The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-07-21
ALL FOR SIX DOLLARS.
Exchange.

Ine art Ok true, pOetlc oarterlnX ls evidently loAt as soon as one enters a western hemisphere. An authority on hotel management declares that 1t is impossible in America to import a waiter who shall retain the suavity of manner which distinguishes the brotherhood in Europe. American air is fatal to obsequiousness. Judg- ing from our matter. of fact shopmen, 1t Is also not conducive to the manu. factnre of the poetic diction indulged in by traders under warmer skies. "A Moor from the hazaars with Mecca scarfs," said the courier to a traveller In the east. The Moor proved to Do strikingly handsome, picturesque and dignitiet, and saluted the American lady by placing his hand on his breast, and then touching 1t to his chin ani forehead, a graceful gesture.
 He had but two words resembling English, "Madama Americana" Tho interpreter undertook the burden of translating his periods. His pack of goods lay on the floor, like that of the New England pcddler of past gener- ation; but instead of hideous black oil-cloth or dirty bei.ticking, tho silken stutfs were enveloped In a square of buff cotton, a vine of green leaves wrought on its fringed edge. Thus the traveller describes her interview with him:
 "Would Madama Americana be seated?" with stately bow. She would.
 He unrolled gay little rug, which he spread for my slippered feet. He next brought a cigarette from his pocket, and, not SO much as saying "by your leave" puticd away. He then drew out from his pack second rug, and seated himself upon 1t.
 Here he smoked in silence, sitting perfectly still. Finally, he drew his pack toward him with the air of man having abundant leisure, unfolded 6 short, wide scarf, and, with careless nonchalance, threw 1t over his left arm.
 "lt Is from the sacred city of the prophet (may his name be extended as far as the sand reaches D and Is made of the finest twilled silk"
 examined the fabric with care. lt was very pretty, with striped gilt border and thin gold fringe at the ends. "What price1" I asked.
 He named a sum equal to about forty five dollars. l shook my head, but he regarded me as coolly as though l had shaken 1t at the remotest stars.
 "Will MadamR lay the happy scarf round her head and throat, that she may feel its fine sottness, like the furs of the north2 lt was made for the Princess Fatima IIammoun, niece Of the khedive of Egypt"
 "Then how did you get possession of so costly prize?"
 "Ladies in the harems are some- times short of money" said the uncon- cerned trader, waving the gauzy silk in the air. "The Madama Americana may strike off my head II speak not the truth. Perhaps this will suit her better"
 He shook out long, light woolen shawl, a dull apple-green. "Such was the turban of Mohammcd (exalted his name }, when, in the heat of battle, he raised 1t on lance, and made the green banner forever sacred"
 "What price?" asked.
 Seventy i've dollars."
 shook my head with energy.
 "Possibly Madama Americana would like some towels2 Here are the towels of Damascus, embroidered with gold. They come from Araby the blest, and are fresh from the last cara van."
 "Will they wash?"
 "Forever. The silk Is of the best of Syria, and the embroidery was laid on in delightful gardens by the howery banks of the Pharpar. It will be shining ten thousand years hence as now, and Is such as Ayesha, the beau- tiful wife, worked for the apostle of God. Will the Madama make me proud to look at them?"
 A dead pause of five long minutes, and he began again.
 "Madama sees here the choice things fit for those who live in the shadow of lofty palaces; but remember" he said, gravely, as he slowly refolded the green banner, -four things come not back: the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life, the neglected op- portunity. Thus saith the proverb."
 The golden embroidery was in mys- tic hieroglyph along the edges of the holy flag. "From the KoraD," said the Moslem, devoutly sliding lean brown finger along the lines. "Pure gold; 1t will never dim, and water does not tarnish 1t, nor time, though 1t last ten thousand years."
 'It Is too dear. may look at the towels again"
 He lifted one, and threw it on a divan. "This Is from Bsgdad-from Bagdad, the land of Aladdin, of Sind had and Zobeide. St.hehertzafie the