out to him. Neangir was beside himself with delight at
the picture of a young maiden more beautiful than anything he had ever
dreamed of. He stood speechless before it, while his breast swelled with
a feeling quite new to him.

His two companions watched him with amusement, until at last Neangir
roused himself. 'Explain to me, I pray you,' he said, 'the meaning of
these mysteries. Why did you ask me here? Why did you force me to drink
this dangerous liquid which has set fire to my blood? Why have you shown
me this picture which has almost deprived me of reason?'

'I will answer some of your questions,' replied his host, 'but all,
I may not. The picture that you hold in your hand is that of Zelida's
sister. It has filled your heart with love for her; therefore, go and
seek her. When you find her, you will find yourself.'

'But where shall I find her?' cried Neangir, kissing the charming
miniature on which his eyes were fixed.

'I am unable to tell you more,' replied his host cautiously.

'But I can' interrupted Zelida eagerly. 'To-morrow you must go to the
Jewish bazaar, and buy a watch from the second shop on the right hand.
And at midnight--'

But what was to happen at midnight Neangir did not hear, for Zelida's
father hastily laid his hand over her mouth, crying: 'Oh, be silent,
child! Would you draw down on you by imprudence the fate of your unhappy
sisters?' Hardly had he uttered the words, when a thick black vapour
rose about him, proceeding from the precious bottle, which his rapid
movement had overturned. The old slave rushed in and shrieked loudly,
while Neangir, upset by this strange adventure, left the house.

He passed the rest of the night on the steps of a mosque, and with
the first streaks of dawn he took his picture out of the folds of his
turban. Then, remembering Zelida's words, he inquired the way to the
bazaar, and went straight to the shop she had described.

In answer to Neangir's request to be shown some watches, the merchant
produced several and pointed out the one which he considered the best.
The price was three gold pieces, which Neangir readily agreed to give
him; but the man made a difficulty about handing over the watch unless
he knew where his customer lived.

'That is more than I know myself,' replied Neangir. 'I only arrived in
the town yesterday and cannot find the way to the house where I went
first.'

'Well,' said the merchant, 'come with me, and I will take you to a good
M