The morning times., 1895-11-11

stead On my way learned by accident
OF a conspiracy that appears TO be Matching
IN RounIala, the early knowledge of which
may prove ct great value to the Sultan and
his advisers
Thou art Indeed Fortunate" said the Refs
Effendi, ITO lie in possession OF that infor-
nation. His Ma jesty viii doubtless be
alarmed and his attention engrossed by
the details OF such project
When. next morning. Osman, inlis capaci-
tyas Grand Vizier, was closeted with Murad,
he IIastenel 10 impair; 10 tim the infellisence
he had received concerning the projected
rising and the design OF the rebels to march
upon the capital.
on hearing this account, Murad seized
with panic, talked of raising a large army
and at once marching upon the disarfected
province.
Every move was followed with the keeuest
interest. The game was fought with great
skill and indomitable patience By both con-
testants. 1t lasted long, and the chances
OF victory and defeat still held an even bal
ance.
II was the Grand yizier's turn. He moSed
his piece. when Suddenly il flashed upon him
that the move was a mistaken one Viz
tually it sealed his fate. Unless the Sultan
should by some extraordinary obtuseness
overlook the opportunity afforded him three
moves would at once terminate the game
and cut short the life OF osman. He dared
not raise his eyes from the board lest his
glance would Involuntarily betray TO the
Sultan his consciousness of the blunder he
had committed.
For some time the whole assembly sat ST.
lent and motionless. The Sultan made ne
move. What could be the cause of his delay?
Was he gloating over the assurance OF vic
tory and purpOsely prolonging the anxiety
and apprehension Of ais victim, or could It
be possible that he had really failed to
observe the opportu nifty provided fer him and
was still considering undecided his next
move?
The pause continued SO long that osman
venturcd at length to raise his eyes to his
adversary. Rather than such suspense 10
would be preferable TO know the worst. As
he looked up a strange sight met his gaze
The Sultan sat with his head bent down
The afternoon was sultry, and at the very
crisis Of the battle he had fallen asleepi
There was little doubt that when he woks
the first glance must reveal the opportu uity
that was presented TO him.
Meanwhile none dared 10 disturb him, and
the unhappy osnaB was compelled to await,
with as much patience and fortitude as he
could command, the tragic and inevitable
result.
No man in that large assembly either
spoke or stirred. With calm, unrutfled
demeanor. truly Oriental. they sat silent
and watctiful tn the Sultan should awake
and deigu to continue the game which bis
sleep had suddenly interrupted. Silence
reigned in the court without no less than
within the hall itself.
AT length the call to prayer of the
Muezztn on the mosque resounded through
the heavy air: Come to pra yer. come to
prayer. God is most great. God is most
great. There is no God but God" Still the
Sultan slept, and no one in that beJewelled
crowd dared to disturb his slumber.
At last an accident that none could have
foreseen occurred to break the silence. One
of tue soldiers stationed at the door fol-
lowed uncousciously the example set him by
his imperial master and fell asleep, aud
suddenly his scimiter, falling from his re-
laxing grasp. fell Changing on to the marble
steps
AIlooked up with amazement- except
Murad.
Then osman rose and touched the Sultan
lightly on the shoulder, and he fell forward
with crash among the chessmeu-for hs
was dead.-San Francisco A1gonaus.