he Nile which attracted his attention, and which he
pointed out to his chief. The stream lay before them like a broad belt
of black and silver brocade. The waxing moon was mirrored in the almost
unruffled surface and where a ripple curled it the tiny crest glittered
like white flame. Bats swooped to and fro in the gloom from the city of
the dead to the river, and flitted above it like shadows blown about by
the wind. A few lateen sails moved like pale, gigantic birds over the
dark waters; but now from the north--and from the city--a larger mass
came towards the palm-grove with bright, gleaming eyes of light.

"A fine boat,--the governor's no doubt," said the merchant, as it slowly
came towards the grove from the middle of the stream. At the same
time the clatter of hoofs became audible from the road behind the inn.
Haschim turned round and was aware of torchbearers running ahead of a
chariot.

"The sick man has come so far by water," said the Arab, "and now, he is
to be driven home.--Strange! this is the second time to-day that I have
met his much-talked-of son!"

The governor's pleasure-barge was nearing the palm-grove. It was a large
and handsome boat, built of cedar-wood and richly gilt, with an image
of John, the patron-saint of the family, for a figure-head. The nimbus
round the head was a crown of lamps, and large lanterns shone both at
the bows and stern of the vessel. The Mukaukas George was reclining
under an awning, his wife Neforis by his side. Opposite to them sat
their son and a tall young girl, at whose feet a child of ten sat on the
ground, leaning her pretty head against her knees. An older Greek woman,
the child's governess, had a place by the side of a very tall man, on an
ottoman beyond the verge of the awning. This man was Philip the leech.
The cheerful sound of the lute accompanied the barge, and the performer
was the returned wanderer Orion, who touched the strings with skill and
deep feeling.

It was altogether a pleasing scene--a fair picture of a wealthy and
united family. But who was the damsel sitting by Orion's side? He was
devoting his whole attention to her; as he struck the strings with
deeper emphasis his eyes sought hers, and it seemed as though he were
playing for her alone. Nor did she appear unworthy of such homage, for
when the barge ran into the little haven and Haschim could distinguish
her features he was startled by her noble and purely Greek beauty.

A few handsomely-dresse