rstand him.

'"Accursed race," said he, "it is you who have caused all the
misfortunes of him to whom I gave the magic bracelet. Perish all of
you!"

'We drew near from curiosity, and recognised in him the dervish who had
sheltered us on our first escape from the caravan.

'When the old man discovered who we were he was beside himself with
pleasure, and offered us a refuge in the cave where he lived. We gladly
accepted his offer, and to the cave we all went, taking with us the last
little pig, which he gave us as a present.

'"The Bassa of the Sea," he added, "will pay you anything you like to
ask for it."

'Without asking why it was so precious I took the pig and placed it in
my work bag, where it has been ever since. Only yesterday we offered
it to the Bassa, who laughed at us, and this so enraged us against the
dervish that we cut off his beard when he was asleep, and now he dare
not show himself.'

'Ah,' exclaimed the page, 'it is not fitting that such beauty should
waste itself in making other people miserable. Forget the unhappy past
and think only of the future. And accept, I pray you, this watch, to
mark the brighter hours in store.' So saying he laid the watch upon her
knee. Then he turned to Tezila. 'And you fair maiden, permit me to offer
you this other watch. True it is only of silver, but it is all I have
left to give. And I feel quite sure that you must have somewhere a
silver seal, that will be exactly the thing to go with it.'

'Why, so you have,' cried Dely; 'fasten your silver seal to your watch,
and I will hang my gold one on to mine.'

The seals were produced, and, as Azemi had guessed, they were the
talismans which the two Circassians had taken from Izif and Izouf,
mounted in gold and silver. As quick as lightning the watches slid
from the hands of Tezila and her sister, and Aurora and Argentine stood
before them, each with her talisman on her finger.

At first they seemed rather confused themselves at the change which had
taken place, and the sunlight which they had not seen for so long, but
when gradually they understood that their enchantment had come to an
end, they could find no words to express their happiness.

The Circassians could with difficulty be comforted for the loss of the
talismans, but Aurora and Argentine entreated them to dry their tears,
as their father, Siroco, who was governor of Alexandria, would not
fail to reward them in any manner they wished. This promise was s