The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-04

Egyptian village at the Omaha exposition
and. as before mentioned, will be found
the great fair opens in that city next
spring And after the St. Louis fair
Cairo. How his eyes light up he softly
breatheS the magic word.
Abdul learned his conjurers tricks from
Prince Ishmael, in Bombay. he says. "Ah.
the prince, what great magic man is
he" said Abdul; with show of enthusi-
asm- 4. oh. / am nothing when TO the
prince compared. He's black-very black
black as my boy" and the conjurer waved
his hand toward the little negro who still
sat beside him, drinking in every word he
uttered. but the prince, he's great-he
plays the rope trick, you know-the won
derful rope trick. He throws into the air
the rope, and up the rope climbs his boy
a boy like mine-and then the prince he
causes the boy to vanish before your very
eyes. All. that is marvellous, IS it not?'
LAST YEAR AS PERFORMER.
The Egyptian does not seem to entertain
a relish for his present occupation, and
declared that this would be the last year
that he would be seen as a performer of
magical feats. He likes America and loves
Rochester, N. Y, where he lived for many
months, becoming well acquainted while
there with some of the most prominent men
In the city, who took a great interest In
him and his welfare. The one thing that
he cannot understand is why anyone should
mistake him for a negro. Look at me- he
said, his eyes flashing. as he turned his
face so that the electric light might shine
full upon it. Are the Egyptian features
not mine? Behold my straight nose, my
thin lpS-the way my head is on my
shoulders set All, yes, L m proud. Why not?
I'm of a royal people"
But who is the little black boy?" ques-
toned the newspaper man. Where did you
get him? Surely he is not your son?
A humorous smile began to play about
the effeminate mouth of the Egyptian
Turning to the tiny negro, Stand up, little
one" he commanded.
The little one stood up-drew himself
up to his full height of about thirty-seven
inches.
What are you-a negro?' asked Abdul.
mo. rs not" came the answer, quickly,
in injured tone.
IAN Egyptian" queried the master.
Eyes / is" returned the pupil, his little
chest expanding visibly.
Abdul chuckled TO himself for a moment
and then continued his catechism.
I'm Atlanta, Ca
what had you on when found your"
Muffin"
Nothing? All, then were you
"Naked?-yes, sah.''
where did you live?"
''In de cullud orphin asylumb.'
Were you to get away glad?'
"'Deed yes, sah.'
How old are your
bout seben.'
VINO SoOu 10 your
Abdul
who's great?"
"Allah!"
"Allah is great-blessed be his name" said
the Egyptian, thus bringing the catechism
to a close. ''Sit down, Angus" And then,
turning once more to his caller, he added:
Il take the boy and bring him up. L like
him. He likes me. He has no father-nO
mother-or if he has-ah, well, you under
stand. Poor Angus. 1 will look after him.
i will protect him. And Mohammed will
reward me-
And so the interview ended, and the news
paper man took his departure, leaving the
| two dark figures sitting there together as he
had found them-leaving Abdul to return
to his dreams and the child to his funny
| little thoughts. And as the visitor passed
out of the canvas Enclosure into the night,
Abdul called after him, in his musical
| voice-"Good-bye! Allah be with your