Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1894-03-18

deed seemed rather like the concentrated
luxuriance OF whole country than the,
natural growth Of single spot. There
were dumps Of feathery date trees, Indian
palms, pomegrauates, orange, apple april
cot, peach and ilg trees Another tree there
was, TOO. more famous in Arabian song and
story than any OF these-the balm tree.
Like so much that is good aud famous, it
il not boautiful--in fact, It Is ugly and
scrnggy, and were the eye the sole judge,
contemplate, but those who know its yir-
tues think little Of It's mean appearance.
In striking contrast 10 the dark olive
foliage were the blazing tropical flowers,
many OF them OF inexpressible glory and
briliancy. But what touched me beyond
ANYTHING else were some clusters Of mag
niiicunt roses that flung their fragrance on
the air. unmindiul Of the general noisome-
ness-at times, indeed, making one forget
it. Tho sight OF that common English
flower, so familiar and so lovely, stirred
the emotions as not an the splendors Of the
orient could stir them. 1t wis like the
greeting Of an old friend in a strange land.
In some Of the gardens people were draw
ing water from deep wells with leathern
buckets, others scooping 1t up from slen-
der stone trimmed watercourses. At sight
OF such plenty began to get hungry and
thirsty again, and so tempting was the
fruit that presently found myself medi-
tating robbery. But ut every gate de
cided TO wait till l reached the next, and in
this way, thief at heart, an honest man
from fear, | went along feasting my eyes
but grievously vexing the stomach, which
protested ever more and more vigorously.
II is an i'll experience to be furnishing
among plenty.
On turning one Of the many street cor
ners, full OF the Thought which most en-
Cages hungry man. entered square in
which was assembled great crowd. n
glance made it plain that they we've holt
day makers. In the midst was man wear
ing over the usual shirt gay particolored
msntei and a scarlet vest, with wide sleeves
like bishops gown. His head was fan
tastically embodied in a flaming handkcr-
chief, in the voluminous twists Of which
there were stuck three bobbing peacock
feathers. He was seated on "a camel as gor-
geously caparisoned as himself and was
shouting and gesticulating with many wild
grimaees, the people responding to his sal
lies Of wit and distortions of countenance
with resounding bursts of merriment.
"a professional story teller" said to
myself, and it proved was right.
The fellow seemed master Of his business,
for all were eager and excited, save only
the gaunt sqEgowful camel, which was
sunk in u gloom no mirth could brighten.
Perhaps, like Harlequin, it was too familiar
with jests to be much cheered by them.
had not watched the performance more
than minute when the clown noticed me.
He stared for second " amaaement, but
quickly recovering the professional insO-
lence he pointed a lecring finger at me-
calling upon the assembluge To look at the
rare curiosity that had opportunity ap-
pearod for their entertainment Like one
man they wheeled about and fastened their
eyes upon me.
At this 1 turned quickly on my heel to
walk OF, considering IL the safest policy to
get out Of the way with as much speed and
as little fuss rs possible But the story
teller hurling Il singing gibe Mt me about
my courage (aquality would let no man
make q jest of with impunity) 1 turned
again and faced the throng, my heart al
ready beginning to bristle in my breast
There was moments silence, then the
bulfOon on the camel began running com
mentary on my looks, my dress ANA spirit,
enlyening his remarks with witticisms
AAAthb lAiuiAN very AAtN WIN MY lttlllEN anu
sent the listeners TALL save one) iuto conyul.
sions Of laughter He capped his insults
and insolences by inviting his audience to
step forward and examine me for them
selves.
The next minute they had formed Il ring
about me, taking care, however, to keen
some distance OF, as If / might he an ami
nal Of uncertain temper. But a perky
youth in rich nloul- nd
sashcs, eager to set an example in temerity
and make sport for his fellows ran up and
probed me in the ribs with his riding stick.
1t was wonderful how the old fiery spirit OF
retaliation came back on me. Quicker than
thought Whipped out my pistol and GOV.
cred the fellows head. He ducked, dodged
and disappeared like magic. Disappointed
at his celerityi In getting out OF sight, took
aim nj the clown. He, too, hnd an antip
athy to such target practice, and like a
fash was of his camel and hiding among
the crowd a thrilling pause followed M
the people, fallen silent stared in wonder al
me, then at one another, then at the camel
standing MS stturnine and stupid looking
as ever, quite unconscious Of its masters
sudden desartion.
Satisfied with having frightened my mo
testers and anxious TO prove my pacific in.
tenticns toward the company in general,
returned the pistol TO my belt. Seeing this
the chopiallun story teller sneaked back
| for his beast, taking care rs he led Il of tc
keep it, body between him and me The
| crowd heaitated Il moment, rs II uncertain
which performer to pat,ouize; then Went
trooping after the clown in evident eXpecta
| ton Of further diversion elsewhere My
impulse was to follow and spoil the fun
but, remembering the discretion which /,
the better part OF yulor, | turned aside ant
went in another direction.
had not gone hundred ynryls when
felt gentle touch on the arm, and luokin,
round foundat my side an elderly Arab o
venerable and hcninput aspect. As m,
eyes met his he bowed with cordial gray
ity and held out his open hand. Glad I,
ind any one so friendly l also bowed ant
laid my open palm in his, waiting for him
II was in the midst o, the congregation
when the Jester dcrided thee aud made III,
people laugh" he began IN a kindly tone
~ saw thee pull ont thy weapon and ain
at the fool who smote thee with his ridip,
stick, and trembletl FOR thy safety, for NJ
suredly hadst thou slain him thy owI
blood had watered the ground. When Thu
jester skunk away and the people followed
! h8tened after thee to speak with thee
and il thou be in need OF aught | posses
know Of a surety it is thine. II thou nrt
hungertd, thou shalt eat; il thou art thirsty
thou shalt drink; ii thou art weary tbo,
shalt wash thy feet and rest. Said Aebme
hath himself been wanderer and kno,yrtl
a q ~ IA faaafa q