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.
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