KING JOHN AND GORDON PASHA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1649, 1 April 1884, Page 2

KING JOHN AND GORDON PASHA.

. « . When Gordon Pasha was lately taken prisoner by the Abyssinians :he. corn-; pletelycheckmated King John.' The King received his prisoner sitting on his throne, or whatever piece offurriitute did duty for that exalted seat, a chair being placed for tho prisoner considerably lower than the seat on which the King sat, Tho first thing the Pasha did was to seize the chair, place it alongside that of his sable Majesty, and sit down on it; the next to inform him that he met him as an equal, and would only treat him as. such. This somewhat disconcerted his. sable Majesty, but on recovering himself he said. "Do you know Gordon Pasha that I could kill you on the spob if I liked 1" lam perfectly aware of it your Majesty," said the Pasha. "Do it at once if itis your royal pleasure, I am ready," This disconcerted tho King still more, and he exclaimed " vVhat 1 ready to be killed?" "Certainly" replied tho Pasha; " I am always ready to die, and so far from tearing your putting me to death, you will confer a favor on me by so doing, for you would bo doing for me that which I am precluded by my religious scruples from doing for myself—you would relievo mo from all the troubles and misfortunes which the future may have in store for me," This completely staggered King John, who gasped out in despair. " Then my power has no terrors for you V " None whatever," was the Pasha's laconic reply. His Majesty, it is needless to add instantly collapsed.—"The Story of Chinese Gordon," by A. E. Wakei