claim from my treasury what sum you like, and become physician to the
Seraglio. What say you?"

"My hope and my belief is," replied Iskander, "that within ten days she
may breathe the air of Epirus."

"By my father's beard, you are a man after my own heart," exclaimed the
prince; "and since thou dealest in talismans, Hakim, can you give me a
charm that you will secure me a meeting with this Epirot rebel within
the term, so that I may keep my oath. What say you? what say you?"

"There are such spells," replied Iskander. "But mark, I can only
secure the meeting, not the head."

"That is my part," said Mahomed, with an arrogant sneer. "But the
meeting, the meeting?"

"You know the fountain of Kallista in Epirus. Its virtues are
renowned."

"I have beard of it."

"Plunge your scimitar in its midnight waters thrice, on the eve of the
new moon, and each time summon the enemy you would desire to meet. He
will not fail you."

"If you cure the captive, I will credit the legend, and keep the
appointment," replied Mahomed, thoughtfully.

"I have engaged to do that," replied the physician.