The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1874-09-18

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person. About three years had elapsed
since Mahommed had beheld his daueh
ters, and he could scarcely credit his
eyes at the wonderful change which that
small space of time had made in THEN
appearance. During the interval they
bad passed that wondrous boundary line
In female life which separates the crude,
uniformed, and thoughtless girl from
the blooming, blushing, meditative wo-
! man.
He prepared for his return by sending
heralds before him, commanding every
one to keep out of the road by which he
was to pass and that all doors and
windows should be closed at the ap-
| proaeh of the pfincesses. He then set
out, accompanied by his precious charge.
on three beautiful white palfreys, and
escorted by strong guard.
The cavalcade was drawing near to
Granada, when it overlook, on the banks
OF Aenil, small body of Moorish sol
dlers, with convoy of prisoners. 1t
was too late for the soldiers to get out
of the way, so they threw themselves
on their faces on the earth ordering
s snsT enR ts %efe a9 tho 2Fee ,dAentGea AtG
cavaliers whom the prinSesses had seen
fro a the pavilion. They either did not
understood, or were too naughty to
oOey the order, and remained standing
and gazing upon the cavalcade as it ap-
preached.
The ire of the monarch was kindled
at this hagrant defiance of his orders.
Drawing his scimitar and pressing for
ward, he was about to deal left-handed
blow that would have been fatal to at
least one of the gazers, when the prin-
cesses crowded round him, and implored
mercy for the offenders. Mohammed
paused with uplifted scimitar, when the
captain of the guard threw himself at
his feet and exclaimed: "Let not
your majesty do deed that may cause
great scandal throughout the kingdo q.
These are three brave and noble Span
ish knights, who have been taken in
battle, fighting like lions" " Enough ="
said the king, " will spare their lives.
but punish their audacity; let them be
taken to the Vermilion towers, and put
to hard labor" While Mohammed had
been making this harangue, the wells Of
the three princesses had been thro yn
back, and the radiance of their beauty
revealed. Its effect upon the three cav
alters was instantaneous and complete. |
Quick as was this victory not less singu- |
lar was the fact that each of the love !
vanquished cavaliers was enraptured /
with special beauty. The cavalcade |
its march and reached the AL /
hambra the Spanish captives were con-
ducted to their allotted prison in the I
Nermilion towers in the same fortress.
The memory of the noble cavaliers
filed the fair charges of Kadiga with
pensive and melancholy thoughts. In
spite of all the luxury with which
they were surrounded, they pined and
faded. In vain did the anxious Moham-
med ransack the Zacatin of Granada for
the richest silks and most precious Jew
els. He gave it up as a hopeless affair,
and gave carte blanche to the discreet
Kadioa, IN whom his confidence was un-
ounoed. The wise duenna was skilled
N diseases of the heart, and knew the
Jest medicine for her piuing charge.
The day before she had discovered the
'Oc0Ie of the Christian captives, and go
ng privately to Hussien Baba, the big
broad-shouldered renegade,
n whose charge they were, and slipping
, broad piece of gold into his itching
filstreses dag4n heard OF ssiis s.ssss2szss. 2szs
alents of the three Spanish cavaliers,
and are desirous of hearing specimen
If their skill. 1 am sure you are too
Kind hearted TO refuse them so innocent
4 qualification. The cautious Hussien
vas about TO suggest obstacles and dan
gers, but they were removed by the
golden logic of Kadiga, and 1t was ar
ranged that the cavaliers should be
olace 20 work in a ravine at the bot
.om of rne princesses' tower. The va
-ious scenes in the interesting drama
which followed need not be detailed.
By the generous connivance of Hussien
Baba, the lovers held converse by song
md flowers. Days and weeks flew by
ike so many hours, the mutual passion
Of the captives and their royal mis-
.resses becoming strengthened by the
very difficulties by which it was Mt
tended. At length there was an inter
ruption in ther telegraphic correspond
ence: for several days the cavaliers
ceased to make their appearance in the
glen. The three beautiful princesses
looked out from the tower in vain. In
vain they stretched out their swan-like
necks from the balcony in vain they
sang like captive nightingales in their
cage nothing was to be seen of their
Christian lovers; not q note responded
from the groves. The discreet Kadiga
was sent forth for intelligence, and soon
with q face full of trouble.
50 Ah, my children cried the sorrow-
ing duenna, "you may now hang up
your lutes on the willows. The Sp N
sh cavaliers are now ransomed by their
families they are down in Granada
and are preparing to return to their
native country"
The three beautiful princesses were in
despair at the tidings. AS soon as the
first burst of sorrow had subsided, the
faithful governess ventured to finish
her communication. 80 Yes, nv chill
dren, well may you grieve at the loss
Of such worthy cavaliers. Granada,
alas has not their equals. Would they /
had embraced the faith of Islam, and
taken service under your father There
might have been hope. AS it is, they |
a, in despair, and could think of only |
ore plan that would remedy your c. a.
mon misfortune"
what was it, good Kadiga ?" ex-
claimed the anxious princesses In a |
breath. What was it :? that we may |
lose none of their parting Words"
"1n the excess OF their affection, they |
to persuade me to urge you
to fly with them to Cordoya, and become |
their wives u
The three priucesses turned alternate
ly pale and red, and trembled, and looked !
down, and cast shy look at each other;
but doubts and fears were all silenced |
and removed by the potent arguments |
of love. The following night was the |
one appointed for their escape. Toward |
when the Alhambra was buried |
in sleep. the discreet Kadiga listened |
from the balcony of window that looked |
into the garden. Hussien Baba, who |
was to accompany the cavaliers in their |
flight, was already below, and gave the |
appointed signal. The duenna fastened |
the end Of ladder of ropes to the bal
cony, lowered it into the garden, and &C. |
scended. The two eldest princesses fol- |
lowed her with beating hearts but when |
it came to the turn of the youngest |
princess, Zorahayda, she hesitated and |
trembled. Every moment increased the |
danger of discovery. A distant tramp
was heard.
"The patrols are walking the rounds"
cried the renegade; "if we linger we per-
ish. Princess, descend instantly, or we
leave you"
Zorshayda was for moment in fear
full agitation /; then, loosening the lad
der of ropes, with desperate resolution.
she flung it from the balcony.
"It is decided r. she cried !; s' flight is