r of the
trouble that Shin Shira was in, and that I felt convinced that there was
some mistake in the matter which could somehow or other be cleared up.

"I should be very glad to think so," said the Consul, shaking his head,
"but I fear it is hopeless. You see, the stone--an almost priceless
diamond--was actually found in his possession. But come, you will be
anxious to see your friend as soon as possible. I will come with you to
the prison and see that you are admitted."

The kind-hearted official called his carriage, and together we drove
through the unfamiliar narrow streets to the dismal-looking building in
which my poor friend was confined.

A brief consultation with the authorities and the signing of various
papers made me free to enter the prison, and having thanked the Consul
for his kind offices, I was led away by one of the officials to a
terribly dark dungeon, in which, crouched in a corner, I found my poor
friend Shin Shira, looking the picture of misery.

His face lit up with a smile of hope, however, when he saw me, and his
whole aspect changed.

"My friend! my deliverer!" he cried, using all kinds of extravagant
Oriental phrases to express his delight at seeing me. "Ah! at last you
have come, and I shall be saved! May all the blessings of Allah be on
your head!"

The official withdrew, locking the door carefully behind him, having
first given me to understand by various signs that he would return for
me in about half-an-hour.

"Well, now," I inquired, when we were alone, "what is this terrible
trouble which has brought you here? What have you been doing?"

"Nothing!" declared Shin Shira solemnly. "Nothing whatever to merit this
punishment. It is all a horrible mistake. Let me begin at the beginning.
About two months ago, after a series of my usual adventures, I suddenly
appeared here in Baghdad. Now I have been acquainted with the city for
many, many years--in fact, ever since the time of Sinbad the Sailor,
whom I knew quite well, and with whom I was at one time very friendly.
Well, I have many times appeared here since then, and on each occasion I
have taken a great interest in the place on account of old
associations. I have made many friends here, too; so when I found myself
here once more I was greatly delighted, and was making my way to the
Bazaar, where I knew I should be sure to find some acquaintances, when
greatly to my surprise I saw several passers-by stop and stare at me
curiously a