Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1873-08-14
FRIENDSHIP IN REAL LIFE.

FRIENDSHIP IN REAL LIFE.
Mr.. J. NJ. Francis, q. s. Minister at
Athens, Greece, writes to the Troy
Times as follows:
A few years since there lived in Be-
bek, village on the Bosphorus some
six miles above Constantinople, an ell
derly Greek gentleman named Tchelby
Yorgaky. He was the possessor of some
property in real estate, and 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 fol-
charitable objects. They had no 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, an
epIinent American citizen, who for some
time resided near their dwelling in Be-
bek. One day our friend was invited
to spend q social evening with Mr.. Yor-
gaky, the latter saying that if agree
able, he would on this occasion relate
some facts of his family history which
might possibly prove interesting as
constituting a strange chapter of real
life at the East. Our friend promptly
accepted the invitation, as any live
Yankee would have done under this
stimulus to curiosity. The old gentle.
mans statement-and our friend vouch.
safed for Yorgakv's character for truth.
fulness, after an intimate acquaintance
with him for many years-was substan.
tally as follows
NY fathers name was Yohannis Giros.
His father carried on the bakery bust.
ness. At quite an early age Yohannis
was employed as bread-seller at his
fathers stall near the Egyptian bazaar
at Stamboul. There he made the ac
quaintance of Turkish boy of about
his own a.ge named Ibrahim, who was
employed as salesman in his fathers
tobacco shop close by. A remarkable
friendship grew up between these two
boys. All their leisure time they spent
iii each others society. They indulged
in sports together. They talked over
plans of business by which in future
years they might not beseparated sin
gle 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 II or 1S years.
Ibrahim's father secured for his son q
situation as tchiboukgi (pipe-bearer)
to the Pasha of Bagdad. This was great
honorfora a boy in humble circumstances.
But Ibrahim did not desire the place,
for it would take him far away from Yo.
hannis. Parental decision, however,
was omnipoteut in the case, and go he
must. But before separating the boys
had a long conference together. 81
must CO." said Ibrahim, "but shall
return to Constanstinople as pasEa,
and then you will share my honors and
fortune" The separation of Yohannis
a:nd Ibranim was painful. When the
final adieu was spoken, each pledged
the other that his friendship should re.
main constant so long as life endured.
Yohannis sorrowfully returned to his
business at the bread stall Ibrahim ac-
companied his master on the long jour
ney to England.
Years passed by; Yohannis succeeded
to the humble business of his father on
the decease of the latter he married,
and was blessed, rs 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 fire.
quently dwelt upon the scenes and
loves of youthful days, and the Turkish
boy Ibrahim was always a central figure
in these memories. A dozen years prior
to this time he heard that his dear friend
of boyhoods days had died, but the
memory of that friend was reverently
cherished by him ; one so dearly loved
in the fervor of youth could not be for
gotten by the generous-hearted Yohan-
mis-, even amid the cares and struggles
of life of toll.
One afternoon, while partaking of his
frugal meal, and surrounded.by his low
ing family, Yohannis was startled by
the appearance of very unwelcome
visitor-the chief police officer of the
Sublime Porte. The official announced
to Yohannis that he must accompany
him Immediately to the Porte. In those
barbaric days such a summons meant
condemnation and death, often without
any assignable or known cause. Yohan-
mis- and his family were terrified they
pleaded for delay. But the officer was
inexorable' Yohannis was dragged
away amid the piteous cries and plead:
ings of his wife and children. Arrived
at the Porte, the officer conducted his
prisoner through long hall with
| ouards stationed ON either side. to the