that
you should meet with your victim on earth_.' Now, having put him two
hundred feet below ground, I could not fear the danger of his return."

After appearing to muse, Margam added, "It will be necessary, then,
that I overcome my scruples. I have only one thing to desire of you.
We can work together during your residence here. I am going to show
you the book which I have upon my breast, and wish you to give me
yours."

Daboul could not refuse; he was in a place where everything was
subject to the power of the Sultan. Margam took the book, carelessly
approached a burning pan, and threw it in. The magician wished to pull
it out; but at that instant the real Sultan, coming from behind a
curtain, stopped him.

"Wretch," said he, "thy hour is come! Thou art in presence of Abaquir,
thy victim, and at the same time of Ben-Hebraim, Sovereign of these
dominions."

Then, addressing his page, "Margam," said he to him, "lay aside your
royal dress, and make my eunuchs approach. Infamous magician!"
continued he, speaking to Daboul, "see how the deceitful illusions of
thy art have hurried thee under the sword which must strike thee.
Whither shall guilt flee when Heaven pursues it?--when the Divine
vengeance arises from the earth to strike?"

At these words the magician remained horror-stricken. But in a short
time the terrible remorse which gnawed his conscience appeared to have
the same effect upon him that the hot fire had upon his detestable
book.

"I burn!" exclaimed he at short intervals, and setting up dismal
shrieks.

"Let him be conducted from the palace," said the Sultan, "and let his
head be cut off in presence of his slaves and of the people who are
there assembled."

* * * * *

Aladin thus finished the history of the Sultan Hebraim and of his son;
and, after a moment's silence, he again addressed himself to Bohetzad.

"Sire, I might here apply to my own adventures the reflections which
naturally arise from the history you have just heard. But if the
decree of Heaven hath not determined my deliverance, there is no means
whatever which could save me from the danger in which I am involved.
The characters imprinted upon my forehead decide concerning my safety,
and the success or the shame of my enemies. But at all events I shall
remain rich in my innocence, and sooner or later it will triumph."

Bohetzad, more irresolute than ever, gave notice by a signal that the
minister was