Kadur.

AN EASTEBN SKETCH.

In the city of Damascus there lived a man named Kadur, who stood at a briclgo daily to beg assistance from the passers. Every one who saw him pitied him itrul aided him. In addition to being small of stature, aud blind of an eye, he was hunch-backed and lame. Losing his teeth caused him to stammer so much that bis words were with difficulty under stood. By begging for a considerable time, he had amassed a sum of money. Not far from the bridge where he was the habit of standing, there was an ancient burial ground. In a corner of this he- concealed his litle store, and after adding any to It, which he might receive i during the day, h,o retired., to -rest, in a house tJxiifc stood near the place. ■ One morning as it began todawn. he proceeded to the spot with the intention of; adding .hisearnings for several days back. When hscame there he-found, the ground dis turbed and his money stolen., Pilled with • grief and disappointment, he tore his hair and garments -and wept bitterly. The neighbors heaving his cries, hastened to the' 1 place where they found Kadur pale, emaciated, and hardly breathing. They revived him as.soon as possible. . gave him some money and departed.; He, . unablo to express his anguish, ran to the river that he might drown .himself. After .;,; arriving there, he seated himself, on the '.shore, and. mused on, his .unforunate .situation.. Bent down w^h th.c burden , . of,sorrow,, he sprang up to leap .. in the :". water, but.being- lame, lost his balance, , , and fell to the ground. Immediately he .perceived a venerable.anan of majestic . „ mein,.who, asking 'him the .cause of his „, despair,..and learning it, gave him1 whr.it .<...he could.spare, and then reasoned with ' , him on the folly-of liis^intenMons. His ,• .arguments were- mcl Kadur ;,;; /relinquished the- thought of committing ~;.• suicide, but determined to leave tho place ■ i o.f his niisforfcuno and proceed abroad. :.•:; n ■ He walked slowly; for his .lameness did ...Inot : permit him bo do otherwise,'and ■subsisted upon the alms ho, received from ..-: Already iwas he more than half the"distance, when .he was. overtaken : by somormsrehanta who were going to Bagdad. Thoy asked .him, where ho was ,-proceecling. He endeav.ored to' answer ~them, but stammered so much-in the attempt that their laughter was excited. ,-. uAi second trial and ihis, fpngne proved .. n more fortunate, and he explained to thorn i;,- his- destination ; when, taking pity on his ■... lameness, thoy suffered him to ride on one of their camels. .After having tra ..• veled together a few days, a thick volume of dust was perceived at a distance. The merchants were alarmed, and not without • cause, for it proceeded from the approach ,of some robbers, who, immediately on arriving, attacked them. The merchants defended themselves bravely,-but as the robbers were of superior number, they .were overcome, but not till several had been killed; the survivors were taken prisoners, and Kadur , among ■■ the rest. Tho robbera took from them their garments, and .afterwards killed ;them. , Kadur was'reserved to the last;- but the .robber who searched him, observing the • poorness of his garments and his want of money, said to his comrades: 'Let us -spare tho life of this, beggar,'-to ;which ~i they all consented. , , ' •„• ~ One of them, who was blind of an eye <i:.and- lame, approaching Kadur,, and discovering a similarity in their appearance ~, commenced laaghing. Calling the others, o • , ; he said :. ' I thank all of ye for sparing the

