The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1886-04-23


robes, who seemed to float upon the
waves. The bright light was the ra-
dance emanating from her crown.
.Mahmoud. son of Ally she said, in
sweet voice, know that am Danea,
the fairy of the sea. You have done me
great service. / have long been
cognizant of thy industry and the care
thou hast shown thy aged parents.
Thy good qualities as well as thy gem
erous deed tonight deserve q reward.
Come down with me beneath the sea,
where the splendor Of my home will
dazzle thee and there viii 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 mo, atonce, 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
If thou wilt Only come with me now
and behold the splendors of my king
DOM"
He turned to look for the towers Of
Bassorah, 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
reckoning 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-
ing the waves with her wand, they both
sank far below. What q broad, roomy
kingdom it was in the bottom Of the
sea among the corals and waving
grasses and glistening pearls! A new
world Of marvel and delight was opened
to the eyes Of the wondering fisherman.
He was surrounded by . paradise Of de-
lights Grottos Of surprising beauty
and extent were filed with every SPLEEN
dor that could tempt the senses. The
most ravishing music arosa from un-
seen orchestras. The most delicious
viands were placed before him at every
meal. His couch was Of purple colored
sponges decorated with the finest sea-
weeds. Maidens of incompatible love-
illness performed the commands Of their
queen and waited upon his every wish.
No king in al the world could have been
served more sumptuously.
Two days passed in this manner, and
MAhmoud began to think Of home. He
knew his old father and mother were
grieving It his absence, and his heart
misgave him. On the third day he So
licited leave Of the fairy to depart from
her dominions and return to his old en-
ployment at Bassorah.
She frowned . little at his evident
WEAKNESS Of her hospitality. s.Mor-
tal," she said, 'sthou art foolish to wish
to return to earth again and to your
daily labor. but your desire shall be
gratifiedr'
Al parting she put into his hands !
golden casket and q key.
Take this, she sid, s'as the gift Of
the fair Danea, but never open il, / bex
you, for your life, Till the very worst
happens The consequences win be
graver than you think Il you disobey
me. Aahmoud. SON Of Ali. you are on
the wateEs before Bassorah agar"
He looked around him, and NV that
be WAS in . boat not fhr from the shore.
The lights Of Bassorah twinkled among
the palm and citron groves. Silently
he rowed ashore and sought to find his
humble stall, which Do had LETT three
dayB boforo. To his sururina hA fnund