atest possible longevity."

Salim had always been in the habit of giving thirty-two chews to
every mouthful of meat, and a proportionate number of chews to other
articles of food; and had, so far, been very healthy. But he now
determined to increase the number of chews to thirty-six, for it
would be highly necessary for him to live until it was time for the
battle between the third cousins to take place.

Having made up his mind on these points, the old tutor introduced
himself to Alberdin, and told him that he had come to arrange the
terms of combat.

"In the first place," said Alberdin, "I should like to know what sort
of a person my opponent is."

"He is not a cavalryman like you," answered Salim; "he belongs to the
heavy infantry."

At this, Alberdin looked grave. He knew very well that a stout and
resolute man on foot had often the advantage of one who is mounted.
He would have preferred meeting a horseman, and fighting on equal
terms.

"Has he had much experience in war?" asked the young man.

"It is not long," answered the tutor, "since he was almost constantly
in arms, winter and summer."

"He must be a practised warrior," thought Alberdin. "I must put
myself in good fighting-trim before I meet him."

After some further conversation on the subject, the old man advised
Alberdin to go into camp on a beautiful plain not far from the base
of a low line of mountains.

"Your opponent," said he, "will intrench himself in the valley on the
other side. With the mountains between you, neither of you need fear
a surprise; and when both are ready, a place of meeting can be
appointed.

"Now, then," said Salim to himself when this had been settled; "if I
can keep them apart for thirteen years, all may be well."

As soon as possible, Alberdin pitched a tent upon the appointed spot,
and began to take daily warlike exercise in the plain, endeavoring in
every way to put himself and his horse into proper condition for the
combat.

On the other side of the mountain, old Salim intrenched himself and
the boy, Phedo. He carefully studied several books on military
engineering, and caused a fortified camp to be constructed on the
most approved principles. It was surrounded by high ramparts, and
outside of these was a moat filled with water. In the centre of the
camp was a neat little house which was well provided with books,
provisions, and every thing necessary for a prolonged stay. When the
drawbridge was up, it wou