The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1873-04-18

theless, before he venturcd to put the
dreaded question that tyrants. who are
ever superstitions, never fail To demand
of those who can read the stars.
How long have to lve?"
The Grand Signior assumed q per-
suasive tone. and even condescended to
flatter the organ of DESTINY. in hopes Of
obtaining favorable answer.
Thou art . wonderful youth, said
he; .'thou knowest things Of which. be-
sides myself. the mutes only possess
the secret. / should wish to keep thee
in my palace; will make thee richer
than all the merchants Of Galatea If
thou wilt tell me the year when must I
die"
Mehale approached the Sultan, and,
taking his hand, appeared to study the
lines of its palm with great attention.
Having finished his examination, he
went to the window and fixed his eyes
for some moments upon the heavens.
The fires of Beiram are lighting up
the cupola If the grand mosque" said
he slowly; might is at hand"
Mustapha anxiously awaited the
answer of the astrologer. The latter
continued in a mysterious manner:
''The declining day still eclipses the
Light of the consultations. / will answer
you, signior, when the evening star APP
pears"
The Sultan made a movement of i'm
patience; anger was depicted in his
countenance, and the look which he
darted on the mutes showed Mehalle
that he had incurred his Highness' dis
pleasure. Curiosity, however, doubt
less prevailed over every other feeling
of the princes mind, for, turning to the
young man, he said:
II am little accustomed to wait: /
viii do so, however, if thou canst amuse
me until the propitious hour arrives
Would your Highness like to see
some feats of iuggling?" asked Mehalle,
drawing his saber from its scabbard.
"No. mo-" exclaimed the Sultan,
making the circles of slaves close in
about him. Leave thy arms,"
''would you prefer a story. signior?"
''Stories that hull an Arab to sleep
under his tent? No, / must have some |
thing new. Of all known games there
is but one care for; used to play it |
formerly, but now there is not person
In the palace who understands the chess
board"
The juggler smiled, and, taking an
ebony box from a velvet bag, he pre-
scented it to the Sultan, whose wish he
understood
The stern countenance of the Sultan
relaxed at the sight, and the board was
placed on the bowed back of slave.
Before commencing the game the Sultan
said:
I'VE are about to play; so far, good:
but shouldst thou lose what should /
gain?"
''Since your Highness does me the
honor of playing against me, 1 vill stake
all that L possess-this cimeter and my
liberty. But what if win?" added the
young man, folding his arms.
'Shouldst thon win / would give thee
\ slave
"For free man? The stake is not
equal"
Il would add to it my finest courser.
81 need him not; my feet are swifter
han an Arab steed."
"what wouldst thou, them
81 have fancy, sublime signior.
Until this day have been nothing but {
/ wanderer, wearing the dress of Jug I
yler. Were 1 to complain of this 1
should be ungrateful, for this simple I
yarb has ever seen me free and happy.
[, however, renounce ii. become I
Tour slave; nv mirth shall be for you I
llone; will sing for you Indian songs;
md, above all, 1 will divine for none but
Fou- In return 1 viii ask but one 1
hing. it is, If / win. to allow me to \
rear your royal mantle for ten minutes; y
o sit upon the divan, surrounded by d
laves. and to place upon my head that .
dreaded turban, whose fame has reached A
o the ends of the earth" In
The proposition of Mehalle was re y
eived with burst of laughter from the
'ultan. Thou wouldst sit upon the !,
eat Of the Caliphsl Dost thou not :
ear the weight of this turban upon thy q
lily head, A fine figure thou vouldst 4
rake under the pelisse Of Ottomanl / !