m to ascend the
vacant throne. Sometimes the throne thus obtained was held for only a
few days, or even hours, when it chanced that there were several
factions of pretty equal power, and two or three men of similar vigour
in the army. It is a fact that on more than one occasion three Deys
have ascended and sat upon this undesirable throne within twenty-four
hours, each having been strangled or having had his head cut off by "the
opposition" soon after occupying his predecessor's warm seat!

Achmet, however, had reigned for a considerable period in peace, and was
on the whole a popular ruler.

At the time when we introduce him he was pacing the terrace, or roof of
the palace, with slow dignified steps, but with a troubled expression of
countenance. His chief adviser, Sidi Omar, the Minister of Marine, and
one of the most unscrupulous and cunning men in the nest, walked beside
him. They were attended and followed by a young but nearly full-grown
lion. It was a common thing for the Deys and his chief officers to keep
lion-pups as pets, but as a rule these were chained up on becoming too
large to be safe playthings. Achmet, however, being of a bold, reckless
nature, seemed to enjoy the occasional symptoms of alarm betrayed by his
attendants at sight of his overgrown pup, and kept it by him until, as
we have said, it was nearly full-grown. He appeared to have no idea of
personal danger. Possibly he did not believe the huge playful brute to
be capable of mischief. Perhaps he felt confident in the keen edge of
his Damascene scimitar, and in the power of his arm to lop off even
leonine heads. Whatever may have been the truth on this point, his ease
and indifference were evidently not shared by Sidi Omar.

That sly individual was a strong-bodied, middle-aged Turk of commanding
presence but sinister countenance, which latter was damaged by the loss
of an eye and a sabre-cut across the nose.

"I have been asked," said Omar, continuing a conversation which had
already lasted some time, "to beg that your highness will grant an
audience to the Spanish consul; he claims as countrywomen the two ladies
who have been just brought in by Sidi Hassan, but I advise that you
should refuse him."

"Why so?" asked Achmet.

"Because, although there is, I believe, some ground for his claim, the
investigation of the question will only occasion useless trouble, as he
is unable to prove his case."

"Nay, then, your last reason seems