The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1881-12-17


heard the retreating footsteps of his
guide, and. after some moments OF 81
lence, ventured to lift his eyes ana look
around him. The hall was a magniti-
icent one The lofty ceiling, painted by
European artists, was hung with re-
splendent listers. whose 6 differing PEN
dants struck by the sunlight, seemed
each mass of diamonds. From the
dome above the light streamed down
upon a tioor of Mosaic workmanship.
The walls, after the Mussulman fash
ion, were destitute of pictures, but in
their stead innumerabe small mirrors.
in every variety of arabesque. flashed
over their surface, hung with satins of
Bagdad and velvets from the Persian
looms, while n rich divan, or raised
sofa, circled the apartment.
Johan stood amazed! Was he asleep
or awaken Why was he hereP Surely
it was a dream, or the magic spell of
those genii of whose enchantments he
had so often heard the story-tellers tell
in the evening cafes, when he and his
beloved Seim wandered together in
their youth by the banks of the Golden
Horn. And Johan rubbed his eyes in
the vain hope that he might awake and
find himself once more in the dear old
bake-shop at home.
But it was no dream! An ominous
sound startled him! Some one APP
proaches And, trembling in every
nerve, Johan listened to the coming
footsteps till he was conscious that
door has opened and shut at the farther
END of the hall, and that he is no longer
alone! Who is it, friend or foe? Johan
scarcely breathes. Nearer and nearer
yet, till the unknown parsonage stands
by his side, and the poor GreeI; is rei "
to sink with terror to the earth.
But light touch falls on his Shout
der, and the blood curdles in his veins
with fear. 1t fingers, that light, gentle
touch, and then creeps on and on, till
an arm encircles his neck; face bends
down to his, and voice well-known
| (once, and still well beloved) slides in
to his ear: "Johanl Johan! my
brother! my beloved! Knowest thou
not who calls thee?
1t is the voice of Selim Selim the
| lost, the found! Selim, the companion
of his youthful days! Selim the old to-
bacco merchant boy! Selim the Grand
| Vizier!
Wonders of wonders! Johan stag
| gered, and nearly dropped to the floor
in his wild amazement. But his old
! friend guided him gently to the divan,
and, with touch OF his former spirit of
frolcsome mischief, seated the Devil
dered Johan unknowingly in the place
of honor.
But Johan paid no heed to that; at
least, at first. He could only gaze
with tears streaming down his cheeks
at his beloved Selim's face. And then,
after the first moments of mutual Joy
had passed, the two began to converse.
Johan had little to tell, and that little we
already know, but Selim had whole
volume of wonders to pour forth.
Let us condense his history. The
young lad had followed his new master
to his distant Pashalick, where his
abilities, his honesty and energy had
rapidly raised him to high position in
his masters household, till, like Joseph
of old, he had at length come to man
age and direct the whole course of the
provincial Government. The Pasha in
time was deposed. The Sultan, ever
watchful over his subordinates, had
been fully advised of the conduct of
the young secretary; and. at the fall
of the Pasha, had appointed him to fill
his place. At length there came a
ministerial crisis at Constantinoule;
the old Vizier sank into disgrace and
was deposed; and Selm, whose admin
istration as Pasha had greatly satisfied
and pleased the Sultan, was summoned
with the highest praises to take his po-
sition, the most exalted in the Empire;
and, again, like Joseph OF old, second
only to the King.
And now, Johan," concluded
Selim, after all this long recital, for it
had been minute and a long one,
"Now, Johan, you see that l have re-
membered our youthful VOW of faithful
friendship, and now, dear friend, you
must do me favor in return"
81, Selimp' returned Johan, sadly;
"What can so poor creature as l do
for the mighty Grand Vizier?"
"a great DEAL" replied Selim. with
energy; edo you not suppose have
my own plans, tooP DO you not sup
pose that | am surrounded by bitter
enemies, the partisans of the fallen
Vizier, and that | need above all things
true friend with whom | can advise
and in whom l can trust? Have | for
gotten" he added, with again touch
of the old frolic of by-gone days in his
voice, chow wise Johan was of old!
and where, pray, can find another
Johan, and where shall Johan find an
other friend like meP"
In short, it was soon settled. Johan,
the poor baker, moved into the palace,
he and his family, and took up their
abode with his friend, where, at first,
he filled the post of confidential adj
wiser to the Grand Vizier; but as time