Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-03-22
A Persian Adventure.


sent me to Persia two years ago, and
/ took up my quarters at Ispahan.
The Governor was Malcolm Khan,
whose acquaintance / had made in
France. We became inseparable in
our companionship. In three months
/ had finished my work and resigned
myself to the indolent life of the
most indolent city of the world. One
morning, while dreamily riding in
an avenue shaded with palm trees,
/ saw at the street corner woman
in litter. Oddly enough the wo-
man did not entirely conceal her fig
ure, which was slender and graceful
and l could see her eyes cleaning
like Goals of fire. My horse was walk
ing and / made him follow very
slowly the bearers of the litter 1t
seemed that the unknown looked
back once or twice; but, after all, as
adventures of this kind in the East
are somewhat unsatisfactory, paid
only slight attention to the matter.
I had almost forgotten the occurrence
when, two days later, / again met
the litter. This time / was not
alone. Mehmed- Aga, the chief of
ordinance, or sertip of the city, was
walking with me. At the first glance
/ recognized the yelled lady, and es-
pecially those extraordinary eyes,
which were still flashing fire. As
before she looked back, but this time
the action was more pronounced. l
glanced at the sertip, but he pretend
ed to have noticed nothing We
walked along in this way for about
ten minutes, when the litter turned
toward Djoulffa bridge. The Djoulf
ia bridge is somewhat popular
resort for evening promenades, and
so l hesitated about following my
unknown for fear Of compromising
her. But there was no hesitation on
her part. Suddenly she leaned half
way out of the litter and dropped
her handkerchief out upon the pave
ment.
When we returned to the palace
the sertip said:
"My dear friend. Imade no COM
ment little while ago. But instead
of keeping that handkerchief press
ed tenderly against your heart, you
must throw it into the fire.
"You wish me to do so pn
IT do not wish that you should
have your throat cut, and be thrown
into the Zend- Dehround. 1 am in
charge of the city, and I am respon-
sible for you to the French lega-
tion."
"But-"
"Not another word. You are as
tonishing people, you Parisians !!
You think yourselves always upon
the Boulevard des Capucinesl We
are in the orient, my friend; and
orient husbands are not to be trifled
with. Al Paris it may be different.
Your unknown is not unknown to
us. Her name is Nissa."
''Nissa ?"
IF the name is charming the hus.
band is not at all so. He is very
wealthy merchant in the suburbs,
famous for his violence and jealous
ness. His name is Astoulla, and he
would kill you like dog"
Sand Nissa, what Of her ?"
30, my Frenchmanl We do not
talk about our women here, or rath-
er. those whom we do talk about
ah, well, they are sewn up in sack
and thrown into the river"
1 dined with him, returning early
to my rooms. While promenading
on the terrace in the rear of the
house, in the evening, a horrid look
ing old woman suddenly entered
from the lower door, She wished to
speak to me. When assured we were
alone, she asked
"Are you brave ?"
I smiled with that self-conceit
which a man always feels when ask
ed that question. She continued.
81 came to propose to you q walk.
1t is night. No one can see US. You
are to follow me-to Nissa. When
halfway 1 shall blindfold you, but
you must swear to me not to at
tempt to end out where I am lead
ing you"