THE JEW RESCUER.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2224, 9 October 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE JEW RESCUER.

It was on a bright Summer's day that a a stranger of athletic proportions, armed somowhat in the manner of the poorer knights of the twelfth century, and mounted on a powerful coal-black sreed, was trotting leisurely down the high road leading to the town of Faversham, England. About a bow-shot before him a man, riding on a mule, ana leading another loaded with a pack, wan proceeding in the same direction. In a few rainutea the knight came up with the traveller, whose gaberdine of dasky hue, olive complexion, and dark hair, proclaimed him one of the proscribed and persecuted ohildren of Israel, " Make way, Jew !" cried the knight, " or by my beard I will ride over thee and thy cattle." The Israelite made no reply, but immediately proceeded to lead his dumb companions on to the green sward by the road Hide, and the knight passed on. He had not, however, proceeded many paced when a cross-bow bolt, whistling over his head, fixed itself in a large oak on the opposite side of the road, and at the same moment three savage-looking men, rushing from a thicket, attacked him with great fury. Tho sword of the knight quickly gleamed in the noon-day sun, and the first stroke of the bright blade cleft the foi'omost ruffian to the teeth ; but the force with which the blow was given threw the resolute horseman off his guard, and he was dismounted and wellnigh overpowered, when one of his. assailant* was suddenly felled to the ground by the blow of a staff. The other outlaw fled precipitately, and the knight, turning to his deliverer, perceived that it was the wandering and despised Jew whom he had just passed. "Thanks, Moses," cried the uight ; "thou wilt find me grateful for this service. By my halidame, thou lud'et about thee as David did amongst tho Amalekites. Whither art thou bound, my valiant Israelite ?*' 41 To Faversham, Sir Knight," was the reply. " I have some valuables, which I am anxious to get there with before nightfall." "Then I will be thy escort, and woe to him who dare molest thee. But say what couLl have tempted thea to peril thy life for the stke of one whoso creed teaches him to abhor thy race ?'' 44 The God whom I serve," replied the Jew, 4 *s.iys ' Lovo thy neighbour n>. th-self — mine own heart prompted me to fly to thy lescue." " And thou *hall find me grateful. Trust nip, Jew, I may ba ablp to do thee good seivice — I had once a strong voice at court." "Alas!"' replied tho Israelite, with a deep eiffh, '• I have been wronged, and persecuted by that very court. Thy interference, good sir, would be the warrant for my execution." "Ha !" cried the knight, his f-un-burnt cheek assuming a deeper sh ide, 11 who has wronged then ? Po.nt out the villain, and ■*' He checked himself suddenly, aiid in a milder tone continued : " I have sworn to see thee lighted ; but first let me hear thy t.ile. Let us ha^to from this spot, and leave this carrion for kites and crows." So saying, the knight leapt upon his powerful steed, and the Jew lining again perched himself upon one of his mules, they proceeded towards the town. The knight learnt from his companion that he had beem plundered by a tioop of mercenaries in the pay of Prince John, at the town of Sandwich, and that he had escaped with the remnant of his pro perty and was hurrying to Faversham to meet his sister, whom he had committed to the care of an elderly matron of his race. The knight put many questions to his companion, as to the state of the kingdom, and the acts of the prince, during' the absence of his brother Richard in the Crusades ; to all of which the Jew gave ready but cautious answers. Ac nightfall the travellers entered the town of Favershiim, when the knight, drawing a ring of curious workmanship from his finger, placed it in the hands of the Jew, with these words : 44 Friend, receive this bauble from one who was ever a lover of bravery, even though it were shown bv a Jew or Pay vim. Proceed to London, and on tin's day se'en-niglit hie thee at noon to Aidgate, and wait till thou see a knieht enter the city with a goodly train. Then step boldly forward — greet him well in the name of Richard Fit^roy and give him this ring. He will see thee redressed, and g^t thee back thy merchandise." So saying, ere the Jew could mutter forth his thanks, the horseman gave tho spur to his lusty steed, and was quickly out of sight. The Israelite gazed for a moment on the jewel, and then on the receding figure of his late companion ; but recalled to recollection by the ap proach of evening, he proceeded in search of hi-s sister, to whom he unfolded his strange tidings ; for it seemed to him somewhat more than wonderful that a man, having, as he professed, influence at court, should stoop to befriend one who belonged to a race in that day more detested by the Christians than their powerful foes, the Saracens. On the day appointed the Hebrew and his dark-eyed sister stood amongst thr crowd at Aldgate, in eager expectation of the knight's appearance to redeem his pledge. To ask why such a concourse of people had assembled would have exposed the Jew to all the contumely that the pretences and holiday folks had ever ready for his persecuted race. They pushed against and jostled him in every possible way ; but the firm and compact figure and determined look of Reuben plainly told that violence to him or his sifter would be repelled at the hazard o f his life. At length a flourish of trumpets and a loud roll of drums, mingled with the shouts of the populace, announced the approach of a gorgeous cavalcade, at the head of which, mounted on a cream coloured palfrey, rode a gallant figure, arrayed in a suit of mail, cmiousl} wrought in steel and gold. The Hebrew shook with excessive fear, for he beheld the athletic figure of the knight whom he had succoured on the road to Faversham. Yes, it was the long lost King of England about to enter the city in triumph. The sight almost overpowered Reuben, who w.is about to hasten from the spot. 14 Away, Judith," he exclaimed, iv a voice which disappointment and ahrm had rendered almost inarticulate 41 Away, my sister ; I will not be a butt for the jests even of England's monarch." 4< Stay, I entreat ye, Reuben," said his sister imploringly, "the God of our fathers will not deseit us. Give me the ring." She took the jewel and made her way through the crowd, followed by the trem blmg Reuben ; then holding it up she essayed to address the monarch— but her voice failed her. Luckily, however, the quick eye o Richard glanced on the figure of hi 3 latu valiant companion. ! 4Ha ! my right valorous Hebrew friend," he cried, "thou art punctual." Then speaking to the captain of the men-at-arms who rode in his train, he continued: 4l Fitz Maurice, I charge theo see that this good Israelite and his fair companion have safe conduct to our palace They demand justice, and our

lips snd.l kn.w no food nor kiss flagon until it be dealt out to them. Forward." And he kept his word, for, ere the son went down, Keuben was folly indemnified fur the loss he had sustained from the reckless followers of Prince John, and lived long to tell of the gratitude of the generous Coeur de Lion. — Jack and Jill.