributed for
charitable objects. They had 10 chill
dren. The venerable couple were very
happy in each others society. They had
few intimate associates outside. But
among these was friend Of ours, al
eminent American citizen, who for some
time resided aear their dwelling in Bebek.
One day our friend was invited to spend a
social evening with Mr.. Yorgaky, the latter
SAYING that, if agreeable, he would on this
occasion relate some facts Of his family his
tory which might possibly prove interest
ing as constituting strange chapter OF real
lite at the East. Our friend promptly ac-
cepted the invitation, as any live Yankee
would have done under this stimulus to
and our friend vouched for Yorgaky's char
acter for truthfulness, after an intimate ac-
Quaintance with him for many years-was
substantially as follows:
NV fathers name was Yohalnis Giros.
His father carried on the bakery business.
At cutie an early age Yohannis was en-
ployed as bread seller at his fathers stall
near the Egyptian bazar at STAN bonl.
There ne made the acquaintance OF Turk
- -, l. h-o
Eim. who was employed as salesman in his
fathers tobacco shop close by. A remark
able friendship grew up between these two
boys. All their leisure time they spent in
each others society. They INDUCED in
sports together. They talked over plans OF
business by which in future years they
might Io: be separated single day. They
would achieve fortune, and share their
wealth together. These were the day dreams
of Yohannis and Ibrahim. Time wore
on. The boys had attained the age of sew
enteen OF eighteen years. Ibrahim's father
secured for his son situation as tchibcuki
(pipe bearer to the Pasha Of Bagdad. This
was great honor for boy in humble Cir
cu1nstances. But Ibrahim did not desire
the place, for it would take him far, far
away from Yohannis. Parental decision,
however, was omnipotent in the case, and
go lie must But before separating the boys
had q long conference together. II must
CO." said Ibrahim. "but shall return to
Cons:an-inopie as pasha, and then you
viii share my hCnOrs and fortune" The
separation of Yohannis and Ibrahim was
painful. When the final adieu was spoken,
each pledged the other that his friendship
should remain constant SO long as life en-
dured. Ychannis sorrowfully returned to
his business at the bread-stall; Ibrahim ac-
coMpanied his master on the long journey
to BagdEG.
Years passed by; Yohannis succeeded to
the hum Ole business of his father on the de-
cease Of tine latter; he married, and was
blessed. as the poor are SO often blessed,
with many children. BY steady industry
and strict economy he was barely enabled
to support his large family comfortably.
HIS mind frequently dwelt upon the scenes
and loves OF youthful days, and the Turk
ish Roy IDrahim was always q central fig
ure in these memories. A dozen years
prior 70 this time he heard that his dear
friend Of boyhOod's days had died, but the
memory Of that friend was reverently cher
ished by him; one so dearly loved in the
fervcr Of youth could not be forgotten bv
the generous-hearted Yohannis even amid
the cares and struggles OF life Of toll.
One afternoon, while partaking Of his
frugal meal. and surrounded by his loving
family, Ychannis was startled by the ap-
pearance Of q very unwelcome visitor-the
chic; police officer Of the Sublime Porte.
The official announced to Yohannis that he
must accompany him Immediately to the
Porte. IL those barbaric days such sum-
mons mean, condemnation and death, often
wi:hou: any assignable or known cause.
Yohannis and his farnily " were terrified; they
pleaded tor delay. But the officer was in
exorable: Yohannis was dragged away
amid the piIeous cries and pleadings of his
wife and children. Arrived at the Porte,
the officer conducted his prisoner through
long hal! with guards stationed on either
siGe. 70 the door OF an apartment, where,
at d given signal, the door opened and Yo-
hannis was at once brought face to face
with the Grand Nizier.
This is our sublime master, the grand
vizier.' said the officer YOhanris immedi
atelv Frustrated himself before that august
persona &c. anG commenced pleading very
tor his lite. ''Spare me. sublime
master. spare me-" he calculated; ''spare me-
;cr the sake Of my innocent and dependent
wife and children, if not on account of my
innocence of all wrong-dOing. Why should
l be brought kere to be made the victim of
the bowstring OF the ak! have been a
good ana peaceable subject Of mis- majesty;
I have earned bread for myself and family
pv homes. labor; Ihave wronged no man.
Let NE 60. and you shall have their bless
Ing and nv prayers in return for your mer-
CIV. II am killed they viii. die. for they
can not earn bread to support life
You can not go back to your business"
said the grand vizier, calmly.
Then, SIR responded Yohannis. n
mere .esolute tone, 1.-The blood OF an inno-
cent man and his family you are about TO
murder be ca your garments. The aveng-
ing power OF almighty justice pursue you,
sir. 20 the end. Your crime shall not go
Uupunished."
.'Yohannis,'' replied the grand vizier.
''arise and answer my questions.
"Yes. sire. sublime MASTER .
when boy you served as bread seller
io- your father, close by the Egyptian ba-
zar'"
..Ye.. sire. and now keep that came
etali'
.You had a friend named Ibrahirn, who
attended his fathers tobacco shop very near
you =
"Oh. yea. .ire; oh, yes answered 10
harnis, nearly overcome with emotion.
And you and lbrahim. on parting,
pledged each other to friendship for life;
1brahim saying that he should return some
day with the honors and wealth of pasha,
and he would share with You the benefits OF
his position =
uNos+ @r,jv ro-, bavo enoEnp srhlime