a Turk; me dare not defy the
Dey to hims visage. I's only a craulie!"

By which the unhappy man meant to explain that he was only the son of a
Turk by an Algerine mother, and that as such he could expect no mercy if
he aided in bearding the Dey in his den; but the Colonel was inexorable,
and poor Rais Ali was obliged to submit.

At this time, the English and French being at war, there existed a
somewhat natural feeling of estrangement between the representatives of
the two nations at Algiers. Colonel Langley thought the present a good
opportunity to effect a better understanding between them. He therefore
offered his arm to the French consul, who accepted it politely, though
with feelings of surprise. Thus they walked out two and two into the
street, and marched down the principal thoroughfare, across the great
square, and straight into the palace.

The amazement of the Algerines at this sight was great, for they were
well aware of the bad feeling which had for many years existed between
the leading couple in this little procession, or rather between their
predecessors, some of whom had taken undignified, not to say
disgraceful, methods of displaying their jealousy.

"Allah!" exclaimed the Algerines, turning up their eyes, "the English
and French consuls walking together! Surely the old prophecy is about
to come true, `When Christians are at peace among themselves the
downfall of Algiers is decreed!'"

It is said that there really does exist a very old prophecy to this
effect among the Mussulmans of Algeria, and certain it is that the
prophecy was ultimately fulfilled, but at the time of which we write it
was only anticipated.

Demanding an immediate audience, the party were admitted into the
presence-chamber, where they created feelings of great surprise in the
breasts of the pirate-king and his piratical courtiers.

When Rais Ali had tremblingly translated the demand which had been made
with stern dignity by his master, the Dey flew into a towering rage, and
actually foamed at the mouth, as he replied--

"Why art thou not glad that I thus punish your old enemy? Was not
England lately at war with Denmark?"

"I am not glad," answered the British consul, "because it is against the
spirit of Christianity to cultivate feelings of revenge, and the fact
that we were not long since at war with Denmark is no doubt the very
reason why the Danes have found it difficult to pay, at the exact time,
the debt which