attempted to go.

"Wait an instant," said the old man, "and compose yourself. Is it
possible," he continued, "that the same city can contain two men of
such opposite temperaments? Love has changed you to a blood-thirsty
tiger, and a youth named Ali is said to live here who is a pattern of
such a cool nature, that his fame has reached us even at Basra."

"I am this very Ali!" cried the unfortunate youth.

"You Ali? Impossible! Ali is wise."

"The highest wisdom is love," said Ali; "but why do I tarry here, and
waste my time upon you, while--ah?----"

He was going to tear himself away from the old man and hasten to the
palace, but the dervish said, "As you are in such great haste, I will
detain you only long enough to listen to one word of reason, if your
agitated feelings will allow you. You have offered us a night's
lodging without knowing us, and thereby laid us under some obligation,
and as it is, moreover, the duty of men of our pious order to assist
believers as far as we can, follow my advice and come with us, and we
will bring you before the caliph. My companions are approaching and
will go with us. Your purpose of striking down the guards is sheer
madness, and you will repent it if you reflect a moment. In order to
be admitted, we must say we come on important business from the
governor of Basra. Once in the caliph's presence, we will, as
ministers of religion and virtue, throw ourselves at his feet and
solicit your betrothed from him. Perhaps we may move him,--perhaps he
will be touched by your situation, and if he is not, then there is
still time enough for you to act as despair prompts you." Ali thanked
the good dervish for his offer. The other two were soon informed of
the plan, and immediately assented to it as the best arrangement,
though they had some difficulty in persuading Ali, who, notwithstanding
the distracted state of his mind, perceived to what danger they exposed
themselves on his account.

Arrived at the palace, they found but little difficulty in obtaining
admittance; a few words to the guards procured them a ready entrance,
and much respect was shown to the eldest. They were led through
several apartments into a magnificent saloon, which was lighted with
innumerable wax tapers. In the back ground stood the caliph's throne,
and a great number of young girls afforded amusement by music and
dancing. Ali, however, could discern neither the caliph nor Gulhyndi;
and turning to