water holding the ring in its mouth. The rowers who were in the boat
took it in their hands and brought it to the Governor, to whom it
delivered the ring with a motion of its head: no other person could
have forced it from its teeth. The Governor again presenting the ring
to me, I could not refuse it, especially as he redoubled his
entreaties. The fish was replaced in the little casket and sent back
to the treasury."

Diafer, after having related this history, drew the ring from his
finger and presented it to Nourgehan, who, finding it to be extremely
magnificent, said to him,

"Never part from this ring, which is still more precious from the
virtue of the talisman which rendered you the possessor of it. But,"
continued he, "you ought to have informed yourself at what time, how,
and by whom that wonderful masterpiece of art was composed."

"I used my utmost efforts to be informed," replied Diafer, "but they
were in vain. Struck with so singular an event, I thought no more of
the pleasures of the day. The Governor, perceiving that I fell into a
deep reverie, said to me, 'Life is short: make use of every moment and
enjoy every pleasure. The soul is a bird imprisoned in the cage of the
body, which it must soon quit: rejoice while it is in your power, you
know not who shall exist to-morrow.' I confessed to him that curiosity
had penetrated my heart. He replied, 'I am in despair that I cannot
satisfy you,' and pronounced these words with a tone that expressed
his design of not giving a more particular answer. 'Let us think only
of amusing ourselves agreeably,' continued he. I followed his counsels
as much as it was in my power, and departed from Dioul without being
able to obtain any information upon the subject, but fully persuaded
that this talisman was the source of all the treasures which he
possesses."

Nourgehan terminated the audience of Diafer by assuring him of his
favour if he used his utmost care in the administration of justice. He
afterwards gave an account to Damake of the conversation he had held
with his Vizier, and told her the history of the fish.

"I have a love for these talismans," said that Prince, "and this
little fish rouses my curiosity. I wish at least I knew the maker of
it."

Damake promised him to use her utmost efforts to inform him. In
effect, the next day, she told him, that of all the talismans which
the great Seidel-Beckir had made, there existed only four--his
bracelet, the little f