i-:., Jife of this- beggar-. I never saw any one i}.,,, ix\ my''life who so resembled me, and were ./[ I not convinced I have no brother, I should :; suppose we were twins, ■He approached ; /Kadur, and, slapping him on the shoulder |.;v, exclaimed! '-Brother J thou hast.under v taken a long and painful journey, with i. ,;bui; scanty means.. Take, therefore, this ■ skin and coat,.and go wherever thon list i ,-est.' He then put the coat, and skin upon r. Kadur. All the rest' looking at him .laughed heartily at his appearance, and 11 , every one gave him a piece of ironqy, the' : i, whole of which added together ampunted m>to a considerable sum: . , ; ; The robbers, after having shared the ;■ booty, equally among themselves, pro :, „ ceeded in one direction ; but Kadur went ;. o.h his way to Bagdad. He soon arrived at a town near the capital. ■ As he was jj entering thafgates, the commander; of the v, .'guard approached him abrupfcly,and cried; 'It is G-ulmaeh! arrest him!' (When jj, Jfadur stood, before?-the--cadi,- tb,e com l; inander said : , This is that Oulmacli, by i whom, a few days since,-my- brother was '.filled. He has the same coat and skin • j, upon him as ihe wore, when performing .the' ,i, deed.' Witnesses were called, and being • deceived by. the dress. ■ and the great > resemblance,, rdespite; his .protestations ( io ~th.c contrary, .Kadur wa& ( codemned' tb ;.,, Buffer-death. ■■■ ■■ < '.• ■ ,j,'.. Kadur.called on the courts, of Aljah and ,i ~and implored the judge arid witnesses, but „,.jt was all in vain. The.executioner being ('..prepared, threw the skiafrom the Sjhoilldar ~ ;0c the kneeling man; when .the commander /arresffc.ed his arm, and, turning to,the cadi, exclaimed: ' Judge ot the believers, I retract •-■■rny aocuscition ! Appearances ' 'deceived both myself and the witnesses. Gufmach, I know, 'is of good shape, "but this man has a hunched back which the skin had concealed' trom us.' The same ; thing said the witnesses, and the executioner H "was ordered to retire. Those, who, now. gazed on Kadur pitied and bestowecVaims upon him and made him free t r

Shortly after he overtook a man carry ing a burden on his shoulders. They saluted each other, and as they wore both going to Bagdad, they determined to travel in company. After a few days, when they were leaving a forest, Kadur's companion said to him : ' Let us sit here in the shade and rest till the heat of the day has abated.' They seated themselves, and the other, laying his bag near him, went to sleep. When he awoko he ob served some nuts growing on the bushes, and, arising, took a few of them. Kadur did the same, but taking them in his mouth ho was not able to crack them, and threw thorn away. His companion laughed immoderately, and said : ' See the advantage of teeth. You should have taken care of your own. Had you done so, you would.have been able to crack-nuts.' And speaking thus, he took one, cracked it,, eat it up, and in a few moments, afterward fell to the ground Kadur approached him quickly,' but ho was no more.. . .

After a while he perceived a traveler upon an excellent horse, after whom came several others. When this manj per ocived Kadur weeping, and, near him a dead companion, he alighted and inquired the .cause of tho castrophe. Kadur related the manner of the event, and showed tho fruit. 'Thank 4Hah that thou art not dead also,' said the stranger ; ' that fruit is tho mo3t venomous of poisons. Hp then ordered ths body to be buried, and allow- Kadur to mount behind one of his ser vants, ho took him with him, . Shortly they arrived at a splended mansion. They aligthtd from their horses, and then the stranger, who was the owner .of tho house, taking Kadur by tho hand,' ' entered. Passing through rooms embellished pn all sides with beautiful statuary aud paint ings, they at last arrived,at' ,on open gallery from which a beautiful sight pre sented jtself. They seatc.d','themielves > on splendid sofas, and the master df the: house ( commenced to discourse, thus : • ■ 'It is the mercy of Allah !' said he, 'that gives us the means to .console' the afflicted i among our fellow men. Thou hast told'me of the accident which1 even now occurred to thee ; I pray thee relate to me the circumstances, of thy life. Kadur commenced to tell him all ihat had ever i happened to him, especially since the time his property was stolen .from tho 'ceme; tery. After, this tho table was set, and when supper Was over, the master of the house conducted Kadur to the a,partments designed for him.

