"Now, worthy Hakim," he said, "if you deceive me, I will never
patronize a man of science again. I found an opportunity of speaking
to the Prince this afternoon of your talisman, and he has taken from my
representations such a fancy for its immediate proof, that I found it
quite impossible to postpone its trial even until to-morrow. I
mentioned the terms. I told the Prince your life was the pledge. I
said nothing of the moiety of the reward, worthy Hakim. That is an
affair between ourselves. I trust to your honour, and I always act
thus with men of science."

"I shall not disgrace my profession or your confidence, rest assured,"
replied Iskander. "And am I to see the captive to-night?"

"I doubt it not. Are you prepared? We might, perhaps, gain a little
time, if very necessary,"

"By no means, sir; Truth is ever prepared."

Thus conversing, they passed through the burial-ground, and approached
some high, broad walls, forming a terrace, and planted with young
sycamore-trees. The eunuch tapped with his silver stick, at a small
gate, which opened, and admitted them into a garden, full of large
clumps of massy shrubs. Through these a winding walk led for some way,
and then conducted them to an open lawn, on which was situate a vast
and irregular building. As they approached the pile, a young man of
very imperious aspect rushed forward from a gate, and abruptly accosted
Iskander.

"Are you the Armenian physician?" he inquired.