Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1901-09-26

came to terms With him regarding the
expense of the voyage. The price was
moderate, so moderate that Naome felt
he would still have q comfortable little
sum left after his passage had been
paid. The captains daughter was pres
ent as wen; but this time she had with
her three pretty young girls-one a Ser
Wan, the other two Hungarians-whom
she Lad promised to place in good situ-
a dressmakers establishment, the other
to be cashier in cafe, the third lady's
maid to an Austrian countess.
You see. my friend" said Varvasa,
turning to Naome, you are going to
travel in pleasant company. l am al
most afraid you will be unfaithful to
me-"
The color few to Naome's face, and
Varvasa gave him light tap upon the
shoulder, as though to say, II am quite
sure that can count upon your abso-
lutte devotion"
Two days later the little company
boarded Captain Trifoniades vessel
and began their voyage down the
Danube. Varvasa devoted much of her
time to Naome. She permitted him a
thousand little familiarities which gave
unmistakable signs Of her favor and
completed his enthrallment by the dark
Witchery of her eyes and the soft,
warm pressure of her little hand.
The evening had closed in upon them
by the time they had cleared the mouth
Of the river. AT midnight another YES
sci approached. the captains exchanged
signals and soon the two boats were
touching one another. The Greek or
dsred Naome and the three girls to
step over to the other vessel.
And why. pray?" asked Naome in
surprise. What does all this mean?"
Come. we have moi time for eXpla-
nations" said yarvasa in tone of
authority.
She herself crossed first on the i'm
proyised bridge and the others fol-
lowed.
The Greek sailed on, and a strange
feeling Of uneasiness oppressed Naome.
Varvasa beckoned him to follow her
into the cabin. though truly the apart
ment seemed less like cabin than /.
harem. with its Turkish divans. Per
sian rugs and panther skins.
Throwing herself upon the gold en-
broidered cushions and looking at he,
captive with an ironical smile, the cir
said quietly. Now you are mine"
AT that moment the portiere wa.
drawn aside and handsome, powerful
Armenian entered. Placing his hands
upon his hips he laughed softly, ant
then gave low whistle, whereupol
two negroes stepped into the cabin
seized Naome, threw him to the grount
and bound him.
you have done we'll" said the Ar
menian. turning to Varvasa. 1.-The girl
are young and pretty and will orna
ment the richest harems. But wha
are you going to do with this fellow 2
he added. pointing to Naome.
"We will sell him in Asia Minor
White slaves are rarity. We cal
easily find a purchaser for him.
The negroes picked up the poor cap
tive as they would a bale and, carry
ing him outside, threw him in darl
corner among piles of ropes and vari
Gus casks.
Where am Iy asked Naome of on,
of the sailors passing by, "and to WHOM
does this cursed ship belong?"
"Our masters name is Sahag; he sell!
Armenian slaves"
"And Varvasa?"
SIS his wife. She is as willy as ser
pent 1t would be hard to find her equa
| for catching the game. You are no
the first whom she has handed over t,
| her husband. She knows how to dea
with human merchandise, tell you
and It would take the devil himself t,
| outwit her in the trade"
Naome asked no more questions
With a sign of despair, he pressed hi
burning forehead against the damp rig
cling Of the boat.
|
Sahag ran his vessel into one of thu
small harbors on the Asia Minor coast