forth a lazy cloud of smoke from his mouth.

"Excellency," he commenced, "I am it very humble mountaineer of the
Caucasus, but until these few months past have been as happy as
heart could wish. True, we have often been called upon to confront
the Cossack, but that is a duty and a pleasure, and the tide of
battle once over, we have returned with renewed joy to our cottage
homes. Our hearths are rude and homely, but our wants are few, and
our hearts are warm among our native hills.

"Suddenly, a hawk swooped down upon our mountain side, and bore away
the sweetest and most innocent dove that nestled there, making
desolate many hearts, and causing an aged mother and father to weep
tears of bitter anguish. I loved that being, excellency, so well
that my whole soul was hers, and she too in turn loved me. Broken
hearted and most miserable I have wandered hither to seek her, for
hither I found that she had been brought, and perhaps even now is
the unhappy slave of some heartless one, and is pining for the home
she has been torn from. If you would bless me, excellency, ay, bless
yourself by a noble deed, then aid me to find her in this great
capital."

The monarch listened with unfeigned interest, he, had a strong dash
of romance in his disposition, besides which he could feel for the
disconsolate lover now, since his own heart bad been so awakened to
itself.

"Your story interests me," said the Sultan, still regarding him
intently.