ed fortune and wealth
undergoing its accomplishment. FORTUNE AND WEALTH accompanied, with
gradual increase, the steps of the good tailor, and when he listened
to the praises of the young sultan Omar, who lived in every mouth;
when he heard that this brave man was the object of his people's pride
and love, the terror of his enemies; then would the quondam prince say
to himself, "Still is it better that I remained a tailor, for HONOR
AND FAME are ever accompanied by danger."

Thus lived Labakan, contented with himself, respected by his
fellow-burghers; and if the needle, meanwhile, has not lost her
cunning, she is still sewing with the everlasting thread of the good
Fairy Adolzaide.

[Illustration]

* * * * *

At sundown the Caravan set out, and soon reached Birket-el-had, or
"the Pilgrims' Fountain," whence the distance to Cairo was three
leagues. The Caravan had been expected at this time, and the merchants
soon had the pleasure of seeing their friends coming forth from the
city to meet them. They entered through the gate Bebel-Falch, for it
was considered a good omen for those who came from Mecca to enter by
this gate, because the Prophet himself had passed through it.

At the market-place the four Turkish merchants took leave of the
stranger and the Greek Zaleukos, and went home with their friends.
Zaleukos, however, showed his companion a good caravansery, and
invited him to dine with him. The stranger agreed, and promised to
make his appearance as soon as he should have changed his dress. The
Greek made every arrangement for giving a fine entertainment to the
stranger, for whom, upon the journey, he had conceived a deep feeling
of esteem; and when the meats and drink had been brought in in proper
order, he seated himself, waiting for his guest.

He heard slow and heavy steps approaching through the gallery which
led to their apartment. He arose in order to meet him as a friend, and
welcome him upon the threshold; but, full of horror, he started back
as the door opened--the same frightful Red-mantle walked in before
him! His eyes were still turned upon him; it was no illusion: the same
lofty, commanding figure, the mask, from beneath which shone forth the
dark eyes, the red cloak with embroidery of gold--all were but too
well known to him, impressed upon his mind as they had been during the
most awful moments of his life.

The breast of Zaleukos heaved with contending emotions;