\ They entered, and passed through' a chamber containing' gold; aud marble; illuminated by thousands of lights, and cheered by the enchanting strains of music which stole softly around. \

Kadur was bewildered with happiness. His host turned to him and said : '' It is in thy power to become the master of all these things,' saying which.he clapped his hands. The side doors opened, and six negresses entered, and with them a person short of stature, hump-backed and lame, and covered from head to fool; with ava.il-of cloth of gold, This little person bowed, and the negresses parted to the right and left and stood in attendance. 'This is my daughter,' said the i host, 'the heiress of all I possess. If thou wilt consent, I will bestow her on thee in marriage.' Kaiur was on the point of falling at,hi3 feeb, when the father arose, approached his daughter and took off her veil. Kadur then beheld, although in the prime of her youth,, that her feed was wrinkled) she was blind of an eye, and her mouth was furnished with tusks like, those of the wild boav. Though shocked at first he evercome his dislike and replied to the host that with all his heart he would take her to wife, and then the music, which had ceased on her entrance was resjunied. Then they entered another room ,where both.with, refreshments were s,erved! Kadur was seated by the side of his betrothed, and seemed to be in the ecstacy of joy. When the evening feast was over, his entertainer led Kadur into his cabinet ( where seating themselves on rich carpets, the former spokethus: • •

,'^Fate did not like to make me happy ; and thou seest how degraded in person is my daughter, yet she is rich in accomplish ments and goodness of disposition. '■ Many have wished to wed her; but when I, tnough it is contrary to the customs of our country, showed them my daughter, though I spoke of her many accomplish ments, they left my house. Having found thee deformed by nature like my daughter, I began to think that thou wert he, who by the decrees of Allah, should make her happy. But it may bo a sacrifice on thy part, yet I will not take it amiss if thou wilt.tell me thou dost dislike her.' i Kadur replied that he did not look upon external show; and as he was assured of her good < qualities, perferred them to the most charming of appearances.

This relieved the anxiety of his host. "Rising up, he went tohis daughter, while Kadur, observing the doors of the cabinet open, entered the garden, and seating himself on the banks of a ceual, commenced to muse on his extraordinary fate. His reflections had lasted for some time, when the place on which he sat quaked and trembled; a loud peal of thunder was heard, and Kadur fell with his face to the errth. After he Was1 somewhat recovered from his fright he lifted his head, when before him stood the same person lie had seen when about to drown .himself.. The. sage approached and spoke: . ,

1 Fate is used as,an empty word. That which Allah predestinates for -man is his fate. At one time thou wert about to

drown thyself for the loss of filthy luchre, but thou mayest recollect thy lameness prevented thee from accomplishing it, and detained thee until I had removed those ungodly thoughts from thy mind. Moved with what I told the, thou didst cease to grieve. Thy stammering made tho mer chants laugh, yet oa account of it thou were pitied by them. Because thou wert a poor beggar thy life was spared ; having a hump preserved theo from execution; being possessed of no teeth, thou shunned the poisonous nuts; and now, being hump backed, lame and blind, wealth and happiness attend thee. Didst thou over expect it ? Nevermore complain ; repent of that thou once uttered, and romember that which mankind call misfortune is often the best gift of Allah !' The sago touched Kadur. The bunch disappeared —the lost teGth were replaced—tho foot became.straightand the stature increased. When tho..transformation; was complete the sage disappeared. ' .'.',' Kadur f,«ll on his face and gave praise to Allah. When ho had ended his prayers ho perceived his entertaine.v hastily approaching him. When ho arrived it was with the news that the. deformity pf his daughter Had entirely disappeared. Seeing Kadur likewise changed,, ho. led him to his betrothed, who was sa altered that at first he did not recognize her. Sho had become taller, and, when her father removed tho vail from her face, it was found mantled in extraordinary beauty. , ~., I •

Suspended Animation.

