Argosy All-Story Weekly, June 13, 1925 — page 166: what you’re looking at

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

638 pered. ‘Bid him take his harp and hasten hither,’ and he thrust two gold pieces into the hand of his assistant. “<T hear and obey.’ The assistant glided hastily from the booth, “ He was a wise, wise man, the merchant Pira Bahkru. ‘The assistant hurried forth and soon met Yosuf Abram, who was about to take up his daily station in the shade of a near- by booth. ‘ Yosuf Abram,’ said the messen- ger, “my master Pira Bahkru hath use for thee. Come therefore with me to the shop.’ ‘“* Nay,’ said Yosuf. ‘Since when doth Pira Bahkru command me?’ ‘“< Beogar, fear not. My master rewards all men justly. Here is a piece of silver he hath sent thee,’ ‘< For that I will not stir a step. I shall make many pieces of silver playing my harp at this place.’ **T did but jest with thee,’ protested the messenger ‘Here is a gold piece for thee.’ ¢ Now,’ said Yosuf Abram, ‘this be- seems better the well known generosity of thy master. Where is the other gold picce he bade thee give me?’ “< Thy wisdom is as great as thy music. How well thou understandest my master to know that he sent thee two pieces of gold. Here is thy due, and hold not against me my little Jests.’ “«Nay,’ answered Yosuf. ‘ ‘Tis the serv- ant, not the master, whom I understand. Here is a piece of silver for thy trouble. Even a beggar must pay where payment is due. Come, I will accompany thee.’ “So they returned to the shop of Pira Bahkru and the servant bade Yosuf to wait outside the shop until he should see if his master was ready to receive the musician. There Yosuf waited and gazed at the ele- phant and the guard of the princess with the greatest awe. “The servant acquainted his master that Yosuf was without, and Pira Bahkru in- structed him to tell Yosuf to wait until the princess should have departed. “The servant did as he was commanded, and upon hearing this request Yosuf was somewhat nonplused. He decided to make ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY, the best of things, however, for having ac- cepted two pieces of gold from Pira Bahkru he was pledged not to depart. Therefore he looked about for a shady spot in which to ply his trade, but found none, excepting a spot directly under the elephant on which the great beast cast its shadow. ** Brother,’ he said, addressing one of the sword bearers. ‘Is the beast vicious?’ ‘“* As vicious as a Jambkin or a pet dog,’ answered the guard. ‘ He hath not ill will enough to eat his food without urging.’ ** Allah, grant thou speakest true,’ said Yosuf and squatted down between the fore- feet of the pachyderm. ‘With intimate fingers he tuned the strings of his harp and soon there floated upon the stale air of the bazaar the songs of many birds welcoming the morning sun. The notes leaped and tumbled in the air. They somersaulted like madcaps on the ear, and all men within hearing stopped at their tasks and smiled. “* Yosuf Abram playeth his harp,’ said each man to his neighbor, and many hurried to the spot to enjoy the merry melodies the better by their propinquity. ‘“TInside the booth of Pira Bahkru the princess and her handmaiden had removed their veils and were busily viewing the beau- tiful silks that Pira displayed when the music of Yosuf’s harp floated to their ears. Armida dropped a piece of shimmering wispiness and stood as one entranced. The Princess Roxanna held her head to one side and closed her eyes as if in distaste. * Arimida,’ said the princess, ‘ what melo- dy is this?’ ‘ Arimida said: ‘Your graciousness, I shall inquire. Merchant, what melody is this?’ “*°Tis the melody of a harp,’ answered Pira Bahkru. ‘“<Who playeth the harp?’ queried the princess. “*One Yosuf Abram,’ answered Pira. ‘“* Have him brought before me,’ com- manded the princess. ‘Shall the player of such divine music be hidden from my sight?’ **T am thy slave, Yosuf shall play be- fore thee.’ ‘* He was a wise, wise man, the merchant oa comiclooolk