her prevented her falling prostrate.

"Mighty son of Dabulcombar," said the enchanter, "let the guards carry
her forth, till we consult what reward she shall receive."

As soon as the female slave was carried out, "My Prince," said Tasnar,
"it is indeed politic to give rewards to those who serve us; and
therefore it is sometimes necessary to do it, that the silly birds may
be the more surely entangled in the snares of State; but when we can
better serve our ends by their destruction than by their safety, it is
but just that we should do so. This slave has already risked her life
for our service, and therefore she will no doubt be ready to lay it
down if we require it."

As the enchanter said this, he called one of the guards, and commanded
him to bring in the female slave and the bow-string.

The slave approached, still held by the guards.

"Kind slave," said the enchanter, "you have already served us much;
there is one thing more that we require: let the slaves fit the
bow-string to thy neck, and let thy last breath be sent forth in
praise of thy lord Ahubal."

The slaves of Ahubal then put upon the wretched female the deadly
bow-string, and strangled her instantly; after which they retired,
leaving her dead body on the floor of the tent.

"What hast thou done, O Tasnar?" said Ahubal, astonished at the deed.

"I suspect," said the enchanter, "that this female was sent on a vile
errand; and see, here," continued he, searching her garments, "is the
weapon of death!"

So saying, he drew a dagger from her bosom, which she had concealed
with a design of stabbing the enchanter.

"Prudent Tasnar," said the Prince, "I admire thy foresight; but of
what use is this murdered slave now to us?"

"The disguise of this slave," answered the enchanter, "will introduce
me into the camp of the Sultan, and, I hope, will give me an
opportunity of reaching his heart with that steel which he designed
for mine. But no time must be lost: the morning will, ere long,
disclose its grey light in the east."

Thus it is that deceit often leads into danger, and recoils upon
itself.

The enchanter then put on the garments of the murdered female slave,
and stroking his face, it became like hers, so that Ahubal could
scarcely believe but the slave was revived. He also cut off the head
of the female slave, and, anointing it with a white ointment, it
resembled his own. Thus equipped, the commander of the advanced guard
conducted him to t