ian hills
from the south-east, and blew them towards the north.

Aphiz was now in a region that he knew well the navigation of, and
he declared that with the wind holding thus for a few hours, they
would be off the port of Anapa as safely as a steamboat might carry
them.

This was indeed the case, and before many hours the well known hills
and headlands of Circassia were visible to their longing eyes. Komel
could not suppress the joyous burst of feeling that a sight of her
native hills again infused into her bosom, but forgetting each pain
and trouble, she pointed out first to Zillah, then to Aphiz, and
even to the idiot boy, a beauty here, a well known spot there, and
the hill behind which stood the cottage of her dear parents. O, how
she trembled with impatient joy to reach its door once more.

Under the skilful guidance of Aphiz and Selim, the raft was steered
into the harbor, and was soon surrounded by a score of boats,
offering their ready assistance to relieve their distresses, and a
short time after saw them landed safely, all upon the long,
projecting mole.

All the while Selim seemed thoughtful and absent, and looked about
him with strange interest, at everything that met his gaze. He even
forgot to seek the side of Zillah, who, with Komel, was hurrying
away to a conveyance up the mountain side. Nor did he join them
until sent for by Aphiz.

Let another chapter explain the mystery of this singular
abstraction.

CHAPTER XV.

HAPPY CONCLUSION.

The skies were yet blushing with departing day, and the evening
shadows were quietly advancing over mountain top and sheltered
valley, the dew was already touching the evening atmosphere with its
fragrant mist, "Leaving on craggy hills and running streams, A
softness like the atmosphere of dreams," when those who had so
providentially been saved from the wreck, wended their way to the
door of Komel's home. Scarcely could the poor girl restrain her
impatience, scarcely wait for a moment to have the glad tidings
broken to those within, before she should throw herself into her
parents' arms. O, the joy that burst like sunshine upon those sad,
half broken hearts, while tears of happiness coursed like mountain
rivulets down their furrowed cheeks. Their dear, dear child was with
them once more. Komel was safe, and they were again happy.

"But who are these, my child?" asked the father of Komel, pointing
to Selim and Zillah.

"To him am I indebted, jointly