The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-11-10
Ghildrem's Column .
For the Central Presbyterian.
The Wise Judge and Sheik.
From the French. I

From the French.
In the southern portion of the pro-
vince of Constantine, lived ruler named
Bu-abas, who, In every respect, was re-
garded as pattern of an oriental prince.
He was under the supremacy of France,
and therefore paid an annual tribute to
the Governor of Constantine but ruled
with absolute power over his people.
One day Bu-abas heard of a Judge
In distant city whose decisions were
praised, and anxious beyond measure, he
determined to convince himself whether
the said judge merited the reputation for
such wisdom as was attributed to him.
Mounted upon very Indifferent horse,
and disguised in such manner no one
could suspect his station, he departed for
the distant city.
Having arrived there on market day,
which in accordance with the usual Gus
tom was also court day, he saw cripple
lying upon the road side, who immediate
lly arose, and Selling him by the mantle
begged for aims. Bu-abas gave him
piece of money, but the beggar still held
on to his cloak. what do you want"
said the ruler, "have not granted your
prayer?"
eyes" was the reply, "but it is writ
ten, Thou shalt not alone give aims to
thy brother, but shall help him all in thy
power.
well, what more can do for your"
when reach the city," said the Grip
pie, l shall be in danger of being tram
pied under foot by the camels and other
animals. You can prevent this by taking
me upon your horse and carrying me to
the market place"
" 1t shall be so, was the grave answer
and taking him up, Bu-abas rode to the
market place, much to the surprise and
astonishment of all who met him.
On their arrival he ordered the cripple
to dismount but the reply was "get down
yourself, will remain in my seat"
why should 1 get DOWN. said the
disguised ruler, -astonished.
Because the horse is mine, said the
beggar with great audacity.
Bu-abas 1aughingly replied "Wen,
here we are in the city of the wise Judge,
let us see what he will have to say about
the matter" and with these words he
dismounted, and selling the bride of his
horse led the nag to the judges bench,
whilst the cripple chung to the animal s
neck like monkey.
The first case before the court was a
dispute between lawyer and peasant
IN regard to the ownership of slave, a
woman, difficult question to decide as
the slave was deaf and dumb and could,
therefore, give no testimony for or against
either claimant
The judge listened attentively and
calmly to the two men, and then said:
Leave the slave with me and come
here again tomorrow"
The second case was about a sum of
money which both gardener and an oil
merchant claimed. The gardener testi-
fed as follows "This morning I went to
the oil merchant to have my Jar filled
with oil, and took from my pocket a
handful of gold to pay him, but as I was
about to count out the sum due, the mer-
chant seized the money and pretended
that l had stolen it from him. By the
holy prophet 1 swear that the gold is my
property, and that this man is a thief
and liar"
The oil merchant now spoke. "This
man came to me this morning to buy oil.
After l had filled his jar he asked me to
change large gold piece. l drew from
my pocket handful of gold and laid it
upon my counter Upon that he seized
both money and oil and ran off. By Ma
homet l swear to you that 1 have spoken
the truth"
The judge reflected moment and said
Leave the money with me and come
again tomorrow"
Now 1t was Bu-abas time. Worthy
judge" he began, 81 came from distant
land to make purchases. Not far from
the city, this cripple begged me to take
him up on my horse for fear of being
trampled under foot, but on arriving here
he refused to get down, saying the horse
was his. This is the whole truth, swear
to it."
The cripple said: "Noble sir, was
coming here on my own horse, when
spied this man lying on the road side. I
approached and asked if any misfortune
had befallen him. Nothing has hap
pened to me, he replied, fatigue alone
has overcome me, and if you are chart
table you will take me to the city where
/ have business. I did as he wished,
but great was my astonishment when
upon my animal the stranger babe me
get down, adding that the horse was his. "