Evening star., 1898-10-08
EASTERN SAGE's POWERS.
Strong Case of Arab CreduIity in
Afgiers.

From the New York Herald
Perhaps the best evidence of the preva-
lence of the strange fatalism and fanati-
cism that form large part of the Arab
faith is to be found in the frequent use the
Algerian makes of the rather overworked
expression "Mertoub," TT was written"
Near Bouguirat there lives a celebrated
| marabout, Sidi ben Tel1ouk by name, who
| is credited with an Inheritance from his
| father Of strange and supernatural powers
From every quarter of the populous Dah-
ra region an almost continuous caravan of
people who desire to consult the holy man
wends its way toward his unpretentious
abode.
These pilgrims to the shrine of occult
wisdom, by the way, are pretty certain of
being entertained by the holy man in royal
style. The heavy expenses consequent
upon the giving OF this perpetual hospitable
reception betrayed by the faithful
whom Sidf ben Tekouk holds under his spir-
itual sway
Even the European colonist must seek
his aid in discovering the authors of the
theft of horse, a camel or a part of his
harvest.
The complainant is always dismissed with
the comforting words, Go, my friend be
merciful toward those who have robbed
YOU close your eyes and ears, and in three
days time you shall find the animal before
your door And so Invariably, common re-
port has it, is the prediction fulfilled it is
iioiuiy " De WOHueTeu at tlat the mara
oout Is creuted with miraculous powers.
On a recent occasion several hay ricks
belonging to a rich planter were set on
fire. The planter Immediately betook him
self to the marabout and indicated to him
the persons he suspected. Sidi ben Tekouk
sent for half dozen of the supposed Gull
prits, and after a short examination sent
away all but one. To him he depicted in
lively colors all the joys of the paradise
where Mohammed awaits the just and all
the terrors of the accursed place haunted
by demons of fire. and then called upon
cence upon the tomb of his (Ben Tekouk'sD
father. The native, although half dead
with fear took the required oath.
Then the marabout, laying aside the ex-
alted tone, said in paternal accents: Go,
my son; go freely, but remember that he
who has burned the property of another
shall himself perish by fire.
Some days later this Arab, impelled by an
outraged conscience, put an end to his life
with pistol. By fatal chance his cloth
ing caught fire, and when the body was
found it was almost unrecognizable. The
Arabs shrugged their shoulders and said
"Mektoub'-"It was written"
The man with such strange powers of in
sight and foresight is about forty years old
tall and imposing in stature. An abundant
silky beard gives to his face a patriarchaI
aspect. He is very learned, having studied
theology IN a special school at Damas and
Travelled much In the orient. He speaks
many languages and is considered royal
good fellow by most Europeans who meet
him.
Some years ago, during a revolt of the
tribes along the Dahras. Sidi ben Tekouk,
doubtless on account of his religious pres
t1ge, was suspected of being the secret
chief of the agitators and was arrested by
order of the prefect Of Mostaganem His
detention, however, was of short duration