Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1886-11-19
A HOME THRUST.
BY WILLIAM M'ARTHUR.


camel drivers were crossing from con-
trary directions the Desert of Shall, on
the way to Shraz, and met at the Oasis
of El Ghoun.
The former, who was the younger of
the two, had been slave in the early
part Of his career, having been captured
by pirates; and, after having passed from
one master to another, he had at length
found himself in Constantinope, where
he was held for tire in close servitude
by merchant Of that city extensively
engaged in commerce; but he had at
length contrived to effect his escape, and
had made his way after many vicissitudes
in northeastelly direction, where he
adopted his present avocaton.
Null, on the other hand, had never
since infancy been anything almost but a
"chiId of the desert" He was, never
theless, brought up strictly in the tenets
of the Koran, of which he was a rigid
observer, and on the present occasion he
was glad to meet a man who had seen so
much of the outside world.
While the two drivers smoked their
barghilies under the palm trees, their
camels resting meanwhile in the shade,
Abu 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 the magnif-
cence of Stamboul, which far excelled in
all that Shiraz could produce, even as
the sun, the monarch Of day outshings
the brightness of the puie $780, -ol
night, or as the great star AIgor exceeds
in dazzling splendor the radiance of the
entire cluster of the Pleiades.
''Tcll me, o, Fatherlo said Null
Something about the forbidden cup 0.
the Giaour."
,"Son," said the old man, impressively
''if thou woulds't prolong thy days anc
secure the favor of Allah (whose nam,
be ever blessed), shun that cup. Thol
hast never, evidently from thy inquiry
seen it, or its effects. The wild beast,
that roam at night through the ruins O
Persepolls, are not more dangerous K
man than it is. The fascinating gaze o
the deadly serpent which lureth its vic
tim to destruction while paralyzing hi
every effort to escape is not more certain
ly perilous. The sirocco, whose deadly
blast carryeth with it destruction to mar
and beast, is mild in its eff f.cts wher
compared with the blight that lies con
cealed in the accursed wine cup. Th
carcases that strew the desert, food fo
its vultures, are mere units to the mum
ber ofthose slain daily by the intoxicat
ing drink. Thou art still young. Lc
nothing tempt thee-curiosity some
times may; let nothing induce thee --th
invitation of the treacherous Frank Otter
may-to touch, to taste, to handle.
have seen what it can work; thcr, f re
say be warned ~
The sun had descended some degree
from his meridian altitude when tn
two camel drivers separated, each t,
pursue his monotonous journey.
When Null arrived at his destination
he found awaiting him two officials con
nected with British Diplomatic mission
the senior of whom took from parce
which formed part OF the baggage car
ried by his camel, some important dis
patches
In the nick of time, Brett, "observeC
the officer to his friend. zone day late
and our mission here was useless"
How luckyl What good thing t
be able to pluck at the whisker of tn
Russian Bear"
''By Jove! l wouldn't have missed tbis
parcel for deal. We have the ball a
our feet now, and our St. Petersburgl
neighbors are completely outwitted. w
must at once set to work and give Si
George our views by wire from Toublin
1t is not too late to checkmate the Rus
sian intrigue"
Il am at your service, Villers."
Both officials were versed in the 0ri
entail tongue in which Null spoke; and
after having commended him for nj
promptitude, and placed a gold coin il
his hand as a gratulty, they directed hin
to remain until he was rested, and told
him they would require him to proceed
to Toublin with an important message
which he was to conceal about his per
son, and which he was not to lose an
hour in carrying; and, above all, tina
secrecy was to be observed.
Il think, Brett" said Villiers, aside
'that the fellow deserves share of bot
tie of Giesler for his alacrity."
Major Brett then proceeded to uncork
a champaign bottle, and, each gentleman
having drank a glass, the Majo tilleo
out 5umper for Null.
'Is it good to takel I have neyel
tasted wine, Efendi."
Certainly; take it off while it izze'
II win do you gOod.n