St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1886-02-13

he was summoned 20 IDe S1iOT0 Dy sew
eral loud cries for help. Fastening in
the direction of the sounds he came to
where two brutal fishermen were drag
ging an old woman toward one of the
huts outside of the city walls. She was
struggling manfully to resist them, but
their united strength was too much for
her
"Why do ye do this, my brethrenP'
asked Mahmoud, calmly, as he put HIM
self in their way y"Doth not the mas
ters book say, we shall respect those
who hath gray hair?'
''She is a witch" cried one of the
men, .'she hath bewitched our nets and
driven the fish away. Take that,
good mother, and tomorrow ye shall go
before the Cadi; then we shall see what
will become of your sorceries.' - With
that he struck her with his sandal, and
with his companions help continued I'd
drag her along.
Help me, young sir,' cried the
woman to Mahmoud, "help me, and
Allah will reward thee"
Her imploring voice and his natural
gallantry prevailed over any thought of
danger, and he rushed upon her as
sailants.
''Ye do wrong to beat a woman he
said, land | will see that justice is
done.'' And he laid on so Justify, and
was so much stronger than they, that
he rescued the poor woman and drove
the fishermen away.
cart hurt, mother?' he asked, kind
ly, STOPPING to raise the decrepit crea-
ture from the earth.
s'Help me to the sea- she answered,
II have boat there and shall not fear
then. Thank you, you are very kind. y
They walked down to the shore to-
gether, where Mahmoud found boat
under clump of palms. He was 60
ing to assist her to unmoor it, but she
stepped into the water and all
at once he became conscious of
great change in his COM
panion. A bright light shone
all about him; at first he thought
it was the moon rising whose beams
kindled such an illumination. But in
moment he knew it was not that. Be-
fore him he saw, not wretchedly
dressed, feeble old woman, but superb
ly beautiful maiden, clad in diaphanous
robes, who seemed to float upon the
waves. The bright light was the ra-
dance emanating from her crown.
"Mahmoud, son of ALL" she said, in
sweet voice, ''know that / am Danea,
the fairy of the sea. You have done me
a great service. I have long been
cognizant of thy industry and the care
thou hast shown thy aged parents.
Thy good qualities as well as thy gen.
erous deed tonight deserve reward.
Come down with me beneath the sea,
where the splendor of my home will
dazzle thee and there will be no labor
for thy hands to do Wilt thou Gomez"
Now Mahmoud was like many other
young people, easily led astray, if only
the right temptation was placed before
him. The reason why he had been so
steady before was because he had never
been subjected to that temptation to
which he was most susceptible. He should
have answered ''no," at once, but he dilly-
dallied, muttered something about his
parents anxiety at his absence and how
they depended on him for their daily
food.
NAY, they will not suffer- said the
fairy. "Thou shalt return in three days
II thou wilt. Only come with me now
and behold the splendors of my king
DOM
He turned to look for the towers of
hoping to see the roof of his
little cottage, but the palm trees stood
between with their waving branches.
The fairy stood waiting, her beautiful
eyes beseeching him, her white arms
oeckoning him. He could not resist the
spell. Il will 60 with thee,' he said,
casting his fears behind him.
So the fairy took his hand, and strik-
ng the waves with her wand, they both
sank far below. What broad, roomy
kingdom it was in the bottom of the
,oa among the corals and waving
grasses and glistening pearls! A new
world of marvel and delight was opened
o the eyes of the wondering fisherman.
lie was surrounded by paradise of de-
lights. Grottos of surprising beauty
md extent were filled with every splen-
Tor that could tempt the senses. The
most ravishing music arose from un-
,een orchestras. The most delicious
riands were placed before him at every
neal. His couch was of purple-colored
ponges decorated with the finest sea-
weeds. Maidens of incompatible love-
mess performed the commands of their
lueen and waited upon his every wish.
70 king in all the world could have been
erved more sumptuously.
Two days passed in this manner. and
aahmoud began to think of home. He
new his old father and mother were
.rieving at his absence, and his heart
nisgave him. On the third day he So
icited leave of the fairy to depart from
Ter dominions and return to his old en-
lloyment at Bassorah.