e Sultan that he had neither offered
to send any one to the Bey's house, nor had he done so, nor did he
know a single Jewish leech in the capital.

Confounded at such a flat contradiction, and having not the least
evidence to rebut it, the Turk was obliged to withdraw from the
royal presence discomfited, while the Armenian doctor retired to his
own dwelling, comforting himself, in the first place, if he had
uttered a falsehood it was in a good cause; and next, that he held
it no crime to deceive or to cheat an infidel, and ever one knows
how little love exists between the Turks and Armenians, at
Constantinople.

The truth was that the Armenian had long known Selim, had taught him
his religion, and, had instructed him much at various times in such
matters as it behooved him to know, and which had placed him at an
early age far above many others in the service, who had all sorts of
favoritism to advance their interests. He knew of Selim's love for
the old Bey's daughter, and when chance led the father to consult
him about his child, the idea of sending Selim to his house, as he
succeeded in doing, flashed across his mind, and he proposed it to
the father, as we have seen.

Selim's Armenian friend repaired on board his vessel as soon as he
was released from the presence of the Sultan, upon the inquiry to
which we have alluded. It would have gone hard with him had it not
been that his skill in his profession had long since recommended him
to the Sultan, in whose household he frequently appeared. Selim
greeted him kindly, and told him he was indebted to him for his
future happiness in life.

"We have been so successful in this plan," said the Armenian, "that
I have half a mind to try one of a similar, but far bolder
character, if you will assist me."

"With all my heart. What is it you propose?" asked Captain Selim.

"In my visits to the Sultan's harem, I have more than once been
brought--"

"Is the attempt to be made upon the Sultan's harem?" interrupted
Selim.

"Be patient and hear my story."

"I will, but this must be a bold business."

"I say, in my visits to the Sultan's household, I have often been
brought in contact with one whom I know to be very unhappy, and who
is detained there against her will. She is queen, I think, not only
of the harem, but also of its master's heart, her beauty and bearing
being of surpassing loveliness. Her history, too, as far as I can
learn, is one of romantic interest, and