r her sake, but for the sake of the other
unfortunate maidens who, unless this cruel law is altered, may
have to suffer a fate similar to hers, I have decided to marry
her myself, and thus rescue her and others who may follow her.

"I think of my sweet Princess and feel that she would approve--for
never shall I see her dear face again--and in making this marriage
she would know I was inclined to it from pity and not from any
untruthfulness to her most dear memory.

"The stone she gave me I cannot bear to see any more, and this I
ask you to keep _until I claim it again_; all my other goods and
the money in the bank I leave to you absolutely.

"I feel that I may never see you again, and if this be so, accept
my hearty and devoted thanks for all you have done for me. Think
of me sometimes and

"Believe me to be,
"Your friend always,
"SHIN SHIRA SCARAMANGA MANOUSA YAMA HAWA."

I sat a long while after I had read this letter, thinking of all the
strange happenings since I had known my little friend.

I had grown quite to love and respect him, and when I thought of the
noble and chivalrous deed he intended performing in order to save the
poor creature in that far-off island, I felt that he was indeed worthy
of all admiration.

I got down a map, and tried in vain to find the island he mentioned. It
was not marked in any of those which I had by me.

Then I found the portmanteau which Shin Shira had left with me, and
looked at the little yellow costume, which reminded me so much of my
friend.

In lifting it from the bag, something heavy dropped from between the
folds. It was the Magic Crystal. I held it in my hand, and wished I
could see what Shin Shira was doing at that moment. The thought had no
sooner entered my head than I gave an exclamation of surprise.

A mist in which vague figures were moving filled the crystal, and
presently I could see distinctly a large crowd of people gathered
together. A man and woman stood beneath a canopy--the man I soon
perceived was Shin Shira himself, still clothed in the immaculate frock
coat and tall hat in which I had last seen him dressed. The woman was a
poor, deformed thing and pitifully plain--her gaudy dress and many
jewels but helped to point the contrast.

Before them stood a priest, and at the side the King, surrounded by his
warriors. It was evidently the celebration of a wedding, and the
cer