The semi-weekly miner., 1883-05-09
sary, or pricked by conscience for
allowing himself to be drawn into


peared.
ut is a plot, then," Ramedab
thought, as he beheld no less person.
ages than his sovereign and the Viz
ier. But Immediately all was blank
I-he became unconscious.
"Let bim be cared for and healed,
if possible; it is a bad thrust. He
could withstand bribery, but not
personal slight, for the sake of his
trust. See that his brother be brought
to me tomorrow"
So saying, the Commander of
Slaves and Ruler of Thrones retired
to the palace.
Amulreda, while preparing to obey
this summons, thoughtfully remarked
T to Freraddin the youngest: 81 1t is
likely that Ramedab is accepted, as
he is a noted soldier; but should, his
impetuosity .displease, the Shah, 1
shall, of course, be next choice, for
my fathers gracious manner has de-
scended upon me. Thou hast his
discretion, butt is all thou hast.
Such a puny. slight person as thou
art would ill become an exalted posi-
ton. Besides, 1 love my.;country.
Though not the warrior Ramedab, l
hope to do some great work, to be
celebrated through the length and
breadth of the land"
The Shah repeated in the same
words the charge he had given to the
Ready Handed, the key was present.
ed, and the second son found him.
self by midnight alone under the
stars. Hafiz found Amulfeda deaf to
all appeals. Mufta also appeared;
but Amulfeda replied to all his
taunts: II care not who calls me
coward, so I hold the privilege of
| guarding the treasures"
He had passed two nights without
wavering in his trust: On the third
came the Grand Vizier. "
"Knowest thou, Amulfeda.' said
he, 'that thou hast been played a
trick? The Shah hath given thee
empty coffe;s. Thinkest thou he
would trust an untried boy with the
jewels of Persia, or that he would be-
stow upon a beardless youth the Of.
flee of the Golden Key?"
"How darest thou malign the
Ruler of Thrones, who was never
known to break his word?"
"Sayest thou so? I could tell thee
otherwise; but, with all thy devotion
to him, thou fearest to draw thy
sabre in his defence, though l do say
the Shah hath no intention of keep
ing his word"
"Draw and defend thyself, for thy
lie. I trust implicitly in the Shah of
Persia" So saying, Amulfeda drew
b;o xvoanOn and nronoro1 tn ottocl.
the Vizier. After short conflict,
the Vizier made himself master of
the key-which Amulfeda had
dropped in the struggle-and with
drew.
On the following morning, FIRE.
raddin was informed he was to take
his turn. "Wby should I mount
guard when the Shah has 'ere this
decided on one of my brothers?"
thought he. II only plod along do
ing what lies before me. But did not
my father say, DO what comes to
hand; do it we'll; let nothing take thy
thoug hts from it, and success will fol-
low?' 1 trust it may prove true"
The Shah looked surprised when
Freraddin Frustrated himself before
him. ..
"Thy brothers have inherited the
most Of thy father, we perceive.
What has been left for thee?"
"His discretion and power of en-
durance, O Ruler of Thrones"
ut may be so. The most useful
blade owns not the finest scabbard.
Receive this key! I say to thee, as to
thy brothers: Let not love of gold or
self, nor of others, cause thee to for
get thy duty"
Freraddin was in turn subjected to
the temptations his brothers haG un-
dergone, only added was the promise
from the Shah's favorite daughter,
''tn 1T if he would let her enter to OBJ
tain her amulet, which was kept
among the royal jewels, she would
use her influence for his promotion,
and, in time, persuade her father to
agree to their marriage; for the anu
let was especially precious to her, and
she desired to wear it at the evening
feast"
But Freraddin refused; her en-
treaties were hard TO withstand. vet
the memory of his fathers words de-
cided him, and the princess departed
in tears.
Next morning the three brothers
were brought before the throne
Ramedab on litter, Amulfeda with
bandaged arm, and Freraddin hold
ing the key.
ut is known to ALL" began the
Shah, "the promise given to your
father, and how it has been kept.
<vsx ted
not to let anything come between
you and your duty. l showed not
the treasures, for belief in them was
part of your faith in me. You all re-
fused the worldly bribes offered"
Here Ramedab changed color. "It
is needless to say" continued the
Shah, "that the trials were permit
ted by me. l allowed Hafiz, who
needed money, to endeavor to in
fluence you. did not make Mufta
Ramedab's enemy, but agreed to his
challenging him while on guard.
The Grand Vizier requested the OPP
portunity to test your zeal: should
the family of Rejerah fail, his
nephew might win. For l could not
do Persia the injustice to bestow
the Golden Key on one untried by
temptations. Ramedab, this was
not the time for thee to think of thy
own name; but, as thou hast proved
thyself brave. though faulty senti
mel, thou shalt receive place in the
cohorts Of Persia. Amulfeda, think
est thou we had not plenty to defend
our name? That was not thy mis-
sion; let not visions of greatness
make thee forget life's duties. Thou
shalt be among the chroniclers of
Persia. But thou, Freraddin. whom
neither gold, nor taunts, nor wo-
mans tears could move from the task
appointed, thou keepest the key, for
thou alone of the three hast learned
self CONTROL"
Loud praises greeted these words,
and Freraddin always enjoyed the
confidence of his monarch.-H.
Nicholas. ...s....
Two car loads of railroad laborers
roasod thrOuuh Glen5ive Thursday