rk-brown and shining skin, a
disgusting expression around his eyes, and a mouth of malicious
cunning, combined to render his whole appearance odious. Although this
man sought to put on a commanding air, still Mustapha soon perceived
that not for him was the tent so richly adorned, and the conversation
of his conductors seemed to confirm him in his opinion.

"Where is the Mighty?" inquired they of the little man.

"He is out upon a short hunt," was the answer; "but he has
commissioned me to attend to his affairs."

"That has he not wisely done," rejoined one of the robbers; "for it
must soon be determined whether this dog is to die or be ransomed, and
that the Mighty knows better than thou."

Being very sensitive in all that related to his usurped dignity, the
little man, raising himself, stretched forward in order to reach the
other's ear with the extremity of his hand, for he seemed desirous of
revenging himself by a blow; but when he saw that his attempt was
fruitless, he set about abusing him (and indeed the others did not
remain much in his debt) to such a degree, that the tent resounded
with their strife. Thereupon, of a sudden, the tent-door opened, and
in walked a tall, stately man, young and handsome as a Persian prince.
His garments and weapons, with the exception of a richly-mounted
poniard and gleaming sabre, were plain and simple; his serious eye,
however, and his whole appearance, demanded respect without exciting
fear.

"Who is it that dares to engage in strife within my tent?" exclaimed
he, as they started back aghast. For a long time deep stillness
prevailed, till at last one of those who had captured Mustapha,
related to him how it had begun. Thereupon the countenance of "the
Mighty," as they had called him, seemed to grow red with passion.

"When would I have placed thee, Hassan, over my concerns?" he cried,
in frightful accents, to the little man. The latter, in his fear,
shrunk until he seemed even smaller than before, and crept towards the
door of the tent. One step of the Mighty was sufficient to send him
through the entrance with a long singular bound. As soon as the little
man had vanished, the three led Mustapha before the master of the
tent, who had meanwhile reclined upon the cushion.

"Here bring we thee him, whom thou commandedst us to take." He
regarded the prisoner for some time, and then said, "Bashaw of
Sulieika, thine own conscience will tell thee why thou standest before
Orbas