The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1878-01-22
How an American Became an
Arab Shcik.

! IkOn I'LL hluCi hShh oSSaMO uh
Arab Shcik.
The following, which is claimed TO be
true story. is, if authentic, a powerful
illustration OF the degree in which truth
uay often be stranger than fiction:
About twenty-five years lgo company
of young men started out fiom Damas-
Gus to Jerusalem. They had not gone
very far when band Of armed horse
men surrounded them, and ordered them
to halt. The leader of the band said
the caravan might move on unharmed
if they would deliver up one Of their
number, young man named Randall,
who should not suffer if he would come
along with them peacefully.
After u brief consultation, the terms
were acceded to, and the last look his
companions had of him was to see him
mounted on a 6nc horse, attended BY
the gay horsemen Of the Bedouin Sheik
Of the lie Arish tribe, which usually
winter in the noighborhood of Damas-
Gus, and in the summer move south and
east over the great plain, seeking pas
turage and water for their aocks and
herds. Where the escort was to con-
vey Randall he had no conception, bit
he soon found himself at the Sheik's
tent, and, 10 his great surprise, a mag
nifcent entertainment awaited him.
With amazement he exclaimed, "Whut
docs all this mean p
Arzilla, the Shiek's daughter, had
seen the young man, and had fallen pas
sionately 10 love with him, and this was
the wedding feast. The young man and
Arzilla we're married at once. There
was no escape for Randall for his tent
was faithfully guarded By night aud his
per.on closely watched by day, lest he
should escape, and this guard was kept
over him for years.
He seemed happy with his unsought
bride, for Arzilla proved that her love for
him was more than mere iarcy. Chill
dren were born to them, and their do
meslic life vas marked by kindness,
courtesy and true sfection. Randall
rapidly acquired the Arabic language,
his wife as readily mastered the English,
and they taught their children both,
which they speak readily.
Who was this Randall In the State
Of New York lives his father. who has
never seen the face Of his son. This
father is now over seventy years OF age,
and has history almos. as romantic as
that of his son. for he was raised among
the Indial.s and has travelled over the
Mississippi Valley in search Of fish and
game.
When he was twenty-one years OF
age the chief advised him to 20 to the
white man Che was voluntarily among
the Indiaus,) saying: You can be
more of a man among the white people
than among tn. Indians" lie returned
aud secured a Welsh lady for his wife,
and while she was on visit to her rela-
tives in Wales this son was born. The
mother soon after dying, the boy re-
maiued with his kindred awaiting the
father from this country, but the father
was unable to 60 after his son, who re-
uained in Wales till manhood, aud was
taking trip through Syria when he
pos ca nture1 nv the Sheik.
Young Randall was a Baptist, and
through his influence his wife became OF
the same faith, and their children were
nurtured in the same way. Randall 4
son has become Sheik Of the tribe, the
tather.in law having died.
A dcrvish, z'alot of tho Mohamme-
dan faith, had for long time been ell.
deavoring to stir up opposition and per-
secution on account Of this new religion
lilo strove to have Randall's sons thrown
out Of the employment of the Turkish
Government, G and, though failing in this
turned his assaults upon daughter Of
! the foreigner, aud charged her with
/ witchcraft. She was brought beiorc
the Meglis, composed Of venerable
! Sbciks and Effendis, to answer charge:
which involved her life. The charges
] having been presented and substantia
I ted az best they could be by witnesses
she was called upon to answer th'
charges through her advocate. She
although but fourteen years of age, said
i! "MOst venerable fathers, will reply il
q person" aud then, boldiDg Q biblo il