Smyrna times., 1901-12-25

py and content. He had built this
calm retreat to please himself, and he
received the strangers in it with a
frankness which displayed no sign of
ostentatiOn. He conducted them him
self to a comfortable chamber, where
he made them rest awhile; then he re-
turned to lead them to a dainty little
supper. During their conversation
they agreed that the affairs of this
world are not always regulated by the
opinions of the wisest men. But the
hermit still maintained that the ways
of Providence are wrapped in mystery
and that men do wrong to pass judg-
! ment on a universe of which they only
see the smallest part. Zadig wondered
how person who committed such mad
acts could reason so correctly.
At length. after a conversation as
agreeable as instructive the host con-
Quoted the two travellers to their apart
ment and thanked heaven for sending
him two visitors so wise and virtuous.
He offered them some money, but so
frankly that they could not feel offend
ed. The old man declined and desired
to say farewell as he intended to de-
part for Babylon at break of day.
They therefore parted on the warmest
terms, and Zadig above all was filed
with kindly feelings toward so amia-
BILE man.
When the hermit and himself were
in their chamber, they spent some time
in praises of their host. At break of
day the old man woke his cOmrade.
1--WE must be going" he remarked.
But while every one is still asleep |
wish to leave this worthy man pledge
of my esteem With these words he
took a torch and set the house on fire.
Zadig burst forth into cries of hOr-
ror and would have stopped the fright
full act, but the hermit by superior
strength drew him away. The house
was in a blaze, and the old man. who
was now a good way off with his COM
panion. looked back calmly at the
burning pile.
Heaven be- praised he cried, "our
kind hosts house is destroyed from TOP
| to bottom"
At these words Zadig knew not
/
call the reverend father an old rascal,
knock him down or run away. But he
| did neither. Still subdued by the SUI
perior manner of the hermit. he fol-
lowed him against his will to their
next lodging.
This was the dwelling of a good and
charitable widow. who had a nephew
| of fo,1r+ooD bor only homo and inv
| She did her best to use the travellers
well. and the next morning she bade
her nephew guide them safely past a
certain bridge. which, having recently
been broken. had become dangerous to
cross over. The youth. eager to oblige
them. led the way.
Come" said the hermit when they
were half across the bridge. Il must
show my gratitude toward your aunt"
AS he spoke he seized the young man
by the hair and threw him into the riv-
er. The youth fell, reappeared for an
instant on the surface and then was
swallowed by the torrent.
"Oh. monsterr' exclaimed Zadig.
ooh, most detestable of men
you promised me more patience"
interrupted the old man. Listen! Be
meath the ruins Of that house which
Providence saw fit to set on fire the
owner will discover an enormous treas
ure. while this young man, whose ex-
istence Providence cut short. would
have killed his aunt within year, and
you yourself in two"
"Who told you so. barbarian" cried
Zadig. land even if you read the issue
in your Book of Destiny who gave
you power to drown youth who never
injured you?"
While he spoke he saw that the old
man had a beard no longer and that
his face had become fair and young.
his hermt's frock had disappeared,
four white wings covered his majestic
form and shone with dazzling luster.
"Angel OF heaven" cried Zadig, you
are then descended from the skies to
teach an erring mortal to submit to the
eternal laws"
Men," replied the angel JeZracl
Judge all things without knowledge
and you, of all men. most deserved tC
be enlightened. The world imagineS
that the youth who has just perished
fell by chance into the water and that
by like chance the rich mans house
was set on fire. But there is no sucl
thing as chance; all is trial or punish
ment or foresight. Feeble mortal, cease
to argue and rebel against what yor
ought to ad0rer'
AS he spoke these words the ange
took his flight to heaven, and Zadia
| fell upon his knees.-FrOm the French
Book borrowing.
One need have no delicacy in askin,