nary luck we had been condemned to
be beheaded.

'I told my sister that I did not see exactly where the luck came in, but
Thelamis interrupted me rudely:

'"What!" he cried, "of course I shall make use of the pastilles,
and----" but here the officers arrived to lead us to the great square
where the execution was to take place--for Okimpare was determined there
should be no delay.

'The square was crowded with people of all ages and all ranks, and in
the middle a platform had been erected on which was the scaffold, with
the executioner, in a black mask, standing by. At a sign from him I
mounted first, and in a moment my head was rolling at his feet. With a
bound my sister and Thelamis were beside me, and like lightning Thelamis
seized the sabre from the heads-man, and cut off the head of the prince.
And before the multitude had recovered from their astonishment at these
strange proceedings, our bodies were joined to our right heads, and the
pastilles placed on our tongues. Then Thelamis led the prince to the
edge of the platform and presented him to the people, saying "Behold
your lawful king."

'Shouts of joy rent the air at the sound of Thelamis's words, and the
noise reached Okimpare in the palace. Smitten with despair at the news,
she fell down unconscious on her balcony, and was lifted up by the
slaves and taken back to her own house.

'Meanwhile our happiness was all turned to sorrow. I had rushed up to
the prince to embrace him fondly, when he suddenly grew pale and
staggered.

'"I die faithful to you," he murmured, turning his eyes towards me, "and
I die a king!" and leaning his head on my shoulder he expired quietly,
for one of the arteries in his neck had been cut through.

'Not knowing what I did I staggered towards the sabre which was lying
near me, with the intention of following my beloved prince as speedily
as possible. And when Thelamis seized my hand (but only just in time),
in my madness I turned the sabre upon him, and he fell struck through
the heart at my feet.'

* * * * *

The whole company were listening to the story with breathless attention,
when it became plain that Dely could go no further, while Tezila had
flung herself on a heap of cushions and hidden her face. Zambac ordered
her women to give them all the attention possible, and desired they
should be carried into her own rooms.

When the two sisters were in this condition, Ibrahim, who was a very
prudent