FATMA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2200, 30 April 1896, Page 51

FATMA.

A STORY FOB CHILDREN. Fbom the Gbbmah op Wilhelu Haup. 11. At noon on tbe seventh day from starting Mustapha entered the gates of Balsora. He hastened to the first oaravansery, and, dismounting, he made inquiries when the slave market, which was held in that town every year, would take place ; but what was his dismay to learn that be was already two days too late i the, market was over 1 The caravansery keeper informed him that he bad indeed missed an unusual sight. Among the slaves had been two women of extraordinary beauty, who attracted the admiration Of tbe whole market. And, Indeed, the buyers had almost fought over this rare purchase. Bat they had been sold for such Is •normoujj prlco ttat wlj ttair present

owner could afford suoh a sum. - Mustapha showed a great interest in this story, and from what he heard was convinced that the slaves in question were none other than his sister, Fatma, and her companion, Zoralda. Their purchaser, ha learned, was Thiuli- Kos, a rich merchant, who had retired to pass fche rest of hiß life in quiet and rest. His palace was some two days' journey from Balaora.

Mustapha was about to spring again into his saddle and hasten after the objects of his search, but he bethought himself that he was alone and only armed with a dagger, and he would have no chance of success in case of resistance. He therefore thought of another plan to attain his purpose. Remembering bis near likeness to the Bassa yon Suleika, whioh had io nearly cost him hia life, he determined to personate this man, and thus attempt the rescue of his sister. He thereupon hired one or two servants, and with Orbasan's purse of gold be was enabled to buy horses for them ; and thee, arraying himself in a jewelled cape, he made towards Thiuli's palace. This was situated in the midst of a beautiful plain, and the palace itself was surrounded by a high wall. Oq arriving there, Mustapha, to complete his disguise, djed his moustache black and stained bis face with the juice of a plant to give the darker shade of Basea'a &klu, and, dismounting,' he sent one of his servants to request, under the name of Bassa yon Suieika, that he might pass the night within the palace.

The servant soon returned, and, with him, four riohly-clad slaves, who took Mustapha'a horse to the courtyard and led him into the palace, and up a vast marble stair into the presence of Thiuli-Eos. The latter was an elderly man with a most friendly, affable mien. He get before his guest the best of repseta which his slaves could procure, and, after Mustapha had eaten, he entered easily into conversation with him. They soon brought the talk to the latest news of the slave market, and Thiuli was high in praise of his two new sldvep, who, however, he said, were very dejeoted in spirit, and seemed to be pining away ; this he hoped would not last long. Mustapha was greatly pleased with his reception, and when he retired to his sleeping apartment was fall of hopes as to his ultimate success.

He bad not slept more than an hour when bo was aw&kened by the gleam of a lamp, whiob fell brightly on his eyes. He sprang up as in a dream, and found before him the little, shiny-skinned man whom he had seen in Orbasan's tent. He held a lamp in his hand, and a malicious smile distorted his mouth. Mustapba at first believed he was still dreaming, "but finding that the grinning object was a reality :

"What can you want in disturbing my rest 1 " he demanded.

" Pray don't disturb yourself," replied the figure before him ; " I can well guess why you have come here, and I have not forgotten your honoured features, although bad I not helped with my own hands to har>g the real Bassa yon Suleika, I might have been deceived by your olever disguise. Bat what I want here is to ask you one favour."

" First of all, tell me how you came here," asked Mustapha, angered at being found out.

" Simply told," replied the other. " I and Orbasan could no longer agree, so I came here. But you will remember that you were the cause of our little difference, and now I come Co ask you to allow your sister to become my wife. If you say ' Yes,' I will aid you in rescuing her and her companion ; if you refuse, I go and enlighten my master about the new Bassa yon Suleika,"

Mustapha was beside himself with rage and disappointment. Just when he seemed so near the accomplishment of bis plans this wretch stepped in to frustrate all. Only one thing remained for him to do : this little, grinning object must die. With a single bound he leapt from his couch ; but the dwarf, anticipating the action, sprang aside, throwing down the lamp, and escaped to raise the alarm of treachery.

Mustapha now gave up all thought of saving his sister, and looked around for means of saving his own life. The window of his room was a considerable height from the ground, but as be beard voices approaching his door, be was forced to leap out, taking with him his dagger and clothe?. The fall was a hard one, but no limbs were broken ; he got up and made for the wall which surrounded the palace. To the surprise of his pursuers ho climbed over this, and was thus out of danger. He huriied off until he entered a wood some dit-tnrice away, and there he flung himself dovm, exhausted. What was he . to do next 1 His horse and his servants were left behind, but he still had his gold, which he carried in his girdla. {To be continued.)