The story
“Ben Ibrahim, an Arab chief, when captured by a certain caliph, defied all the efforts of the latter to break his spirit. Finally the caliph determined to execute him. On the day set for the Arab chief’s execution, however, a son and heir was born to the caliph and in honor of the occasion Ben Ibrahim was set free. The Arab chief, who had shown an unconquerable spirit while his life was in danger, expressed his gratitude to the caliph by taking an oath that if ever danger threatened the caliph or his descendants he would come to his or their aid. Not long afterward the caliph himself died and a usurper, who refused to recognize the infant successor to the throne, set himself up as caliph and threatened the child’s life. The infant’s mother sent the boy to Ben Ibrahim, reminding the Arab chief of his promise. Ben Ibrahim educated and trained the child in the use of arms until he was a young man, when he revealed to him his high birth. The young caliph determined to retake the throne which rightfully belonged to him and gathered about him some of his father’s old followers. He succeeded in establishing an insecure foothold, and when things looked worst called upon Ben Ibrahim to help him. The Arab chief came to his foster son’s relief with an army which turned the tide of battle in the young caliph’s favor. The young caliph wished to appoint his Arab foster father to an important office, but the latter refused.”
Summary from Reel Life · 28 February 1914
