St. Tammany farmer., 1905-11-25

nj Ih1H M peI1dl clty, wa
Nl |H III their ultimate des
77M(N tination. As b.
Ass @ busted himsel
ClC about the CAM
where the nigh
was to be spent, he watched the littl
group of merchantmen engaged il
earnest conversation. From their lov
tones and the furtive glances whicl
they cast in his direction frequently
he felt that it was about him they Wer.
talking.
He knew he was to be sold int.
servitude, and that at that very mo
ment they were planning how the,
could make the best bargain, but +:
strange calmness and resignation pos
sessed him. When he had been solt
by his brothers to these traders, ant
had found himself being carried far
ther and farther from his indulgen
father and the home he SO much loved
he had been thrown into an agon,
Of despair and grief, but his nature
was too hopeful and buoyant to b.
long under such spell, and instead
OF showing resentment towards hi:
new masters and yielding suller
obedience to their commands, he tried
to make the best of his misfortune
The taunts Of his brothers still rans
in his ears and he wondered If Gods
plans for him were to be thus spoiled
by their plotting and wickedness. He
would do the best he could whereve,
circumstances placed him. Surely
God could be with him in Egypt as
well as at home with his father and
brethren. He would try to be faith
full to the God of his father, cost what
1t would. And in this spirit he had
busted himself about the camp and
on the journey, helping where he
could, and despite the sadness that
filled his heart he bore a cheerful
countenance. Such manly, kindly
bearing soon won the favor and con.
fidence Of the men into whose power
he had fallen, and after the restraint
and close guarding of the first few
days, larger liberties had been given
him. The fetters had been taken OH
his legs and he was permitted to
move about much as he chose, even
going on some occasions quite a dis
tance for the water supply. Where it
had been possible they had encamped
by the side Of the well or spring
they chanced to find on the journey,
but tonight they had come to a run
ming stream and the camp had been
pitched some distance from its brink
in order that they might take advan-
tage of the higher ground. Taking
the empty water skins on the back
Of one of the asses Joseph started for
the river, while the Ishmaelites con-
tinued their council
1--WE shall sell him for q goodly
sum-" one of the men was saying.
Eyes" responded the leader of the
company, stroking his scanty beard
thoughtfully. and peering after the
youth with cold, calculating eye, that
measured his favorable points, "he
is well-favored, of strong limb, ami
able, and willing and capable. I know
the Egyptian who will be willing to
pay roundly for him.
''Who? You don't mean Puhor, the
keeper of the kings gardens?"
"The same"
"By the gods thou art clever" ex-
claimed the first speaker, with a grin.
II was about to suggest him, for he
is always eager to obtain slaves who
have youth and beauty to commend
them."
'Yea, and he Is always In need of
more, for under his severe exactions
the strongest soon age and lose their
beauty, and then thou knowest their
fate. But what is that?" he ex-
claimed, suddenly, as he lifted his
eyes and looked towards the river.
The others turned as he spoke and
saw company of Egyptian soldiers
and giving their horses
drink near the place where Joseph
was engaged in filing the water bot
Ties That they were impressed with
The attractiveness of the youth was
evident from the glances cast in his
direction, and after a moments con.
versation among themselves the COM.
mander of the force went to him, but
Joseph, unable to understand what
was said to him, indicated by signs
hat he belonged to the company of
raiders yonder and was being taken
% Egypt to be sold.
Poor Joseph! How he wanted to
ell him his troubles; how he had
,een torn from his home and sol.
" his brothers to these traders. How
,e wanted to appeal to them for heir.
,ut he knew it was useless, and tha.
le was powerless to change the fat.
which awaited him. As he watched |
he soldiers remount and ride onward
{ Z smart canter, he felt the impulse
o jump on the ass and ride away
vith them. And then as quickly re-
LIKING the folly Of such course, he
lifted his eyes to heaven and breathed
prayer that God would take care Of |
i'm. As
..God Who Is everywhere, and Who
as spoken good concerning the ckfi- !