Why should I, until this late hour, have forgotten his proffered
aid? I will away to him at once, tell him my sad history, and
beseech him to lend me the assistance I require." Thus saying, he
turned his eyes towards the little point of land that jets out
towards Asia from the Turkish city, known as Seraglio Point, a
fairy-like cluster of gardens and palaces marking the spot.

His quick, nervous step soon brought him to the gilded portal that
formed the entrance to the splendid gardens beyond, and through the
sentinel who guarded the spot he summoned an officer of the
household, to whom he showed the purse, telling him that he had
received it from the owner as a token of friendship, and that he had
bidden him, when necessity should dictate, to show it at the
seraglio gates, and he would be admitted to his presence.

"God is great!" said the officer, as he looked upon the purse with a
profound reverence, astonishing the humble wanderer by the respect
he showed to the jewelled bag.

"And what place is this?" he asked of the officer, as hie looked
curiously about him.

"By the beard of the Prophet, young man, do you not know?" asked the
official.

"I do not."

"Not know whose purse you hold, and in whose grounds you stand!"
reiterated the soldier.