d off for
drowning the aga; I consider it excessively impertinent in an
unbelieving Greek to suppose that his life is of the same value as that
of an aga of janissaries, and follower of the Prophet; but, however, my
promise was given, and you may depart."

"The wisdom of your highness is brighter than the stars of the heaven,"
observed Mustapha. "Shall the slave be honoured with your bounty?"

"Mashallah! bounty! I've given him his life, and, as he considers it of
more value than an aga's, I think 'tis a very handsome present. Drown
an aga, indeed!" continued the pacha, rising, "but it certainly was a
very curious story. Let it be written down, Mustapha. We'll hear the
other man to-morrow."

VOLUME ONE, CHAPTER THREE.

"Mustapha," said the pacha the next day, when they had closed the hall
of audience, "have you the other Giaour in readiness?"

"Bashem ustun! Upon my head be it, your highness. The infidel dog
waits but the command to crawl into your sublime presence."

"Let him approach, that our ears may be gratified. Barek Allah! Praise
be to God. There are others who can obtain stories besides the Caliph
Haroun."

The slave was ordered into the pacha's presence. He was a dark man with
handsome features, and he walked in with a haughty carriage, which
neither his condition nor tattered garments could disguise. When within
a few feet of the carpet of state he bowed and folded his arms in
silence. "I wish to know upon what grounds you asserted that you were
so good a judge of wine the other evening, when you were quarrelling
with the Greek slave."

"I stated my reason at the time, your highness, which was, because I had
been for many years a monk of the Dominican order."

"I recollect that you said so. What trade is that, Mustapha?" inquired
the pacha.

"If your slave is not mistaken, a good trade everywhere. The infidel
means that he was a mollah or dervish among the followers of Isauri
(Jesus Christ)."

"May they and their fathers' graves be eternally defiled," cried the
pacha. "Do not they drink wine and eat pork? Have you nothing more to
say?" inquired the pacha.

"My life has been one of interest," replied the slave; "and if it will
please your highness, I will narrate my history."

"It is our condescension. Sit down and proceed."

STORY OF THE MONK.

May it please your highness, I am a Spaniard by birth, and a native of
Seville; but whether my father was a grandee, or of mo