Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1873-06-27
5fliscellamu.
A Modern Damon and Pythias.
AN EASTERN ROMANCE IN REAL LrFl


A few years since there lived in Bebek,
village on the Bosphorus some six
miles above Constantinople, an elderly
Greek gentleman named Tehelby Yor-
gaky. A warm-hearted, genial old gen.
tleman was Mr.. Yorgaky. He was the
possessor of some property in real estate,
aud sufficient income was derived from
this source to supply the moderate wants
of himself and his amiable wife, leaving
a balance more or less which was dis
tributed for charitable objects. They
had no children. The venerable old
couple were very happy in each others
society; they had few intimate associates
outside. But among these was friend
of ours, an eminent American citizen,
who for some time resided near their
dwelling in Bebek. One day our friend
was invited to spend social evening
with Mr.. Yorgaky, the latter saying
that if agreeable he would relate some
facts of his family history which might
possibly prove interesting as constituting
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 curiosi.
ty. The old gentleman's statement
and our friend vouches for Yorgaky's
character for truthfulness after an inti-
mate acquaintance with him for many
years-was substantially as follows:
My fathers name was Yohannis Giros.
His father carried on the bakery busi-
ness. At quite an early age Yohannis
was employed as bread-seller at his faith
er's stall near'the Egyptian bazaar at
Stamboul. There he made the acquaint-
ance of Turkish boy of about his own
age 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 in each
others society. They INDUCED in sports
together They talked over plans of
business by which in future years they
might not 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 II or 1S years. Ibrahim (
father secured for his son situation as
tchiboukgi (pipe bearer to the Pasha Of
Bagdad. This was great honor for a
boy in humble circumstances. But Ibra.
him did not desire the place, for it would
take him far, far away from Yohannis.
Parental decision, however, was omnip-
otent in the case, and go he must. But
before separating the boys had long
conference together. 81 must CO." said
Ibrahim, "but shall return to Constan.
tinople as Pasha, and then you will
share my honors 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 sc
long as life endured. Yohannis sorrow.
fully returned to his business at the
bread-stall; Ibrahim accompanied hi'
master on the long journey to Bagdad.
Years passed by; Yohannis succeeded
to the humble business of his father or
the decease of the latter; he married
and was blessed, as the poor are so otter
blessed, with many children. BY steady
industry and strict economy he was bare
ly enabled to support his large family
comfortably. His mind frequently dwell
upon the scenes and loves of youthful
days, and the Turkish boy Ibrahim wa
always central figure in these memo
ries A dozen years prior to this tim'
he heard that his dear friend of boy
hoods days had died, but the memory
of that friend was reverently cherished
by him; one so dearly loved In the fer
vor of youth could not be forgotten b,
the generous-hearted Yohannis ever
amid the cares and struggles of lif
of toll.
One afternoon, while partaking of hi
frugal meal, and surrounded by his Low
ing family he was startled by the appear
ance of very unwelcome vistor-th
chief police officer of the Sublime Porte
The official announced to Yohannis tina
be must accompany him Immediately t
the Porte. In those barbaric days, sue
summons meant condemnation an
death, often without any assignable o
known cause. Yohannis and his fam
lily were terrified they pleaded 70
delay. But the officer was inexoi
able; Yohannis was dragged ava
amid the piteous cries and plead
ings of his wife and children. Arrive
at the Porte, the officer conducted hi
prisoner through long hall with guard
stationed on either side, to the door {
an apartment, where at given signs
4 the door was opened, and Yohannis wa
: at once brought face to face with th
# Grand Vizier.
= "This is our Sublime Master, th
I Grand Vizier," said the officer. Yohar
: mis- Immediately prostrated himself b.
fore that august parsonage. and con
menced pleading very earnestly for h
life. "Spare me Sublime Master, spar
me-" he CALCULATED "spare me for th
a sake of my innocent and dependent vii
Il and children, if not on account of m
innocence of all wrong-doing. VIII
should L be brought here to be made Il
victim of the bowstring or the axe?
have been good and peaceable subje'
of his majesty l have faithfully keI
his laws (; | have earned bread for m,
self and family by honest labor ha,
wronged no man. Let me go and yo
shall have their blessing and my prsye
in return for your mercy. If a
killed they will die, for they cannot eal