The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1922-04-28
PIRATE At HEART
Present Day Arab a Robber Like
His Fathers.
No Longer Employs Force, But Ger.
tainIy Ranks High as a shrewd
coincidence Man."

The Arab is still pirate at heart.
Though his methods have changed
since the days when the pirate states
of Barbary dominated the Mediter-
ranean, he still has his eye on the
next mans purse. The willy old Arab
guide that Mr.. Willard Price tells
about In Trayel,was In point of avarice
and guile worthy descendant Of the
ancient corsairs.
One evening, says Mr.. Price, while
was in a hotel at Tunis an English
man whom did not know came to
my table. ibid you know that your
guide is notorious character?' he
asked.
did not know it. knew only that
Okba, my guide had a chest like
bantam's and step like a, peacock's.
you will do well to keep him." said
the Englishman. HE has such a
kingly manner that he can get you
into places that are closed to other
guides. But don't let him fool you
with any Stories"
Then he told me how Okba had be-
come notorious. A wealthy English fam
lily had come to Tunis in their private
yacht. The blood Of Okba's pirate an
cestors at once began to stir In his
veins He borrowed some magnificent
clothes and CARRIED his imposing fig
ure In them. Then he went to the
rich Englishman and told him that he
was the son of the bey-for the hey
of Tunis still exists as figurehead
under the French protectorate.
"The hey has known Of your COM
ing" said Okba, land regrets exceed
fngly that it has been necessary for
film to leave the city. However, he
has requested that l personally con-
duct you through his palace and show
you the wonders of Tunis."
Anyone may 60 through the less
private parts of the bey's palace, but
the visitors did not know 1t. They
were flattered at the thought Of being
conducted through the bey's own man.
sion by the bey's own son
For two days the proud young heir
to the beydom" Toasted his guests In
the best hotels, but never in the pal
ace. He explained that the bey's
brother had just died and that the
palace was In mourning.
When the Englishman was about to
depart he said, "Is there not some re-
turn we can make for your very kind
ness to us?"
"Your presence in our city is more
than sufficient return" Okba replied
grandly.
But surely you will permit us to
cover tho bare cost of our entertain
mpnt." and the Englishman proffered
three hundred francs.
Okla was terribly shocked and
panied. The Englishman. perceiving
how deeply he had pierced his hosts
sensitive soul; made profuse apologies.
The "bey's son" gradually softened.
II pardon your error" he said at last,
s:nd will let you do as you wish, but
not quite in the way you suggest. For
myself or my father can accept moth
Ing. But my father has a chest for
the poor"
The EngIishman pressed into Okba's
hands five thousand francs "for the
poor"
When the hey learned that Okba
had posed as his son he sent him to
prison for three years. remember
that when Okba took me through the
public parts of the bey's palace the
guards continually joked him. Per-
haps they were inquiring after the
welfare Of the "bey's son" and asking
how much the American was to CON
tribute to the poor "chest. Youths
Companion.