ing something about a talisman. Are
you serious? I doubt not that there are means which might obtain you the
desired trial; but the Prince Mahomed is as violent when displeased or
disappointed as munificent when gratified. Cure this Christian captive,
and we may certainly receive the promised purses: fail, and your head
will as assuredly be flung into the Seraglio moat, to say nothing of my
own."

"Most noble sir!" said the physician, "I am willing to undertake the
experiment on the terms you mention. Rest assured that the patient, if
alive, must, with this remedy, speedily recover. You marvel! Believe
me, had you witnessed the cures which it has already effected, you would
only wonder at its otherwise incredible influence."

"You have the advantage," replied the eunuch, "of addressing a man who
has seen something of the world. I travel every year to Anatolia with
the Prince Mahomed. Were I a narrow-minded bigot, and had never been
five miles from Adrianople in the whole course of my life, I might
indeed be sceptical. But I am a patron of science, and have heard of
talismans. How much might this ring weigh, think you?"

"I have heard it spoken of as a carbuncle of uncommon size," replied the
Armenian.

"Where did you say you lodged, Hakim?"

"At the Khan of Bedreddin."

"A very proper dwelling. Well, we shall see. Have you more jewels? I
might, perhaps, put you in the way of parting with some at good prices.
The Khan of Bedreddin is very conveniently situated. I may, perhaps,
towards evening, taste your coffee at the Khan of Bedreddin, and we will
talk of this said talisman. Allah be with you, worthy Hakim!" The eunuch
nodded, not without encouragement, and went his way.

"Anxiety alone enabled me to keep my countenance," said Nicaeus. "A
patron of science, forsooth! Of all the insolent, shallow-brained,
rapacious coxcombs--"

"Hush, my friend!" said Iskander, with a smile. "The chief eunuch of
the heir apparent of the Turkish empire is a far greater man than a poor
prince, or a proscribed rebel. This worthy can do our business, and I
trust will. He clearly bites, and a richer bait will, perhaps, secure
him. In the meantime, we must be patient, and remember whose destiny is
at stake."

CHAPTER 10

The chief eunuch did not keep the adventurous companions long in
suspense; for, before the muezzin had announced the close of day from
the minarets, he had reached the Khan of Bedreddin, and inquired for the