Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-09-29
SANDMAN STORY.
by Mrs. +. A. Walker.
COpyr4eht 1919 bv tn Mcclure News
paper Syndicate. New vorx Ottv.
THE CALIPH,S TEST.


Once upon a time there lived very
weakly Caliph, or King, in the Far East,
furnished with rich carpets, statues and
pictures hung on snow marble walls. In
his courtyard there played fountain in
grove of towering palms. Birds Of every
color filtered in the blossoming rose
bushes which hung over the gateway.
All was beautiful and showed the magni-
| ficcnce of the owner.
Back, far back, in the stable-yard
where the camels and donkeys were
herded, there lived simple gardener
and his young son. This boy, whose
| name was AIMED, was a bright youth
| and loved TO dig amongst the plants,
| especially when the Caliph's little daugh-
ter came out 10 walk amongst the flowers.
The CaIiph had a high lord, who pre-
tended to be good and very charitable
man. But il was only pretense. One day
the Caliph was taken i'll and wished to
turn over the duties of state 20 some
worthy person. So he decided to test all
those in his own family.
81 do not think the lord of whom
you are SO fond is good man." said
the daughter to him. Gle smiles when
he talks to you, but he is cruel to ami
mails when you are not looking. | am
sure the gardener is far better man. Z"
The father laughed 'If | feel bet
ter tomorrow | will see for myself, he
replied. IL know a way | can find out
| easily"
The next dav the CalIph was much
| better, so he dressed himself IN an old,
ragged SUIT and placed battered hat
| on his head Then, with n bag on his
| back and stick IN his hand, he walked
| down the street limping No one would
| have known him, SO strange did he APP
| pear. and those who passed simply thought
it was some poor person tramping to
| find work
The Cahph went TO the door of the
| rich lord and knocked. A servant opened
| IL and asked what the poor man wanted
- wish to see the master Of the house,
SAID the Caliph. 81 hear he ia very
generous person to the poor and wish
to ask his aid for my sick wife.
The lord, hearing the talking, came
out into the hall from the big room in
which he had been banquetng lie WAS
| very angry when be saw the Caliph
thinking him beggar
What do YOU mean by coming &c
my door when | am making a fea 81?
demanded he.
Il will 60. but You will remem bei
this, said the Caliph AS he stopped
and picked up a golden leaf
The Caliph limped down the street
down the path Of his own back garden
around the stables and knocked At tn,
door Of his gardener.
Come IN, said kind voice Close
the door and sit at the table
The Cahph went in, warmed himself
at the Goals IN q grate and sat down AT
the table.
II am hungry" he said. 'for have
walked far today. My wife is in; have
no work and wish food for her
Eat first" said the gardener I'VE
are poor, but you are welcome 20 what
we have. Then we viii send your wife a
bit besides.
The Caliph who, WAS hungry now,
enjoyed the PLAIN meal
II thank you for your kindness, said
the Caliph when he left And you shall
| not regret it.
The next morning the lord was sur
| prised TO receive an order TO come at
once TO the Caliph's palace. And tho
| poor gardener got the same message.
| Both of you remember the lame
old man in shabby clothing who called
on you for help yesterday" said the
| Caliph. 'It was l. i wished 70 test YOU
This great lord here will remember this
golden leaf which ! picked up before he
ordered me out"
The lord turned pale and trembled.
This poor gardener here proved by
his kindness that he Is noble man, .
continued the Caliph. He has generous
heart and he wishes to benefit the needy
the aged, the children. Him | will reward
To him leave the care Of my kingdom.
AS for you, great lord, your estate shall
be taken away and you shall become
gardener to the new Caliph."