'you be hanged.'—Old,play. ,',

Towards 'the close of the last, century, soon after the execution for high treason of the celebrated Doctor Strensco, ;court physician and favourite'adviser of Cliris tian VII arid his queen; sister to George 111 of England, there appeared 'in Copen hagen a young and "energetic stranger, whose bold innovations on the prevailing system of medical science caused dismay amidst the faculty ; his formula, embracing hydropathy, with a leaning towards what is now so generally known as homeopathy, tho Professors declared en masse that Jean Tc'aius was a mere charlatan and quack. Be this as it may, the really' wonderful cures effected, and the simple remedies adopted induced the public to ■look on these assertions of his detractors as mere jealousy. ■ Undismayed) , and steadily pursuing the path he had marked out, an extensive and lucrative practice was the result of his perseverance, and eventually he was appointed court physi cian. The medical corps of Copenhagen suddenly became aware of tho merits of the renowned Doctor Telaius, and admit ted him with acclamation to their ranks. Amongst the many advantages arising from this happy state of affairs, the study of anatomy was prominently brought forward, jand. a royal ordinance having been obtained, to^tho illustrious stranger was accorded the privilege of dissecting tho bodies of criminals, who, having been hanged, were unclaimed by relatives, thus giving to society the benefit of his deep research and observations. These unsought honors filled him r with dismay, bringing him, as it were, tete-a-tete with the vilest wretches in the community ; but the perspective, though far from agreeable, had a silver lining to the clond.. Feeling that such a distinction conferred upon a stranger must attract general attention, he lost no time in establishing a school of anatomy, and the success that followed exceeded his most sanguine expectations.

In the midst of his triumphs, a singular circumstance occurred, which led to results which were never contemplated.

A jublie execution having taken place the bodies of the unfortunate victims were, as usual, conveyed to the dissecting-room of the illustrious Telaius, who lost no time in conioiencing his researches.' Left alone witii his new and interesting com panions, the attention of the Doctor was immediately attracted to one of the* ' sub jects'whose muscular development evinced extraordinary power; even the features had resisted the contortions of agony. Gazing with the eye of an artist on what had now become his property, lie ponder ed deeply on the manner in which he should best serve science.

A lancet in hand he bent over the body, he murmured:—-

' The flesh is as transparent and the blood seems to run in the veins as freely as if lifo were not extinct! htfw'ever, a touch oa an artery will be of little con sequence. There ! ' tis done mo blood — just as I expected. Strange that 1 should nave imagined any other result.'1 After a few minutes contemplation, he added : ' Let me see ! to what part of this iuagni ficant subject shall the celebrated Jean Telaius direct his mind's eye to'enable him to furnish his report to the Iloyal Academy of Copenhagen? It shall be the Heart! now to test whether the formation of this hardened scoundrel is similar to that of ordinary mortals.' The required surgical instruments, however were not at hand, and he l?ft the apartment ie search of them. The door had scarcely: closed, when a remarkable change took place, a convulsive shudder passed over the budy 'of the Pendu and a jet of r bk>od sprang from the arm; the effect of the lancet though for a time delayed, had at length taken place, and the bleeding had caused resuscitation; In a short time respiration became regular. The eyes opened, and, raising himself on the large table, which wore evident traces of the use; to whichit, was ordinarily applied) his teeth chattered

as he gazed with terror around him. Suddenly recalling to memory all that had occurred, he exclaimed:

'By the thousand Deirls I am still alive!' at the same time springing to the ground, and capering about the room. Our new aequantance besides being a man of precaution evinced that he had likewise a sense of decorum. Befiecting that abandoned as ho was by his friends ho had need of some resources, and that an entire absence of apparel was nob allowed by society, he placed on hi 3 naked body a splendid dressing gown which lay near to hand: a watch to which a massive gold chain was attached next disappeared, he considering that though the first atire might be sufficient as a temporary garment, yet the other could bo readily converted into good coin, available in case of emergency. In this costume he sought to learn the geography of his present abode, but whether it aroso from habit, or 'that his.mind was slightly disturbed by recent oscillation, ho directs his steps towards one of .the windows opening,, on tho roof. Bemembering,'however, that, such an exit! by' daylight might rather, compromise him, he boldly took the path to the door, defcermind to brave all obstacles in preference to remaining with those who had received him so coldly. The ingrate! He surely should have remembered that it must have been some true philanthropist who had helped him in his greatest need! As he. reaches the threshold he met Telaius returning with the missing instru ments, i

For a moment they stood face to face, one greatly embarrassed, the other greatly terrified; the latter, who proved to be the . Doctor, after the first shock of surprise, angrily exclaimed: • Where areyou going, miscreant ?''.''' , /To tako |;ho, £p.' ; : ~,'"',' ', 'lZ -Wit^me' dressing-gown?.' •'lt is n/pt the fashion in .Copenhagen' do walk tho streets naked.'- - . ~..',,. '.''

