PREFACE.





The following story relates to that exceedingly interesting and
romantic portion of the world bordering on the Black Sea, the Sea of
Marmora, and the Bosphorus. The period of the story being quite
modern, its scenes are a transcript of the present time in the city
of the Sultan. The peculiarities of Turkish character are of the
follower of Mahomet, as they appear to-day; and the incidents
depicted are such as have precedents daily in the oriental capital.
Leaving the tale to the kind consideration of the reader, the author
would not fail to express his thanks for former indulgence and
favor.






THE CIRCASSIAN SLAVE.

CHAPTER I.