ion, on the third day, that he perceived in the
distance a number of black tents, which he knew to be an encampment of
Arabs.

As he drew near, a band of warriors, mounted on fine horses and
brandishing their spears, came forth to meet him. This was their usual
mode of welcoming a stranger.

They seemed struck with the appearance of Azgid, and showed him much
respect, forming a sort of guard around him, and leading him to the
tent of their chief.

The latter was a person of dignified aspect, somewhat past the prime
of life. His name was Sheik Hajaar. He sat smoking in front of his
tent; and, when the youth approached, he rose up and cordially saluted
him. He then took him inside the tent, and set before him a repast, of
which, when the young man had eaten, he thought it his duty to inform
his kind host who he was.

"My friend," said he, "you are no doubt surprised at seeing a stranger
of my appearance thus suddenly visiting you, and will naturally wish
to inquire who I am. This wish I can only in part gratify: suffice it,
then, to say that I am a Prince whom troubles at home have driven
abroad, but my name I cannot tell; that is a secret lodged within my
own breast, to be imparted to no one. If no inconvenience to you, it
would please me much to remain here. I have ample means at my command,
and will remunerate you for whatever trouble I may put you to."

The Sheik replied that the company of one so exalted and accomplished
was remuneration enough, and that he would be rejoiced to have him as
his guest for ever. He then introduced him to a number of his friends,
and leading him out, presented him with a beautiful horse of great
value. Azgid thought he had never in his life seen so fine an animal;
and when he mounted him he found him so gentle and docile as scarcely
to require any management, for the intelligent creature seemed to
anticipate all his wishes.

"But, come," said the Sheik, "it is time for us to be off: to-day we
hunt the antelope; you, Prince, will of course accompany us."

Azgid, with a smile, replied in the affirmative, and they started off
in pursuit of the game. They soon overtook a herd, and commenced
chasing them--spears flew, and the air resounded with cries. The
Prince was exhilarated with the sport, and enjoyed himself
exceedingly. "Ah!" thought he, "this is a happy life, and these
children of the desert are happy people: I am resolved never to quit
them." The hunt lasted nearly the whole