` The square was crowded with people of all ages and all ranks , and in the middle a platform had been erected on which was the scaffold , with the executioner , in a black mask , standing by . At a sign from him I mounted first , and in a moment my head was rolling at his feet . With a bound my sister and Thelamis were beside me , and like lightning Thelamis seized the sabre from the heads-man , and cut off the head of the prince . And before the multitude had recovered from their astonishment at these strange proceedings , our bodies were joined to our right heads , and the pastilles placed on our tongues . Then Thelamis led the prince to the edge of the platform and presented him to the people , saying `` Behold your lawful king . '' ` Shouts of joy rent the air at the sound of Thelamis 's words , and the noise reached Okimpare in the palace . Smitten with despair at the news , she fell down unconscious on her balcony , and was lifted up by the slaves and taken back to her own house . ` Meanwhile our happiness was all turned to sorrow . I had rushed up to the prince to embrace him fondly , when he suddenly grew pale and staggered . ' `` I die faithful to you , '' he murmured , turning his eyes towards me , `` and I die a king ! '' and leaning his head on my shoulder he expired quietly , for one of the arteries in his neck had been cut through . ` Not knowing what I did I staggered towards the sabre which was lying near me , with the intention of following my beloved prince as speedily as possible . And when Thelamis seized my hand -LRB- but only just in time -RRB- , in my madness I turned the sabre upon him , and he fell struck through the heart at my feet . ' * * * * * The whole company were listening to the story with breathless attention , when it became plain that Dely could go no further , while Tezila had flung herself on a heap of cushions and hidden her face . Zambac ordered her women to give them all the attention possible , and desired they should be carried into her own rooms . When the two sisters were in this condition , Ibrahim , who was a very prudent young man , suggested to his parents that as the two Circassians were both unconscious , it would be an excellent opportunity to search them and see if the talismans belonging to the daughters of Siroco were concealed about their persons . But the Bassa , shocked at the notion of treating his guests in so inhospitable a manner , refused to do anything of the kind , adding that the next day he hoped to persuade them to give the talismans up of their own free will . By this time it was nearly midnight and Neangir , who was standing near the Jewess Sumi , drew out the portrait of Argentine , and heard with delight that she was even more beautiful than her picture . Every one was waiting on tiptoe for the appearance of the two watches , who were expected when the clock struck twelve to come in search of Sumi , and that there might be no delay the Bassa ordered all the doors to be flung wide open . It was done , and there entered not the longed-for watches , but the page who had been sent away in disgrace .
Then the XXXXX arose in wrath .
Bassa Circassians Dely Okimpare Siroco Sumi Thelamis first midnight talismans