an taking you by the hand," replied the general,
though he took the hand tendered to him. "I have grievously wronged and
insulted you, and I ask to be forgiven with the most sincere and
long-continued sorrow for the injuries I have done you."

"General Noury, I am happy to take by the hand as my friend one who has
passed from the darkness into the light; and as my own religion teaches
me to forgive those who have wronged me, I am glad to make the past, as
it lies between us, a total blank."

"And my religion teaches me to seek the forgiveness of those I have
injured, or tried to injure. We will not differ over our faith,
different as they are; and on my part there shall henceforth be nothing
else to make us at variance."

"And nothing on my part," responded Captain Ringgold, again pressing the
hand of the Pacha.

The general was invited to visit the Guardian-Mother, and dine with the
party in the cabin. Captain Ringgold was then conducted to the after
part of the ship, and there found Mrs. Sharp, who was delighted to see
him. The Pacha presently came out of his cabin dressed in evening
costume, but in European style, and the trio embarked in the barge. As
they approached the anchorage of the ship, strains of martial music came
from her deck, which the commander could not explain. It appeared that
some of the invited officers had sent a regimental band on board as a
compliment to the steamer and her passengers.

The long absence of the commander had begun to excite some uneasiness,
for he had not been seen since the middle of the forenoon. The addition
of even three more guests to the crowded table upset the calculations of
the accomplished steward, and he was obliged to add another table. While
he was doing so, the captain told his passengers "of the mighty things
that had happened." He could not tell the whole story; but he begged all
on board to receive the Pacha kindly and politely, for he had forgiven
everything, and he honored him for the bravery and resolution with which
he had put his vices behind him. "Get thee behind me, Satan!" was the
way he phrased it.

[Illustration: "HE WAS PLACED AT THE RIGHT OF CAPTAIN RINGGOLD." Page
359.]

The general was then presented to all the party, passengers as well as
invited guests. It may have required an effort on the part of the former
to carry out the instructions of the commander; but the Pacha declared
that he was delighted with his reception. He was placed on th