''Butmy,'watch?'"- , ~ /,~ .' ' ' Merely to know tho hour.', ;ll j " ' Telaiusj .instantly" comprehended the character .of the man he had tqdeajt with ; anindefinable, feeling of curiosity; pre vented him from acting on his first impulse of handing over to th^ i tender mercy of tlie law, one who could act with such sang- 'feoid. ' _ ~ ' yi At tho period of which we ,write' ; many contradict9ry opinions wero held r.ospect-' ing death by strangulation. Each, academy advocated its own theory,, and the result, of all this bickering and .discussion; was' that the.,matter was. veiled in greater mystery than ovor. .. , • )•■ ' ' I hold the truth in my grasp,' thought Telaius, inspired by one of those divine rays whick reveal tho secrets of nature ; ' here is a wretched scoundrel who may bo tho moans of making my fortune, not asat present a tiny stroara, but a:river flowing with, golden waves.' Moved by such ideas ho addressed the bandit' with a gracious air and smiling countenance : ' My friend, are you inclinod to do me a service ?'

• Anything, my mastor, if you promise not to hand me back to those 'vultures of the law, who have had so little considera tion, for my feelings.' ' Hest assured on that point; hence - forth.your safety shall be my greatest care, and I,swear to thee, if you but act Wisely, I shall cherish thee as. if you were my brother. Thy name ?' 'Mathias, ere I was dead; I shall now call myself whatever you please.' ' Good;, we shall think of it. ' Now take a scat, aud let us talk over the matter. But first of all I must pr,ovide some re freshment for you.' : ;

A plentiful repast was brought into the study ,by the Doctor himself, of which the stranger partook with an appetite seem ingly little impaired by the recent; pros sure on his windpipe .'. . ; : ; , '.Now, then, are you comfortable? exclaimed Telaius; 'KhP, Neither too hot nor too cold P 'Tis marvellous ! now listen and reply.'. .. -,-. ;' '■ 'I am all attention.' . ; 'You remember the hour preceding .your execution ?' ■ .. ' Perfectly — though half, dead with terror previous to putting my head in the noose.' ■ 1 Confusion! What a misfortune ! since your recollections ' '"' ' •' Are quite fresh in my memory.1 Do not disquiet yourself my dear master, but proceed,' ... ~ , ' What!' exclaimed the Doctor, joyfully, ' you can describe you sensations while—' ' Suspended P IS o doubt; and I should ever feel regret; had I been deprived of that pleasure.' • ' A'pleasure, do you call it ?' A joy !an unequalled transport! ex claimed the bandit. \ Figure to yburself that a few moments before I was .dragged from my dungeon to make^my appearance in public. I had been dreaming 'of the magnificant enterprise which, had it succeeded would in a few days have made my fortune; 1 slept, and,all my visions were of happiness. What an awakening! My gaoler had an atrocious countenance, one well suited for his functions, and when he entered I scarcely heard what he said i though, dinning that : his' words w^re my de puoruNDis, and that all was over for me. I aro.-e, donned the, dress of misery which was to serve as,my shroud, and ascending from my dungeon' once' more-, beheld that light which was so soon to disappear from my sight, (as I imagined) for ever. I left the prison, however, with an undaunted niein, for we are ail more or less comedians in such moments, when the curtain is,'about; tp fajloij. the last scene

of the drama. I heard murmurs of all kind, some greeted me with maledictions ; a few pitied me; there were others who with cruel smile looked on an execution as a spectacle for curiosity, watching the contortions of the condemned as they would the exhibitions of a juggler. Four gibbits had been erected at day break ; one after tho other I saw them occupied by my comrades, and had leisure to watch tho proceedings in which I was so soon to become an actor. My turn camo sooner than I desired, and I had the felicity to hear loud shouts arise from the attentive crowd ; it was evident that I was received with enthusiasm! This was not enough : the executioner, who had a vigorous arm, seized me by the shoulders and spun me round as ho would a teetotum, amidst shouts of applause from all sides. I ground my teeth with rage, but it was useless to bo otherwise than resigned and in le3S than a minuto I left my nock pressed by the cord ; my foot no longer touched the ground, and I floated into space. Tho clamour of the crowd seemed augmented frenzy.'

