counted by the Hasnadar, or I will double it."

"Try your fortune, Hakim," said several laughing loungers to Iskander.

"Allah has stricken the Frangy princess," said the old Turk with a
white beard.

"He will strike all Giaours," said his ancient companion, sipping his
coffee. "It is so written."

"Well! I do not like to hear of women slaves pining to death," said
the young Janissary, in a softened tone, "particularly when they are
young. Amurath should have ransomed her, or he might have given her to
one of his officers, or any young fellow that had particularly
distinguished himself." And so, twirling his mustachios, and flinging
down his piastre, the young Janissary strutted out of the coffee-house.

"When we were young," said the old Turk with the white beard to his
companion, shaking his head, "when we were young -- "

"We conquered Anatolia, and never opened our mouths," rejoined his
companion.

"I never offered an opinion till I was sixty," said the old Turk; "and
then it was one which had been in our family for a century."

"No wonder Hunniades carries everything before him," said his
companion.

"And that accursed Iskander," said the old man.