ped out of the gardens, and reported to
the chief Brahmin the success of the operations, and how they had left
him, Acota, in the woods. The old Mezrimbi, upon reflection, thought it
advisable that the person of Acota should be in his power, that he might
be able to produce him when required upon the ensuing day. He therefore
desired the mutes to go back and bring Acota to the house, keeping a
strict guard that he might not escape.

When the mutes had quitted Mezrimbi, Acota rose from his hiding place,
and went towards the unfortunate wretch, who still groaned with pain,
but his face was muffled up in the shawl, so that his features were
hidden. At first Acota had intended to have reviled and scoffed at his
treacherous enemy, but his good heart forbade it. Another idea then came
into his head. He took off the cloak of Mezrimbi, and substituted his
own; he exchanged turbans and scimitars, and then left him and went
home. Shortly after Acota had quitted the wood, the mutes returned,
lifted the miserable Mezrimbi on their shoulders and carried him to the
house of the chief Brahmin, who having ordered him to be guarded in an
outhouse, said his prayers and went to bed.

The sun rose and poured his beaming rays upon the land of Souffraria,
and thousands and thousands of the inhabitants had risen before him, to
prepare for the day of delight, the day on which they were to be blessed
with a king--the day on which the beauteous Princess Babe-bi-bobu, the
cream-tart of delight, was no longer to remain unmarried. Silks and
satins from China, shawls and scarfs from Cashmere, jewels, and gold,
and diamonds--horses, and camels, and elephants, were to be seen spread
over the plains, and the city of Souffra. All was joy, and jubilee, and
feasting, and talking, for the beautiful Princess Babe-bi-bobu was that
day to be married.

* * * * *

"I wish to heaven she was," observed the pacha, impatiently.

"May it please your sublime highness, she soon will be."

* * * * *

At an early hour the proclamation was made that the princess was about
to take unto herself a husband from the high caste youths of Souffra,
and that all whom it might concern should repair to the palace, to be
present at the ceremony. As it concerned all Souffra--all Souffra was
there. The sun had nearly reached to the zenith, and looked down almost
enviously upon the gay scene beneath, broiling the brai