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The old man arose with an assumption of dignity, and reached out as if to grasp his opponent’s ear, or to revenge himself by a blow; but when he saw that his effort was fruitless, he began to curse and swear. Nor did the others remain long in his debt, but replied in kind, until the tent resounded with their quarrel.

All at once the door of the tent was opened, and a tall, stately man, young and handsome as a Persian prince, entered. His clothes and weapons were plain and simple, with the exception of a richly jeweled dagger and a gleaming sword; but his steady eye and whole appearance commanded attention, without inspiring distrust.

“Who is it that dares to make such a disturbance in my tent?” demanded he of the frightened participants.

For a little time there was deep silence; until finally, one of the men who had brought Mustapha in told him how the quarrel had originated. The face of the Strong One, as they called him, flushed with anger at this recital.

“When did I ever put you in my place, Hassan?” cried he, in a fearful voice, to the little old man, who, shrinking with fear, stole towards the door, looking smaller than ever. The Strong One lifted his foot, and Hassan went flying through the doorway with some remarkable leaps.

When Hassan had disappeared, the three men led Mustapha up to the master of the tent, who was now reclining on the cushions, saying: “We have brought you the man whom you ordered us to capture.” The Strong One looked for some time at the prisoner, and then said: “Pasha of Sulieika, your own conscience will tell you why your are the prisoner of Orbasan.”

When my brother heard this, he threw himself down before Orbasan, and answered “Oh, Master, you have made a mistake. I am only a poor unfortunate man, and not the Pasha whom you seek.”

All in the tent were surprised at these words. But the master of the tent replied–

“It will not help you much to deny your identity, as I will produce people who know you well.” He then commanded Zuleima to be brought. An old woman was led in, who, in response to the question whether she did not recognize in my brother the Pasha of Sulieika, said–

“Certainly! I swear by the graves of the prophets that he is the Pasha and no other.”

“Do you see, poor fool, how your stratagem is frustrated?” sneered Orbasan. “You are so miserable a creature that I will not soil my dagger with your blood; but when to-morrow’s sun rises, I will tie you to my horse’s tail and chase through the forests with you until the sun sets behind the hills of Sulieika.”

At this announcement my brother’s courage entirely deserted him. “This is the result of my cruel father’s curse that is driving me to an ignominious death!” exclaimed he, in tears. “And thou, too, sweet sister, and thou, Zoraide, art lost!”

“Your dissimulation will avail you nothing,” said one of the robbers, who was engaged in tying Mustapha’s hands behind his back. “Get out of the tent quickly, for the Strong One is biting his lips and glancing at his dagger. If you would live another night, come quickly!”

As the robbers were leading my brother out of the tent, they encountered three others, who were pushing in a prisoner before them. “We have brought you the Pasha as you commanded us,” said they, and led the prisoner up to the cushions where Orbasan reclined. While the prisoner was being led forward, my brother had an opportunity to observe him closely, and he was forced to acknowledge the striking resemblance which this man bore to him, only the stranger’s complexion was darker and he wore a black beard.

Orbasan seemed much astonished over the appearance of the second prisoner. “Which of you, then, is the right one?” asked he, looking from one to the other.