The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-27

i Therefore you shall have my help. Take these two caskets. Let each of the two choose one. The rightful son will pick the right casket" She held out two small ivory cas- kets, rich y ornamented with gold and pearls. On the lids. which the Sultan tried vainly to open, were inscrip- tions formed by diamonds. As he rode homeward he wondered deeply what might be in them. The inscr1p- tion gave him no indication. One cas- The other had on 1t the words For tune and Wealth." Saaud reflected that the choice between two such equally turing things would be dif- hcult for any man.
 When he returned to his palace he sent for the Sultana and told her what the fairy had given to him. Her heart was filled at once with a firm belief that he to whom she felt so drawn would select that casket which would prove his royal birth.
 Two tables were placed before the Suitan's throne. On these the Sultan set the caskets with his own hands. He beckoned to a slave, and the doors of the hall were flung wide open. ad- mitting richly dressed throng of tho bassas and emirs of the kingdom for whom he had sent They took their places along the walls on glorious rugs and cushions.
 When all had assembled Saaud beckoned again. and Labakan was es- corted in. Proudly he strode through the hall and prostrated himself before the throne. asking. What commands my master and father?"
 Tho Sultan arose and said:
 My soni Doubts have been raised against the justice of your claim to our name. One of these caslxets con- tains the proof of your birth. Choose! doubt not that you will choose aright."
 Labakan arose and examined the caskets. He reflected long which he should choose. At last he said:
 "Honored atheri What can there be greater than the fortune of being your son? What can exceed the wealth of your favor. I choose the casket in- scrfbed Fortune and Wealth.
 We shall see afterward whether you have chosen aright or wrong" said the Sultan. "Sit down. meantime, on wonder cushion with the Bassa of Medina" He beckoned again and the slaves departed to get Omar.
 His appearance aroused sympathy among all. His noble head was bent his miep was sad and his once fash Ing glance was dull and gloomy. He too, prostrated himself before the throne and inquired the Sultan's will.
 Saaud told him to choose one of the two caskets. Omar arose and looked at them.
 These past days" said he, have taught me how unstable fortune is, how evanescent wealth may be. But they have taught me. too. that in the breast of the brave lies an indes- tructible treasure, honor. and that the oA 0f sFf fol, with fortune. Even should this my choice rob me of crown. will choose none other but Honor and Famet"
 He placed his hand on the casket. Saaud signed to Labakan to approach and told him to place his hand on the casket he had chosen. A slave brought q basin of water from the holy well in Mecca. The Sultan washed his hands, turned his face toward the east. threw himself to the ground and pray ed: God of my fathers I pray to thee that hast preserved our race pure and unspoiled, permit not that an un- worthy one defile the name of the the time of this trialp
 The Sultan went back to his throne. Breathless anxiety held all spellbound. Men dared hardly to breathe. All necks were craned when the Sultan said, with trembling voice: "Open the caskot5.
 They. that no power or skill could open, few moments before. sprang open of themselves at the word
 In the one selected by Omar there lay a small golden crown and a scep- ire on a velvet cushion. Tn Labakan's chest lay--a great needle and some thread.
 The Sultan ordered both to bring their caslxets to him. He picked up the little crown, and immediately 1t grew larger and larger till it had assumed the proportions of a true crown. He pressed 1t on the head of Omar, who kneeled before him. kissed him on the forehead and told him to sit at his right side. Then he turned to Laba- kan and spoke:
 Tt is an old provsrb. the shoema- ker should stick to his last It seems that you will have to stick to the nee- dle. You have not deserved my mercy. but one has interceded for you to whom I can refuse nothing today. Therefore, I give you your miserable life: but if you will listen to good advice you will make haste to leave my domains!'
 Ashamed. crushed. the wretched taii-