young man, suggested to his parents that as the two Circassians
were both unconscious, it would be an excellent opportunity to search
them and see if the talismans belonging to the daughters of Siroco were
concealed about their persons. But the Bassa, shocked at the notion of
treating his guests in so inhospitable a manner, refused to do anything
of the kind, adding that the next day he hoped to persuade them to give
the talismans up of their own free will.

By this time it was nearly midnight and Neangir, who was standing near
the Jewess Sumi, drew out the portrait of Argentine, and heard with
delight that she was even more beautiful than her picture. Every one was
waiting on tiptoe for the appearance of the two watches, who were
expected when the clock struck twelve to come in search of Sumi, and
that there might be no delay the Bassa ordered all the doors to be flung
wide open. It was done, and there entered not the longed-for watches,
but the page who had been sent away in disgrace.

Then the Bassa arose in wrath. 'Azemi,' he said, 'did I not order you to
stand no more in my presence?'

'My lord,' replied Azemi, modestly, 'I was hidden outside the door,
listening to the tale of the two Circassians. And as I know you are fond
of stories, give me also leave to tell you one. I promise you it shall
not be long.'

'Speak on,' replied the Bassa, 'but take heed what you say.'

'My lord,' began Azemi, 'this morning I was walking in the town when I
noticed a man going in the same direction followed by a slave. He
entered a baker's shop, where he bought some bread which he gave to the
slave to carry. I watched him and saw that he purchased many other kinds
of provisions at other places, and when the slave could carry no more
his master commanded him to return home and have supper ready at
midnight.

'When left alone the man went up the street, and turning into a
jeweller's shop, brought out a watch that as far as I could see was made
of silver. He walked on a few steps, then stooped and picked up a gold
watch which lay at his feet. At this point I ran up and told him that if
he did not give me half its price I would report him to the Cadi; he
agreed, and conducting me to his house produced four hundred sequins,
which he said was my share, and having got what I wanted I went away.

'As it was the hour for attending on my lord I returned home and
accompanied you to the Cadi, where I heard the story of the three Jews
an