nwarrantably assaulted the true believers,
receive one hundred lashes," he said; "or pay fifty pieces of silver to
our treasury."

"I haven't got the money," said Mole.

"Then receive the punishment," said the cadi.

This time there was no ceremony used; two negroes bound Mole, pulled
off his shoes and stockings, and exposed to view the new patent steel
clock-work legs.

"Allah, what have we here?" cried the cadi. "Is the Christian
enchanted, to be half man, half machinery?"

"My lord," said Mole, "if you'll only permit me to speak, I'll explain
all.

"Having lost my legs in the wars, helping the Turks to beat their foes,
I have been induced to try as a substitute this new invention, and
behold, the legs were enchanted, and I had no control over them."

"Allah kerim! Can this be?" exclaimed the cadi.

"That was the whole reason of my conduct, your excellency," pursued
Mole; "otherwise, I would perish sooner than have attacked true
believers. But these infidels," he added, pointing to Murray and
Chivey, "first attacked me, as many here may bear witness."

"If that be so," said the magistrate, "we will remit your sentence on
payment of fifty sequins."

"Gladly would I pay the sum if I had it," said Mole; "but I haven't."

"Search him," cried the cadi.

Mole was searched, but the investigations of the officer could not
bring to light a greater sum in his pockets than a bad sixpence and a
battered fourpenny-piece.

"Little enough," grumbled the cadi, pocketing the amount; "but as it is
all you have, I consent to take it. We must have it out of the other
infidels; they too are English, and look rich. Bring them before me."

Herbert Murray and Chivey were accordingly examined.

Mole gave evidence as to their assaulting him, though they utterly
denied doing so, but Mole's statement being backed up by several
believers who had witnessed it, the judge declared both guilty, and
sentenced them to the bastinado.

"Me bastinadoed!" exclaimed the indignant Murray,. "I'd have you know,
sir, that I'm an Englishman of rank, of influence, of property,
and----"

"Of influence, eh? Very good; then you'll have to pay a fine of five
hundred sequins," cried the cadi, exultantly.

"I swear that I haven't----"

"Search the infidels," cried the cadi.

The officers did so, and altogether twenty-five pounds, in gold, notes
and silver, were found upon Murray and Chivey.

With an audible chuckle, the cadi took possession