Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-12-10
A HOME THRUST.

Abu Ben Hadar and Null lbraham,
two camel drivers, were crossing from
contrary directions the Desert Of Shall,
on the way to Shirsz, and met OH the
Oasis of Ell Ghoun.
The former, who was the younger OF
the two, had been a slave in the early
part of his career, having been captured
by the pirates and, after having passed
from one master to another, he had a,
length found himselfin Constantinople,
where he was held for time in close
servitude bya merchant OF that city ex
tensively engaged in commerce.; but
hehad at length contrived to effect his
escape, and had made his way after
many vicissitudes in northeasterly di-
rection, where he adopted his present
avocation.
Null. on the other hand, had never
since infancy been anything almost but
"cbild OF the desert" He was, never
theless, brought up strictly in the tenets
of the Koran, of which he was rigid
observer, and on the present occasion he
was Glad TO meet man who had seen
so much of the OH side world.
While the two drivers smoked their
naryhilies 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 tractless waste
OF sane. He told him of the magnifi-
csnce of Stamboul, which far excelled
IN all that Shiraz could produce, even
as the sun, The monarch Of day, out
shines the brightness of the pale Queen
of night, or as the great star Algor ex-
ceeds in dazzling splendor the radiance
of the entire cluster Of the Pleiades.
Tell me, o, Father" said Null,
something about the forbidden cup Of
the Giaour.'
"Son," said the old man, impressively,
"if thou wouljs't prolong thy days and
secure the favor Of Allah (whose name
be ever blessed), shun that cup. Thou
hast never. evidently from thy inquiry,
seen it, or its effects. The wild beasts
that roam at night, through the ruins
of Persepohs, are not more dangerous
10 man than it ia. The fascinating gaze
of the deadly serpent which lure'h its
victim to destruction while paralyzing
his every effort to escape is not more
certainly perilous. The sirocco. whose
deadly blast carryeth with it destruction
70 man and beast, is mild in Its effects
compared with the blight that lies con-
cealed in the accursed wine cup. The
carcasses that strew the desert, food for
its vultures are mere units to the num-
ber of those slain daily BY the intoxicat-
ing drink. Thou art still young. Let
nothing tempt thee-euriosity some
times may; let nothing induce thee
the invitation of the treacherous Frank
often may-to touch, to taste, TO han
die. have seen what it cat work:
therefore, say be warned!
The sun had descended some degrees
from his meridian altitude when the
two camel drivers separated, each to
pursue his monotonous journey.
When Null arrived at his destination
he found awaiting him two officials con-
nected with British diplomatic mis-
sion. the senior of whom took from
marcel which formed part Of the bag
yage carried by his camel, some impor-
tant dispatches.
"In the nick of time, Brett" observed
the officer to his friend. Zone day late,
and our mission here was useless
"How lucky! What good thing TO
be able to pluck at the whisker Of the
Russian Bear.
"Bv Joye! / wouldn't have missed
this marcel for a deal. We have the
hall at our feet now, and our st. Peters
burgh neighbors are completely outwlt-
rod we must at once set 10 work and
Give Sir George our views by wire from
Toublin. 1t is not too late to check
mat. the Russian intrigue"
IL am at your service, Villiers."
Roth officials were yersed in the ORR
entail tongue in which Null spoke; and,
after having commended him for his
promptitude, and placed gold coin in
his hand as a gratuIty, they directed
him to remain until he was rested, and
told him they would require him 10 pro-
ceed TO Toublin with an important mes
sage, which he was 70 conceal about bis
person. and which he was not to lose an
hour in carrying; and above all, that
secrecy was to be observed.
81 think, Brett" said villiers. aside,
"that the fellow deserves share OF bot
tie OF Giesler for his alacrity."
Major Brett then proceeded 10 uneork
a champagne bottle, and, each gentle
man having drank glass, the Major
filed out bumper for Null.
"Is il good to take? L have never
tasted wine, Efendi."
Certainly; lake it of while it fixes,
it will do you good
II will drink it, master, on one con-
dirion only" said Null, "and that is,
that rs you say II is not hurtful, you let
me have = bottle or two for my next
Journey"