After London | Page 9

that he knew, in the
fullness of time, some good would result from it.
The merchant was named Jesseph. He carried on a slave business, but

only occasionally. Slaves who were accustomed to rough, hard work he
never deigned to purchase; such as were young, active, refined or
clever suited his purpose best. Besides, he tried to buy at the lowest
figure, and sell at a great profit. He certainly hoped to sell Antonio at a
high price.
When he reached home, he said to his overseer: "See what a fine
specimen I have brought. Notice his manly bearing and refined,
handsome face. See the intelligence that beams from his eyes. All these
things fill me with the expectation of soon disposing of him profitably.
"Now," said he, turning to Antonio, "go with my overseer and buy
yourself a guitar of the very best make." Then, addressing the overseer,
he said, "Be sure you pay the very least amount possible."
When they returned Jesseph bade Antonio play and sing.
"Oh, that is beautiful!" cried he. "That touches the heart. You talk well
and you sing well; both are good recommendations and will certainly
secure for you a fine position." And, thought he to himself, "will bring
me a good price, too."
Jesseph did not try to sell Antonio immediately. He hoped to teach him
a little of the language, manners and customs of the Turks, so that he
could the better fill a position in a Turkish household. He gave him
instruction, and was surprised at his rapid progress. He fed him well
and housed him well, and exacted from him daily labor at clerical work.
Often Antonio was obliged to unpack large cases of goods; but he
performed all the work with patience, cheerfulness and obedience.
CHAPTER III
IN THE TURKISH FAMILY
A year had slowly passed. One day Jesseph called Antonio to him and
said: "I have some good news to impart. I have secured a very desirable
position for you, and I am certain that you will meet all the
requirements."

Jesseph bade Antonio gather together his things, and provided him with
a suitable outfit. At the end of the week, he conducted Antonio to a
Turkish house in the heart of the city. The servant, having announced
their arrival, ushered them into a magnificent reception room.
The master of the house, a Turk, clad in rich Turkish garments, sat
upon a divan, smoking a long bamboo pipe which was filled with
fragrant tobacco. Beside him, on a low table, stood a cup of coffee.
Turning to Antonio, the Turk said, "I have been told that you are a fine
singer and player. Let me hear you perform."
Modestly Antonio addressed the Turk and said: "I can sing nothing in
your language; I know only Italian songs."
"That will please me, as I understand Italian. Just sing and play what
you know best," said the Turk.
Then Antonio, who felt himself an outcast from his own pleasant,
sunny Italy, and transported as a captive to Africa, softly lifted his
voice, and sang a song of home and fatherland, with deep tenderness
and soulfulness.
The Turk listened attentively, the smoke rising from his pipe, and said
as soon as the song was ended: "Bravo! your talent exceeds my
expectation."
After plying Antonio with a few more questions, he said, "I think you
possess the necessary qualifications."
Then the Turk counted out one hundred gold pieces to Jesseph and laid
them upon the table. Jesseph counted them and placed them in his
leather bag. "Your honor," said he, turning to the Turk, "will be pleased
with this bargain, I am sure; and you, Antonio, must show by your
good works that you are worthy the price. Live well! Adieu!"
The Turk, Ashmed by name, was a rich merchant who traded
extensively with other countries. He wished Antonio to carry on his

correspondence with French and Italian merchants, and to serve in his
house.
As it was now time to dine, he directed Antonio to prepare himself and
then proceed to the dining-room.
[Illustration: "Now you may sing and play for us."]
Here Antonio became acquainted with the other members of the
household. At the table there were four persons, Ashmed, his wife,
Fatime, and their two children, a boy and a girl.
As Ashmed's wife removed the veil which had concealed her face,
Antonio was struck by her exquisite beauty. The children, who were
very well behaved, greeted him in a friendly way and watched him
attentively. Antonio tried to do his best, and felt amply repaid when
Ashmed said: "Your services this day have pleased us. Now you may
sing and play for us."
As Antonio had noticed the affection which existed in this household,
he sang a sweet Italian song