'You still heard them?1' interrupted Tela'ius, who listened with rapt attention to each word uttered by the narrator. ,' Like a distant wail, a dying echo,' re plies tho . Pendit. ' Nevertheless, the surprise which you evince was experienced by myself at the moment that I perceived ,1 was still alive; and with a clearness of ideas that I never before had felt, com menced to analiae ,my position. This astonishes you, biif it is truth. . I imme diately comprehended that if I was not dead it was attributable to some physical cause, arising, from the vigour .of my constitution, or an error of the hangman. My conclusions,, tended to the latter as memory recalled the manner in ;which I Had" -observed,,the. cord press like a ring on a finger round tlie necks of my comrades 'whilst I.was aware tliat in. my, case the knot had, slipped to. the crown of the occiput. I fell; that I was but half strangled arid able to respire.'', " ''" ~

'/' i But you suffi?rpd Horribly,' interrupted Telaius, deeply.interested. > .. ' 'There .you, .are ,'wrong,' replied the bandit. ■ Once, settled iv this oscillating position, find, my head sufficiently fixed in its point, D'Aprcr, I entered a fairy existence of which you can form no idea. ■Though,oppressed with a; certain degree of positive suffering, yet 1 imagined that with invisible wings I floated through the air inhaling, delicious and. unknown per fumes ; all. my nerves, all.my muscles were at a tension almost ravishing ; I was strong as a, lion, light as a bird ; I saw beneath mo smiling landscapes, foaming cascades, profound precipices, over which I flow like tho forest eagle. I was no longer a man—l was superhuman.' ' And when you were taken from tho gibbitp' '

'The sceno'had changed,' replied the Pendu, sadly. ' I saw nothing more — hoard nothing, felfc nothing, and hero I am ! Had it not been proposed, dear master, by those who wished to profit by your known skill to hand my corpse over for dissection, I should now be food for the ravens. For pity's sake, then, do not deprive yourself the honour of so wonder ful a euro by sending me back to the hangman, who would be glad enough to retrieve his error.

'jietranguil,' replied Telaius, sunk in deep reflection. The decision of the doctor was awaited in respectful though agitated silence by the .resuscitated man. Suddenly starting from his reverie, the former exclaimed; ' 1 have fixed on a plan which will make your fortun,), but you must be guided by me.'

. ,' I could not wish for a better instruc tor.' .-,,,.'.. ~' You shall be called Lazuru3.' ' With all my heart, Doctor—Lazarus let it be.''

' I shall attach you to my person—you shall be clothed, fed, lodged——' , .'.lJnough. enough!' interrupted the second Lazu'riis; 'you have already rendered me a service which I can never repay. How shall I commence to show my gratitude ?' ' Listen to me attentively, and you shall learn.'.. . ".

The police at Copenhagen, as elsewhore, having, peculiar motives respecting the criminal law, Telaiua did not deem it necessary to give publicity to the strange occurrence; for the remarks of Lazarus relative to justice, not being very willing to. abandon her prey, coincided with his own opinion, inspiring him with a ready excuse for the addition to his household. He pretended that a brother physician, residing at Bude in Hungary, had sent from the hospital, a patient, the nature of whose malady it had been found impossible .to .ascertain. Thanks to this assertion, which no one cared to contradict, Lazarus -remained for two months in the Doctor's private apartments, and having allowed his beard and hair to grow was completely disguised. These two months, however, had been usefully employed; many ex periments had taken place, highly satisfac tory both to master and pupil. Lazarus, whose confidence in his protector was unbounded, allowed himself' to bo hanged many times; at every repetition the sensations, by his own account, had been, if possible, more agreeable. The Doctor was always careful to unhook him at the proper moment, from which it resulted that this little pendulous exercise, which never lasted more than five or six minutes, did not prevent him who was the cause of such .precau,tion, from eating, drinking, and enjoying hUMSe!*'.

Evening Stair Supplement, June 1O 9 X&YG