The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1886-11-11
A HOME THRUST.
BY WILLIAM M'ARTHUR.

AUu Deu IldudT anu Ihuli lDiaheih, WV
camel drivers, were crossing from con-
trary directions the Desert of Shall, on
the way to Shiraz, and met at 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 pirates; and, after having passed from
one master to another, he had at length
found himself in Constantinople, where
he was held for tine in close servitude
by q 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 a northeasterly direction, where he
adopted his present avocation.
Null, on the other hand, had never
since infancy been anything almost but a
"chid of the desert" He was, never
thcless, 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 outside world.
While the two drivers smoked their
narghilies 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 magnifi-
cence of Stamboul, which far excelled in
all that shiraz could produce, even as
the sun, the monarch of day, outshines
the brightness of the pale Queen of
night, or as the great star Algor exceeds
in dazzling splendor the radiance Of the
entire cluster of the Pleiades.
"Tcll me, 0, Father!" said Null
something about the forbidden cup OF
the Giaour."
"Son," said the old man, imprcssivcly,
eff thou woulds't prolong thy days and
secure the favor of Allah (whosc namt
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 luins O.
Perscpolls, are not more dangerous tt
man than it is. The fascinating gaze o
the deadly serpent which lureth its vic
tim to destruction whiles paralyzing hi
every effort to escape is not more certain
ly pcrilous. The sirocco, whose deadl,
blast carryeth with it destruction to maj
and beast, is mild in its effects whel
compared with the blight that lies con
cealed in the accurscd wine cup. TIL
carcases that strew the desert, food TO
its vuturcs, are mere units to the nun
Der ofthose slain daily by the intoxicat
Ing drink. Thou art still young. lie
nothing tempt thce-curiosity some
times may; let nothing induce thee th
invitation of the trcacherous Frank ofte
may-to touch, to taste, to handle.
have seen what it can work; ther, fore
l say be warnedw
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 destinatio
he found awaiting him two officials cor
nected with British Diplomatic mission
tie senior of whom took from pare,
which formed part of the baggage ca
ried by his camel, some important di
patches.
'1n the nick of time, Brett, "observe
the officer to his friend. "Onc day lat,
and our mission here was useless"
"How lucky! What a good thing
be able to pluck at the whisker of IL
Russian Bear"
s'By Jove I wouldn't have missed tb
pdlCel lOI ecdi. WE iltNc tuC piil
our feet now, and our st. Petersburg
neighbors are completely outwitted. "
must at once set to work and give
George our views by wire from Toubli
1t is not too late to checkmatc the Ru
sian intrigue"
II am at your service, Villicrs."
Both officials were versed in the Oh
entail tongue in which Null spoke; an
after having commended him for /
promptitude, and placed gold coin
his hand as a gratulty, they directed hi
to remain until he was rested, and to
him they would require him to proce
to Toublin with an important messae
which he was to conceal about his p'
son, and which he was not to lose
hour in carrying; and, above all, tl
. secrecy was TO be observed.
II think, Brett" said Villicrs, asid
''that the fellow deserves share of bC
Z, tie of Giesler for his alacrity."
Major Brett then proceeded to unco
champagne bottle, and, each gentlem
a. having drank glass, the Major fill
ID out bumper for Null.
IS SIS it good to take9 have ne'
T. tasted wine, Effendi."
10 Certainly; take it off while it fzi