The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-04-06

sheepSkin.
No, alas. answ>i he Cypriote
ruefully and shrugg.Ga ;ls shoulders.
only two of the Mavro. The rest I
took to the abbey, for understood the
holy prior to say he would purchase
six casks, but it seems that it was but
three he needed"
He said three" put in Wulf.
Did he, sir? Then doubtless the er-
ror was mine. who speak your tongue
but ill. So must drag the rest back
again over those accused roads," And
he made another grimace. Yet will
ask you, sir" he added to Sir Andrew,
ito tighten the load little by accept
ing this small keg Of the old sweet
vintage that grows on the slopes of
Trooidos.'
II remember it WELL" said Sir An
drew, with smile. But, friend.
do not wish to take your wine for moth
ing"
At these words the face Of Georgios
beamed.
what, noble SIR" he exclaimed, do
you know my land Of Cyprus? Oh,
then indeed l kiss your hands, and
surely you will not affront me by re-
fusing this little PRESENT."
LAS you WILL" said Sir Andrew. II
thank you, and perhaps you have other
things to SELL" a g.
~ have indeed-a few embroideries,
IL this most gracious lady would be
pleased to look at them. Some carpets
also, such as the Moslems use to pray
on in the name of their false prophet,
Mohammed." And, turning. he spat
upon the ground. -.
Il see that you are q Christian" said
Sir Andrew. "Yet, although l fought
against them. have known many a
good ,Mussulman. Nor do I think 1t
necessary to spit at the name Of Mo-
manned. who to my mind was great
man deceived by the artitice of Satan"
Neither do l." said Goodwin refec-
lively. "It's true servants should fight
the enemies Of the cross and pray for
their souls, not spit at them" E
The merchant looked at them curious
ly, lingering the silver crucifix that
hung upon his breast. Pardon me, /
accept your reproof, who perhaps am
bigoted,"' he said. ID
Yet had they but known it, this 're-
proof was to save the life of many a
man that night.
May l ask help with these pack
ages" he went on, las I cannot open
them here, and to move the casks?
Nay, the little keg will carry myself,
rs hope that you will taste of it at
your Christmas feast" Then, twisting
the tub from the end of the vain on to
his shoulder in such a fashion that it
remained upright, he walked OF lightly
toward the open door of the hall.
For one not tall that man is strange
ly strong" thought Wulf.
Then the other casks Of wine were
slowed away in the stone cellar be-
meath the hall.
Leaving his servant-a silent, stupid
looking, dark eyed fellow named Petros
to bait the horses, Georgios entered the
and embroideries. AS Sir Andrew look
ed at them, remembering his long dead
days, his face softened.
II will buy that rug" he said, "for of
truth 1t might be one on which lay
sick many a year ago in the house Of
F.! Ayoub at Damascus. Nay. I haggle
not ut the price. I will buy It," Still
recalling his youth, he began to talk of
Cyprus. anG so time went on until the
dark was falling. .-, >.-#
Now Georgios said that he must b
] going, as he had sent back his guide to
( Southninster, where the man desired
| to eat his Christmas feast. So the
reckoning was paid-it was a long one
and while the horses were harnessed
TO the vain the merchant bored holes
N the little cask of wine and set spig
OTIS in them, bidding them all be sure
! to drink of it that night. Then calling
down good fortune ON them for theil
kindness and liberality he made his
salaams in the eastern fashion and de
parted, accompanied by Wulf.
| Within five minutes there was /
sound Of shouting. and Wulf was bacl
| again, saying that the wheel Of tn,
vain had broken at the first turn, 81
! that now it was lying upon it's side il
/ the courtyard. Sir Andrew and God
win went out to see to the matter, anl
there they found Georgios wringing hi
hands.
mobile knights," he said, what an
1 to do? Already it is nearly dark
and how I shall find my way up yon
der steep hill know not. AS for tn,
priceless broideries, / suppose the,
must stay here for the night. since tina
wheel cannot be mended till tomor
row.
"As you had best do also" said Si
Andrew kindly. Leave your serv
ant with my people, who will look AFT
er him, and come you into the hall ant
tell me some more OF Cyprus till on
food is ready, which will be soon. D,
not fear for your goods. They shall b
placed under cover" .
/ "All unworthy as / am, obey" an
swered the obsequious Georgios. 'Pe
tros. do you understand? This nobl
lord gives US hospitality for the night
His people will show you where to ca
and sleep and help you with you
horses"
This man, who, he explained, was ,
Cypriote-a fisherman in summer and |
muleteer in win" cr-bowed and. dxinI
his dark eyes upon those Of his master
<ry1