Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-10-04
KADUR--- IAN EASTERN TALE.

IN the city OF damascus there lived
a man named Kadur, who stood at a
bridge daily to beg assistance from the
passers- by. Every one who saw him
pitied and aided him. In addition to
being small Of stature and blind of one
eye, he was bunch backed and lame.
Losing his teeth caused him to stam-
mer so much that his words were with
diff culty understood. By begging for
a considerable time he amassed a sum
of money. -
Not far from the bridge where he
was in in the habit of standing there
was an ancient burial ground. In q
corner of this he concealed his little
store, and adding any to it which he
might receive during the day he retired
to rest in in house which stood near
the place. One morning as it began to
dawn, he proceeded to the spot with
the intention Of depositing his earn
ings for several days back. When he
came there he found the ground dis
turbed and his money stolen. Filled
with grief and disappointm he tore
his hair and garments and wept, bitter
~. The neighbors hearing his cries
fastened to the place, where they
found Kadur pale, emaciated and hard
ly breathing. ~
They revived him as soon as possible,
gave him some money and departed.
He, unable to express his anguish, ran
to the river that he might drown him.
self. After arriving there he seated
himself on the shore and unused on his
unfortunate situation. Bent down with
the burden of sorrow he sprang up to
leap into the water, but being lame he
fell to the ground. Immediately he
perceived venerable man of majestic
mien, who, asking him the cause of his
despair, and learning it gave him what
he could spare, and then reasoned with
him on the folly of mis- intentions. His
arguments were convincing, and Kadur
relinquished the thought of committing
suicide, but determined to leave the
scene of his misfortune and proceed
abroad. N 1
He walked slowly for his lameness
did not permit him to do otherwise, and
subsisted on the aims he received from
travellers. Already he was more than
half the distance, when he was over
taken by some merchants who were
going to Bagdad. They asked him
where he was proceeding. He endeav-
ored to answer them, but he stan1mered
so much IN tina attempt that their
laughter was excited. A second trial
and his tongue proved more fortunate
and he explained TO them his destina-
ton; when, taking pity on his lameness,
they suffered him to ride On one of
their camels. After having travelled
together few days, thick volume of
dust was preceived from distance.
The merchants were alarmed and not
without cause, for it proceeded from
the approach of some robbers, who,
Immediately on arriving attacked them.
The merchants defended themselves
bravely, but as the robbers were of SUI
perior numbers they were overcome,
but not till several were killed; the sur
vivors were taken prisoners, and Kadur
among the rest. The robbers took from
them their garments and afterWard
killed them. Kadur was reserved to
the last; but the robber who searched
him observing the poorness of his gar
ments and his want of money, said to
his comrades: "Let us spare the life
of this beggar," to which they all con-
scented.
One of them, who was blind of an
eye and lame, approaching Kadur, and,
discovering a similarity in their ap-
pearance, commenced laughing. Call
ing the others, he said: +" thank all
of We for sparing the life of this beg
gar. Inever saw any one in my life
who SO resembled me; and, were [ not
convinced / have no brother, ] should
suppose we were twins" He ap-
preached Kadur, and slapping him on
the shoulder, exclaimed: Brother j
thou hast undertaken long and pain
full journey with but scanly means.
Take, therefore, this skin and coat,
and go wherever thou listest." All the
rest, looking at him, laughed heartily
at his appearance, and every one gave
him piece of money, the whole of
which, added together, amounted to q
considerable sum- 80 s#o m
The robbers, after having shared the
booty equally among themselves, PRO.
coded ir one direction, and KadlIr