that clime, and especially
on that gulf.

The gag has slipped from Calanthe's mouth; and a long loud scream of
agonizing despair sweeps over the surface of the water--rending the calm
and moonlit air--but dying away ere it can raise an echo on either
shore. Strong are the arms and relentless is the black monster who has
now seized the unhappy Greek maiden in his ferocious grasp--while the
luster of the pale orb of night streams on that countenance lately
radiant with impassioned hope, but now convulsed with indescribable
horror.

Again the scream bursts from the victim's lips; but its thrilling,
cutting agony is interrupted by a sudden plunge--a splash--a gurgling
and a rippling of the waters--and the corpse of the murdered Calanthe is
borne toward the deeper and darker bosom of the Bosporus.

The sun was already dispersing the orient mists, when the chief of the
three black slaves once more stood in the presence of the grand vizier,
who had passed the night in the anteroom, alone, and a prey to the most
lively mental tortures. So noiselessly and reptile-like did the hideous
Ethiopian steal into the apartment, that he was within a yard of the
grand vizier ere the latter was aware that the door had even opened.
Ibrahim started as if from a snake about to spring upon him--for the
ominous bowstring swung negligently from the slave's hand, and the
imperial signet still glistened on his finger.

"Mighty pasha!" spoke the Ethiopian in a low and cold tone; "thus saith
the Sultana Valida: 'Cease to treat thy wife with neglect. Hasten to
her--throw thyself at her feet--implore her pardon for the past--and
give her hope of affection for the future. Shouldst thou neglect this
warning, then every night will the rival whom thou preferrest to her be
torn from thine arms, and be devoted as food for the fishes. She whom
thou didst so prefer this night that is passed sleeps in the dark green
bed of the Bosporus. Take warning, pasha; for the bowstring may be used
at last. Moreover, see that thou revealest not to the Princess Aischa
the incident of the night, nor the nature of the threats which send thee
back repentant to her arms.'"

And, with these words, the slave glided hastily from the room, leaving
the grand vizier a prey to feelings of ineffable horror. His punishment
on earth had begun--and he knew it. What had his ambition gained? Though
rich, invested with high rank, and surrounded by every luxury, he was
more wretched th