Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-03-21

There was little else to reward him.
Ills patient was not one who had learned
much from life in the lessons Of unssk-
ishness AMI self-control. But even On
him II began gradually to dawn that
this oriental patience and courtesy was
something surprising and beyond any.
thing that he had right to expect
"Ibrahim," he asked = few dAys
later, when you pray, what do you
say?"
The old man flushed. II speak With
Allah, howadji," he answered with
simple dignity.
"Oh, see here! l know you don't
like to talk about your faith 10 IN.
believers; but I'm not meaning 70 Be
impertinent. really would like 70
know very much"
The old man bowed his head.
n say many things, howadjl, and dr.
fcrcnt things at different hours. Ire.
cite the names OF Allah, and I always
repeat El Fatiha" And in low voice
he recltcd:
"'ln the name Of Allah. the Merciful and
Gracious Praise to Allah, tbs Lord Of "
creatures, the Merc.ful and Gracious, the
Prince Of the Day Of Judgment We serve
thee and We pray to thee for help. Lead US 10
the right way Of those 10 whom thou hast
shown mercy. upon whom no wrath rcsteth,
and who 90 not astray Amen
"lI'm" said his nearer, as the sonor.
Gus Arabic fell upon his cars snow II
1t was in New England, we would call
that a pretty good sort Of prayer"
And he became thoughtful.
December came in, cool and refresh
ing. The sick man began TO get about
again. lie was much gentler in man.
ner.and showedsylnptoins Of gratitude.
lie had not been able to convince him
self of the soundneis of his own views
Of Ibrahim's mercenary motives They
talked much together
Tomorrow Is a great feast in my
country he remarked, as they sat and
summed themselves in front Of the dom
palms
lbrahim nodded. YES, | remember,
II is the birth Of lssa. We also honor
him as prophet, but not Us you do.
But often | have heard Of him, and
sometimes the travelling people have
told me stories from your book. There
was one tale he added, wistfully,
that would like to hear again. We
have none like it. 1t was Of son who
went away from his father far of into
. strange country, but he came back"
The other did not speak for u mo
ment.
1.-THE prodigal son." he said, at last.
Eyes, know It, | have Bible in my
bag; III read It to you, If you like"
"Thanks, howadji," answered Ibra-
him, gratefully. "Yes, gladly would
hear the tale again.
The young man fetched o volume out
Of the hut, and sat down under the
shade Of the palm tree. "A certain
man had two sons, he began. and be
read 1t through to the end. lie looked
rather strange when he finished
"What on earth made you ask for that
just now?' he said.
"IIowadji," answered the old man,
simply, ~ had son. 1t was long ago.
lie left me one day, and | heard Of him
no more. The will Of Allah be done"
sand you mean to say that you 70.
member him still-that you miss him
after all those years."
"Ycs truly, howadjl," said the other,
in surprise. "a father does not forget
his SON.
''But suppose he was no credit to his
father; suppose he had been wild and
troublesome. Wouldn't he have worn
out your patience after awhlles You
might have been glad to lose track Of
him, and 1t would have been an un-
pleasant surprise to get him back"
NO" answered the other, patiently;
ohe would still be my son. Always NV
heart would roam The earth seckinr
him; but the dead come not back"
"Thev do sometimes" muttered the
Young man.
lie rose and walkoi up and down.
"See here, Ibrahim, I've been pretty
near death lately. could easily pre-
tend that I'd passed over the limo. I
feel rather like ghost as 1t Is. Now
what's the use Of a ghost coming back
to yex the people who thought him
safely dead? He'd much better 10
back and keep himself out of sight
somewhere in the African forest.
There's plenty of room for ghosts In
there; and 1t Isn't such bad place"
"My son, my son." and Ibrahim rose
and leaned upon his staff His long,
white beard swept his brown breast,
his white hair waved beneath his green
turban. lie was q venerable and I'm.
posing figure. MY son, life lies DO.
fore you. You have gone but little
way, and, il 1t was not we'll, yet
there is time to make It right. Hear
the words Of an old man. Go back Va
your home, and to those who wait and
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