The Portland daily press., 1894-04-10
CHATYM.

The old Gin-in-ko, the wandering story
teller of the Arabs in the midst of inter
ested hearers, told of the virtues and glo-
ries of the princes of Abkassia. He told
of one of these princes who was surround
ed by a large court of cavaliers and serv-
ants. most devoted and loyal. But among
these Chatym was distinguished for his
courage and fidelity. He was the favorite
Of the prince, accompanied him on his
hunting ard war expeditions and advised
in the great council.
The prince knew not the mum Der
of his soldiers, nor of his fiocks and
herds All these were given in charge to
the brave and devoted Chatym, and this
favor excited the great envy of the cava-
liers. They enumerated the privileges he
enjoyed and murmured among themselves:
esWhy is he so well treatedf Is hs better
than us? Can, his scimetar split the rocks?
Can he pierce three men with single bail
from his gun? Does the devil reside in the
point of his lance? Could he, think you,
alone without fear charge a troop of
horses"
These and other malignant insinuations
were overheard by Chatym, and address
ing the more envious among the cavaliers
he said:
eye do me great injustice when ye speak
so.''
The cavaliers regarded Chatym with
establishment.
chow sop one asked
"Know ye not answered the favorite,
'that from him who hath much much
will be asked? If one among ye commit
a fault, the penalty would be expulsion
from the court, but l, if l fail in my duty,
would be strangled. This is the law. The
greatest punishments are for those who
have been most trusted. And | am man,
like other men, and exposed like them to-
forgetfulness of the three great precepts
which should form the supreme rules OF
life: First, allow not the praise of friends
to make thee proud; second, confide no Sc
crets to a woman; third, love not as thine
the son of others. A friend praises today,
and tomorrow speaks Ill. All must, soon
or or later, find the truth of these precepts.
have at home youth, my adopted son,
Aster. H hath been cared for from baby
hood by me- Yet give him but two pias-
tiers and he''--
''Thou speakest well,' interrupted one
of the cavaliers, shut thou hast nothing
to fear"
ssThinkest thou sop replied Chatym.
"Before the sun has 10 times coursed over
the land of Abkassia promise thatI shall
have made this terrible experiment, and i
swear it by the beard of the prophet Ye
shall see whether told ye not the truth
today
Satisfied with this promise, the cavaliers
retired. Some days afterward the prince
departed for the provinces of Kabardia,
where an important affair required his
personal presence. He left Chatym In
charge of all his most precious things, and
among them beautiful and much loved
falcon. The faithful Chatym resolved to
profit by the absence of his master to make
his experiment:
"Why is my Chatym SO thoughtful"
asked his young wife one morning. why
dost thou wear that sorro 7~fsl look?"
81 know not, Assam, but it is true that
I am far from gay. A strange thought
dominates me-"
"Cannot I know this secret, this strange
thought"
II am afraid, Assam, for discretion is
not a womanly virtue. 1t is not possible
to confide a secret to g woman
"Have / ever said anything imprudent
to my friends?''
tPerhaps not, but thou mayest not have
had occasion
'tDost thou really believe I could be SO
thoughtless in my converse?"
t'Why not? Thou art a womar."
Assam did not reply, but her red lips
trembled, and the tears rolled down her
beautiful cheeks Chatym regarded her
intently for moment; then he spoke:
"Upon this secret depends my life"
"But is not thy life dearer to me than
mine OWN"
II thank thee. But without so wishing
thou mayest become traitress.
"No, no I will guard your secret faith.
fully; swear it. will take better care OF
it than of my beauty
Chatym was an instant silent. Then,
turning to his beloved, he said: ''Thy
promise and thy oath disarm me. Listen
Yesterday soothsayer came to me. Thou
knowest that these men know and see all
things. And he said to me: Thou art a
happy man, Chatym. All hath come to
thee. But thy felicity is not complete.
Thou hast no son of thine own, and this
it is which is thy secret sorrow and also
of thy wife. !"
"Oh.'' cried Assam, chow knew he my
wish? He must be great seer"
III think SO, responded Chatym, land
this wise man further said to me, Il will
tell thee a way to obtain that which thou
dost ardently desire. "
"a son? Oh, treasure of my soul! And
did.-he tell thee how we could attain this
great joy?"
eyes. It is necessary to take vigor-
Gus falcon, dress and roast it.
-tAnd am to eat it,"