Life — December 27, 1894 — page 36: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“LIFE = THE CADI'S CHRISTMAS EVE. £f M' STAPHA,” inquired the Cadi, after a long session, I during which nothing of special import had oc- curred, “ what means that infernal ringing of bells without the gates ?” * Nothin “except that the Giaours celebrate a feast of their own which . your sublime. sublimity,” replied Mustapha, ey call Christmas. “Why the deuce, to celebra asked the Cadi, * should they ring bells ea feast? Bell-ringing is a remnant of the dark ages, and was never meant for anything except to scare off the evi nii, Why, then, do they still ring bells?” “Simply, your highness, because the Giaour never learns wisdom, He only does what his father has done before him.” Quite true,” said the Cadi But does the Giaour do ring else to mark the feast?” Truly,” replied Mustapha,“ He beggars himself buying for other Giaours gifts which they do not want Why?” Because he is afraid that the other Giaours might other- asked the C wise think him stingy By the toothpick of the Prophet, Mustapha,” said the Cadi, taking a long draw I think all Giaours are fools.” * Notall, tapha, also inhaling the at his narghileh, replied Mus- weakened smoke. of them “Some celebrate this night, which is the eve of their festival, by imt deeply of the ong waters which are forbidden by “Way Tun RCCR, Prophet. From that ndulgence comes much amusement net only fer them but for those who observe them Mustapha, your Cadi has an idea!" Allah be praised! Y Let us sally forth into the town and observe the G slave has only ears.” ours * Your highness never speaks aught but words of wisdom Shall | command the janizaries to accompany us?" “No. We will go in disguises.” mufti. Do you procure suitable Mustapha disappeared, and the Cadi, getting down on his hands and knees, produced from beneath the divan a bottle which, on its label, bore the distinct words * Pepper Whis- replaced it and resumed his seat on the divan, with a look of This he placed to his lips for a few seconds and then wisdom and innocence, which was possible only to the most remarkable Cadi on earth Shortly Mustapha appeared with disguises suited to their mission, and, donning them, the two departed. “Your highness,” said Mustapha, as they approached Madison Square, “ we cannot do this thing properly unless we also partake of the spirits which the Giaours love, but which are forbidden by the Prophet to all true believers.” “Holy Allah!” you are tryin exclaimed the Cadi, * but 1 verily believe ¢ to work my generosity to satisfy your unholy We ¢ Cadi produced a denier But 1 was born more than two weeks ag: will match for Thereupon and laid it flat upon his knee, covering it with his hand, Mustapha did likewise. Your highness will match me.” said Mustapha, uncover- ing his coin, and looking at the one from which the Cadi 1 simultancously taken his hand ©, your highness doesn’t,” he continued, as the Cadi showed that his coin had the Medjidie side up Capt, “SHOULD THEY RING BELLS TO CRLEMRATE A FRAST?" “7 think what the Giaours call wine is about my size,” remarked Mustapt Must a,” the Cadi, * Allah is great, but 1 opine that what you forget the condition of the public treasury. Gia Your | Beer itis.” rs call beer would be in better proportion to you.” hness speaks only words of wisdom and truth Thereupon Mustapha conducted the Cadi to a neighboring building, when, after he had ordered beer for himself, the Cadi, in a judicial tone of voice, decided that he would have little whiskey. Mustapha drank his beer in grieved silence, 1 he should take a cab and then suggested that the Cac and drive to one of the principal shops. comicbooks.com