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Updated: June 10, 2025
They stamped on the burning material and scattered it, leaving a brand or two to die out slowly. Ashmed and Fatime walked on to view the mountains, whose tops glowed in the sunlight, while the valley lay in shadow. The two children enjoyed themselves chasing insects that looked to them like flying diamonds.
After a short pause, Ashmed said: "I am greatly indebted to you, Antonio. You have saved my child. Each moment I realize your bravery more and more fully. From this hour you shall no longer be my slave, but I will look upon you as my son. You shall share all our joys." For a moment Antonio seemed unable to utter a word, so completely was he lost in thought and overcome with emotion.
As it was now time to dine, he directed Antonio to prepare himself and then proceed to the dining-room. 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 families exchanged visits, and their friendly relations continued for years and years. Antonio resumed his studies at the best colleges, his tuition being paid by his friend and benefactor. One day, at Eastertide, Antonio returned home for a short visit. Ashmed and his family called upon Antonio, to whom they presented a letter which they had just received.
Appreciating the confidence and love which he felt drawing him closer and closer to the Turk, Antonio continued the conversation. He vividly described his home and country, and expressed a great longing to visit the familiar scenes again, and be clasped in the arms of his parents. This awoke in Ashmed a sense of the great loss which Antonio and his parents had suffered.
"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 the time for departure arrived, the men bade Antonio and Ashmed good-bye, and were off. The next day Antonio returned to college. He continued his studies there for several years, and was graduated with high honors. In the course of time he became an opera singer of international fame.
Fatime then led him to talk of himself, and became intensely interested in the tale of his home and early training. Her mother's heart went out to the boy who had saved her child. Breakfast had been long delayed. As Ashmed now entered the room, the meal was soon dispatched, and the children went with Antonio to an adjoining room, where they sang and played till dinner time.
As he went about gathering blossoms for the decoration of the house, he met his master, Ashmed, who wished him a pleasant good-morning. "Come with me; I have something important to tell you," said Ashmed. He took Antonio affectionately by the hand and led him to a pathway lined on both sides with flowering bushes, where they walked up and down for a few moments in deep silence.
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 of motherly love.
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