rem. The Georgian slave hastened to meet me, when she was
informed of our arrival, and taking off her slipper, she struck me
contemptuously on the mouth, with such force as to cause the blood to
flow. "Now sultana," cried she, "the day is mine; again shall you
receive the bastinado. Ay, and again shall the bowstring be applied to
your proud neck--and more effectually than before." She then ordered
her slaves to strip me, and put on the meanest attire. When that was
done, she spat in my face, and left me without speaking; but the
flashing of her eyes gave evidence of the fiery passions which were
raging in her bosom.

In the mean time Abdallah had proceeded to the palace, to present to the
sultan the document proving my safe arrival, and having so done, he
hastened back to his own house. As soon as he entered the harem,
instead of visiting the Georgian slave, who had arrayed herself for his
reception, he inquired of the astonished women in which chamber I had
been accommodated. They hesitatingly replied, pointing it out to him.
He entered, and found me clothed in a slave's dress, with my face
covered with blood. When I stated the treatment I had received, and the
further threat of the bastinado and the bowstring, his rage was beyond
all bounds. Ordering all the women to attend me, he quitted me, that I
might resume my own dress, intimating that he hoped that I would allow
him to sup with me that evening. My desire for revenge induced me to
grant his request, and he quitted the harem to look after the treasure
of which I had been robbed.

In the mean time, the other women had communicated to the Georgian slave
all that had occurred, and she was frantic at the information. Fearful
of her, I kept my door fast until the arrival of Abdallah, who sent to
inquire whether I would receive him. He was admitted, and again
expressed his indignation at the conduct of my rival, offering, as a
proof of his attachment, to abandon her to my resentment. I had no time
for reply before the door was burst open, the Georgian flew in and aimed
her dagger at my heart. Abdallah had sufficient time to ward the blow,
and as the weapon passed through his left arm, with his right hand he
dashed her on the floor. Pale with rage and pain he called his people.
"She threatened you, Zara, with the bastinado and the bowstring. She
has sealed her own doom."

By his orders her slippers were torn off, and she received fifty blows
of the ba