Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1911-03-11
A Rug From
Mazandaran
lts Wonderful Powers
Are Verified
BY CLARISSA MACKIE
Copyright by American Press Assoc
citation. 1911.
BY CLARISSA MACKIE

little group OF tourists on the Neptune
turned TO one another with a cheerful
sense of companionshlp born of many
days spent on board the hospitable
vessel and other days employed In
pleasant excursions ashore.
The Neptune carried a party of sew
eral hundred travellers. and her charter
covered every port of interest in the
orient, Constantinople was the last
stopping place, and now they were
homeward bound,
Professor Trayle and his pretty
daughter Madeline were Joined by sew
eral others whom they had found
congenlal during the tour At times
they had been separated for few
days. as each party followed its own
particular itinerary beyond the princi-
pal stopping places. Once more they
gathered their steamer chairs into
close proximity about the professor
and fell TO talking of the city they had
just left
There was Alexander FELTON,. tall and
lean and clever looking and very glad
to be with Madeline Trayle once more.
There were James Hanford and his
wife. seekers after health and recrea-
ton; Miss Emeline Gray. middle
aged spinster. whose fad was collect
ing odd rings from every country she
visited, and lastly there was young
Arthur Clayton. Miss Gray's nephew.
81 just hated to leave Constantine
pie" sighed Mrs Hanford. there were
such heaps of things wanted to buy,
fal
ing boxes and jars. such sweet silver
filigree work. and some of II looked as
IL 1t might have been made centuries
ago and worn by-who knows"
"All that stuff is made right in the
bazaars under your very noses" ex-
planned Arthur Clayton practically. "a
fellow told me all about it-how they
give 'em that aged look"
Don't tell me about It," cautioned
Miss Gray severely 81 don't want
the romance knocked out of my ad-
ventures. Really. Arthur. you do turn
things inside out In such manner !
wish ! had left you at home! Can't
you realize you've been in the land of
enchantment? Did you never read
your Arabian NlghtsT"
Clayton Joined in the laugh at his
own expense and turned to Alexander
FELTON,.
81 say. Mr.. FELTON,. we haven't heard
what you've been about for the last
month or two. You dropped off at
Constantinople on the outward trip"
p, YES" said FELTON,. 81 made little
journey into Persia by way of the,
Black sea and Trebizond. arrived
in Constantinople just In time to catch
my steamer"
"Persia!'' exclaimed Madeline with
a little catch of the breath. ''You
must have had perfectly lovely time.
Oh. dad. wish we might have gone
therer'
Professor Trayle exchanged glance
With FELTON,. Sounds very romantic.
my dear. but really the travelling is
very rough-not fit for woman. ell.
Felton,
The other nodded. 81 rode horseback
most Of the way from Trebizond to
Teheran."
Ibid you find any treasures. Eel
toni" asked Hanford with interest.
you said you were after something
especially nice"
FELTON, hesitated as he glanced about
the little group of friendly faces. Then
he smiled as the call for dinner emp,
tied the decks. after dinner. If you
will meet me here ] will show you
what brought from Persia"
as there a story In ftp asked Made
line as they moved toward the COM
panionway.
"a Dozen" he said lightly. you
may choose to add another" he con-
cluded in lower tone.
Somewhat mystified and with
strange, sweet content in her heart.
Madeline avoided his eyes and went
below
After dinner. when they had gather
ed about FELTON, on the moonlit deck.
where they sat apart. they demanded
that he show them his treasure from
Persia. For answer he drew from his
pocket thick. square packet which
unfolded into rather large silky rug.
which be threw on the deck between
them.
"a Persian prayer rugl" cried Miss
tray edReTly. HOW perfectly lovely.
If we had known you were going you
might have fetched one for each of us
If you would have been SO kind"
81 would gladly have fulfilled such a
commission" said FELTON, gravely.
But there happens to be no other In
the world Just like this one."
mot In the worldr' echoed Made
line dreamiIy. She leaned over and
touched the silky surface. exclaiming
at the siivery sheen melting into rose
and pale blue and green. 1t almost
seemed as If the rug palpitated with
life. so ehangeable were its coiors. so
wonderful its intricate weaving and
delicate harmony OF pattern.
TEL us about II, FELTON,, II you don't
mind" suggested the professor after
little pause
at can be told in a few words.
heard OF Its presence In an obscure VII
lage In MazaDdaran."
"Has It history?" asked Mrs Han
ford.
at is called the carpet of truth