The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-01-03
BIG LION ATE Up TEIE FACULTY
He Was the Curse of the Mosque of
Juna-el-Bechira.
From the New York Press.


Arabs will point ii out to you on the
road from Constantine to Batna and all
the residents of the district can
vouch for the story 1t was
not so long ago. either, for
within the dozen years between 1873 and
1874 bounties We're paid for the killing of
more than $1,000 feroclous animals, includ-
ing $50 lions and 1000 panthers.
1t was not so far back when the con-
cent-college and mosque of Juan-el-Bech
ra was in a most flourishing condition. Its
cells were filed with pious monks and its
corridors swarmed with Arab students,
anxious to attain eminence in learning.
one day at the assembling of the stu
dents IL was noticed that one of the bright
est of them did not appear, but as he had
Bedouin blood in his veins and was crea-
ture more or less of impulse little atten-
ton was paid TO his absence. The next
day a teacher of mathematics, holy man
of severe and rigid morals, was missing
from the classroom. A search was made,
but no trace of him was found Inc Jay
spond to the bell that summoned the
faithful to prayers. Another search snd
another disappointment; put the mEsu-
fied seekers were hardly returned from
their hunt when ii was reported that the
professor of ancient literature had disap-
peared. ,-.
reused even the apathetic natures or the
fatalisticA Mahometans and general can
TO arms was issued. After day peat
ing in the bush they We're rewarded Dy the
finding of enormous footprints, whlch with
awe ana terror they recognized as those OF
the terrible King of Beasts.
Alarmed, ana with good cause, the stu
dents deserted the college, but the loyal
faculty resolved to stick. Originally forty
in number, their ranks were reduced al
most daily. until at last scarce a dozen
Sometimes the tragedy happened in the
garden; again It was at the spring. whither
a good monk went for water; and finally
the lion became so bold that he invaded
the cells and carried off their occupants
bodily. One by one the devoted band was
decimated until only two remained 70 con,
duct the services of Islam and Withstand
the devil who had appeared in the guise
of the lion.
holy men stayed within the walls after
dark. behind thick shutters and bolted
doors; but this did not avail them. The
lion changed his habits and stalked abroad
by daylight. The elder of two monks saw
him, i'm the dusk of evening, as he was pac-
ing an alley in the garden, and fed af-
frighted to his companion.
He is a Giaour, an infidel," he cried to
his mate: for he has a wrinkle between
his brows in the shape of cross!' THAT
being the case replied his friend, 1--WE
will erect a cross at the foot OF the palm
trees, and, shielded by it's presence, we
shall perhaps escape"
the palm trees cast their shade. and then
with more of confidence, took their walks
abroad, but always within sight of the
cross. They CARRIED themselves In the
habit OF Christian monks. ana Lhus hoped
TO deceive even the devil in mis- latest
guise. But. alas! though doubtless the
lion was an intidel, ana hence favorably
disposed toward the Giaour, yet ne had
tasted human blood
one of these blameless men was struck
down at bis comrades feet; the other, and
the last Of the forty, fed from the place.
But he had proceeded but a little way
when he saw pursuing MIN ferocious
monster. devouring the space between
them with long leaps. Hitherto silent, his
roar now filled the air and rent the quiet-
ude Of the valley. Then the fated monk
saw his end approaching and Nigh he sank
to earth, covered his head with his mantle
and awaited his death But the lion, when
ne had reached the monk, fawned at his
feet. Emboldened, though tromblingly, the
man rose and essayed TO go his way. Then
the lion fell upon him, crushed his skull
with one blow of his mighty paw; ana
thus persisted the last Of the faculty of
forty