Connecticut western news., 1886-11-17
A HOME THRUST.
BY WILLIAM M'ARTHUR.


  Abu Ben Had,rr and Muli Ibraham, two camel drivers, were crossing from con- trary directions the Desert of Shali, on the way to Shiraz, and met at the Oasis of Fl Ghoun.
 The former, who was the younger of the two, had been a slave in. the early rart of his career, having been captured by pirates; and, after having passed from enc master to another, he had ut length found himself in Constantinople, where he was he'd for tine in close servitude by a merchant of that city extensively engaged in commerce.; but he had at length contrived to effect his escape, and e16padc his way after many vicissitudcs in aporthcastcrly direction, where he sdorl bis present avocation.
 Aul 5ee the other hand, had never since iat1acy been anything almost buta ''child of the desert" He was, never thelssk brought up strictly in the tencts of t&a Koran, of which he was rigid ebeery and on the present occasion he yas e to meet a man who had seen so mucA ehc outside world.
 Wh thc two drivers smoked their narshN3es under the palm trees their camels resting meanwhile in the shade, Aba entertained his young companion with details of what was to be observed beyond the limits of the ,trackless waste of sand. He told him of tho magaii- eence of Stamboul, which far excelled in all that Shirax could produce, even as tho sun, the monarch of day, outshincs tho hri9Aspcss of the pale Queen of aight eess the great star Algor exceeds b aas9Heeaplendo, tho radiance of the entirS cluster ofSthe Pleiades.
 'TaAsAs O, Fatherw said Mu,i 's,mstAl&g about the forbidden cup of the Giaour."
 ''Son," said tho old man, imprcssively, 'ff thou woulds't prolong thy days and secure the favor of Allah (whoso name be ever blcssed), shun that cup, Thou hast never, evidently from thy inquiry, cen it. or its effects Tho wild beasts that roam at night. through tho ,uins of rncpohs, arc not more dangerous to man than 1t is. The fascinating gsxe of tho deadly serpent which lurcth its vic tim to destruction while paralyxing his every ,fort to escape is not more ccrHin- y periloaa The sirocco, whose deadly blast carrycth with it destruction to man and beast, ismild in its eff cts when compared with the blight that lies con- esalcd in the accursed wins cup, Tn, eoRcascs that strcw the dcscrt food for its yultures arc mere units to the num- Der ofthosc slain daily by the intoxicat- ing drink. Thou art still young. Lc, 4 snothing tempt thNc-curiosity some times may; let nothing induce thee--ths invitation of the treacherous Frank often may-to touch, to taste, to handle. have seen what it can work; ther>f pro, lsay be warnedw
 The sun had descended some degree. from his merid an altitude when tn, two camel drivers separated, each t. pursue his monotsnoas journey.
 When Mul arrivedxt his destination he found awaiting him two officials con nected wi,h ssBritish Diplomatic mission the senie1 shom took from a parcc which n part of the baggage car ried . 6ss camel, some important dis patches.
 'sIn the nick of time, Brett, "oaserve' the officer to his friend. "One day late and our mission here was useless"
 ..How luckyl Whata good thing t be able to pluck as tho whisker of tn Russian Bear."
 ssBy love! wouldn't have missed tbi Hnrcel for deal. We have the ball a or feet now, and our St. Petersburg neighb6h are completely outwittei. w $ must 2 once set to work an1 give Si Georfehr views by wire from Toublir It.is not tco late to checkmate the Ru sian intrigue"
 Il am at your service, Villiers."
 Both officials were versed in the Or eHtal tongue in which Muli spoke; ano after having commended him for h promptitude, and placed & gold coin his hand as a gratulty. they directed hil to remain until he was rested, and tol him they would require him to procee to Toablin with an important messag which he was to conceal about his pc son, and which he was not to lose a hour in carrying; and, above all, tn secrecy was to be observed.
 'l think, B;ett," said Villi"rs, asid s.that the fellow deserves share of a bo tie of Giesler for his alacrity."
 Major Brett then proceeded to uncol champagn: bottle, and, each gentlcm having drank glass, the Major fill out . bumper fer Muli.
 'Is it good 10 takei I have nev tasted wine, Effendi."
 ''Certainlyt take it off whi ile it fz1
 It win do you good"