ed the other, "and then
there is not the slightest danger."

"That is easier said than done," answered the youth. "I try to cast it
aside, but do not succeed. No, I believe I will not go to my chamber,
but will sleep somewhere else, where there is no need of approaching
this terrible beast."

"Just as you like," replied the Emir. "You can return to the saloon,
and repose on one of those divans."

The Prince accordingly took up his lodgings in the saloon, and having
bid his friend "Good night," he carefully locked the door and windows,
making everything as secure as possible. He then lay down on the
cushions, listening eagerly if he might perchance hear any sound. But
all was silent; for every soul had retired, and the vast mansion
presented a striking contrast to the noisy merriment which a little
while before had reigned everywhere.

The young man now composed himself to rest, thinking that the lion was
most probably fast asleep and would not disturb him--but he was
mistaken; for in the course of an hour he heard most evidently a soft,
heavy tread coming down the stairs. The beast, on reaching the hall,
seemed for a moment to pause; then his steps were heard moving along
the vast corridor, till it could be no longer distinguished.

Azgid now breathed more freely, and was in hopes that his tormentor
had retired to some secluded part of the building, and had gone to
sleep; but he was doomed to be disappointed, for in a short time he
heard the faint steps approaching nearer and nearer, and perceived
that the beast stopped every now and then, snuffing with his nose, as
if in search of some one. At last he came to the door, putting his
nose at the lower part, and snuffing louder than ever; then he sprang
with his fore feet against it, giving it such a push as almost to
burst it open, and at the same time uttering a tremendous roar, which
echoed through the palace.

Azgid jumped from his couch in dismay, and retreated to the farthest
corner of the room; his hair stood on end, and the cold perspiration
rolled from his body. He believed for a certainty that the door would
fly open, and then the lion would rush in and devour him; but nothing
of the kind occurred, for in a few moments the beast again went
upstairs, and nothing more was heard of him.

The Prince then lay down on his couch--but not to sleep: he revolved
in his mind all that had happened to him since his departure from his
own city, and thinking that Provi