The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-04-28

tiently acquainted himself with such
phrases of gallantry as usually give
pleasure, he lost no time in rendering
himself agreeable.
He did this the more readily since.
although one of the women was middle
aged and ugly, the other was young and
pretty. Yes, III spite of her coarse garb,
the critic pronounced her decidedly, and
even-after he had paid n few compli-
ments, and had seen her dark eyes glis-
ten, her cheeks flush like the ripened
peach, and across her glancing white
teeth her red lips redden-" confound-
edly" pretty.
They talked of many things, and twas
not until the host had returned from his
care of the beasts that conversation turn
ed upon the one oLjet dc rirtu, and the
guest inquired the significance of the
black stone.
"It is Reva's god," said the elder
woman, with an inimicaT leer and vi
cious emphasis.
cit is n curiosity" said the host,
glancing angrily ut his wife, "and nv
daughter here has right to it, since she
picked it up herself last winter, in the
snow"
&C 1t came to me-" said the girl, sui
leply.
The guest arose and examined the
stone. GA meteorite," he pronounced
1t, "and an interesting specimen"
When the host limited, or growled,
rather, that it was bedtime, all retired to
the state bed excepting Reva. ModestY,
perhaps, but more probably the fact
that the ambassador took much room,
caused her to determine to keep watch
that night. In the dim fre-light the
| l.
closed eyelids, saw her without surprise,
for his vanity had perceived the attrac-
tion he possessed, draw near ahd nearer
him, until at last she was quietly seated
by his side.
So the night waned. When indis-
putable slumber was attested by trio of
snoring, Reva whispered to the stranger,
who rested but did not sleep:
Wise youth, for you converse, I
think, with the stars, and unravel Sc
crets, have you the willingness to help
poor girl much troubled?"
The fashiug eyes of the wild beauty,
her confiding air, and the evident
confessional nature of her appeal alaroused
the youths cautiousncss as sensibly as
his cordiality.
eff 1 can help you,' he said, not al
together alphabetically, "with advice,
perhaps, I shall not be unwilling
Counsel me, then, kind stranger,
how shall find my way to the land,
native to my fancy. 1 am not Rus
sian. So is my father, SO likewise is my
step-mother, but not L. I am q Kirghis.
My mother was a slave, taken in Skin
mish; slave, also wife. She died in
giving me life. I would gladly, now
that comprehend all things, exchange
gifts with her. Every day I feel that L
would prefer to be far distant, for my
step-mother is not beloved by me, and
shall I tell youl-I am betrothed to
rnffian utterly ablorrent. Do not now
now give me answer" she added, rs ne
bestirred himself responsively, "but
sleep, my stranger, for you are wearied
of your journeys; and while you sleep
will hold your hand and conduct you
through the dream world. Then the door
will appear to you that shall open to
give freedom to q girl most unhappy,
who would escape.
r
CT must go on if 7 die" said the en-
bassador, in really irascible tone.
eve must have horses if they arc moth
ing moro than skeletons. We must
have driver"
i" If he is deaths head" said Berne.
~ agree with you; we shall go on, my
friend, this hour.
At night-fall, after day intolerable to
the ambassador, day made tolerable to
his companion by the novel beauty,
offspring of mixed races, and the sim
pie but charming coquetry. of the. dark
eyed daughter of the desert, the travel
ers resumed their journey.
| All night they glided along over the
| q M Nnnf l.
peacefully somnolent, and his companion
moodily wakeful. vexed by a pair of
black eyes, "burning yet tender" He
gave himself for a night to the delicious
torment of one regretful whim; on the
morrow he would arouse himself from
such weakness.
Near daybreak horsemen approached.
Swift riders they were, seven in number,
who seemed making speed with EXPRESS
intent to waylay the ambassador, or to
pounce with plunderous force upon the
loaded sledge of tempting luggage that
preceded him.
The aspect of these horseman as they
rushed into clear view betokened hos
tility. The ambassador, frightened from
his lethargy, and his companion, ner-
vously alert, prepared to defend them
selves. AS their horses were seized, and
their driver, n gigantic follow, wrapped
to his chin in sheep skins, was uncere-
moniously dragged down from his seat,
Berne sprang from the sledge, aud with
his foretinger upon the trigger Of his
revolver, made parley.
" 1t is not you that we want" cried
one of the ruffians, who hadimmediately
dismounted; "it is your driver"
"Our driver?" said the relieved en-
hoo L..
friend, so long as You furnish us with
| another LET ono Of unrr n,,,,l>o, to,xo