nt eyes the white lids, beneath the transparent skin of which the
blue veins were so delicately traced; and the long, jetty lashes reposed
on the cheeks which the heat of the atmosphere tinged with a rich
carnation glow. And when the moon arose that night, its silver rays
streamed through the window set in the porthole of that small cabin,
upon the beauteous face of the sleeper.

But hark! there is the light sound of a footfall in the saloon from
which that cabin opens.

The treacherous Ibrahim possesses a key to the partition door; and
having successfully wrestled with his raging desires until this moment,
he is at length no longer able to resist the temptation of invading the
sanctity of Nisida's sleeping-place. Already has he set his foot upon
the very threshold of the little side-cabin, having traversed the
spacious saloon, when a hand is laid upon his shoulder, and a voice
behind him says in a low tone, "Your highness has forgotten the fate of
the murdered Calanthe."

Ibrahim started, shook the hand from off him, and exclaimed, "Dog of a
negro! what and who has made thee a spy upon my actions?"

At the same instant that Ibrahim felt the hand on his shoulder, and
heard the well-known voice uttering the dreadful warning in his ears,
Nisida awoke. Her first impulse was to start up; but, checking herself
with wondrous presence of mind, as the part of the deaf and dumb person
which she had imposed upon herself to play flashed with lightning
velocity across her brain--comprehending, too, in an instant, that the
grand vizier had violated her privacy, but that some unknown succor was
at hand, she remained perfectly motionless, as if still wrapped up in an
undisturbed slumber. The grand vizier, and the individual whom he had in
his rage addressed as a "dog of a negro," retreated into the saloon,
Nisida holding her very breath so as not to lose a word that might pass
between them should their dialogue be resumed.

"Your highness asks me what and who has made me a spy upon your
actions," said the negro in a low, monotonous voice, and speaking with
mingled firmness and respect. "Those questions are easily answered. The
same authority which ordered me to wrest from thine arms some months
past the lady who might be unfortunate enough to please your highness'
fancy, exercises an unceasing supervision over you, even on this ship,
and in the middle of the mighty sea. To that authority all your deeds
and acts are matters of ind