it said , ` is this the way you treat me ? Let me hide myself for ever ! This cave is no longer dark enough or deep enough for me . ' A burst of laughter was the only answer , and the voice continued , ` What have I done to earn such contempt ? Was this what you promised me when I managed to get for you the talismans of beauty ? Is this the reward I have a right to expect when I have bestowed on you the little black pig , who is certain to bring you good luck ? ' At these words the curiosity of the listeners passed all bounds , and the Bassa commanded his slaves instantly to tear down the wall . It was done , but the man was nowhere to be seen , and there were only two girls of extraordinary beauty , who seemed quite at their ease , and came dancing gaily on to the terrace . With them was an old slave in whom the Bassa recognised Gouloucou , the former guardian of Neangir . -LSB- Illustration : THE CIRCASSIANS DANCE INTO THE BASSA 'S GARDEN -RSB- Gouloucou shrank with fear when he saw the Bassa , as he expected nothing less than death at his hands for allowing Neangir to be snatched away . But the Bassa made him signs of forgiveness , and asked him how he had escaped death when he had thrown himself from the cliff . Gouloucou explained that he had been picked up by a dervish who had cured his wounds , and had then given him as slave to the two young ladies now before the company , and in their service he had remained ever since . ` But , ' said the Bassa , ` where is the little black pig of which the voice spoke just now ? ' ` My lord , ' answered one of the ladies , ` when at your command the wall was thrown down , the man whom you heard speaking was so frightened at the noise that he caught up the pig and ran away . ' ` Let him be pursued instantly , ' cried the Bassa ; but the ladies smiled . ` Do not be alarmed , my lord , ' said one , ` he is sure to return . Only give orders that the entrance to the cave shall be guarded , so that when he is once in he shall not get out again . ' By this time night was falling and they all went back to the palace , where coffee and fruits were served in a splendid gallery , near the women 's apartments . The Bassa then ordered the three Jews to be brought before him , so that he might see whether these were the two damsels who had forced them to dance at the inn , but to his great vexation it was found that when their guards had gone to knock down the wall the Jews had escaped . At this news the Jewess Sumi turned pale , but glancing at the Book of Spells her face brightened , and she said half aloud , ` There is no cause for disquiet ; they will capture the dervish , ' while Hassan lamented loudly that as soon as fortune appeared on one side she fled on the other !
On hearing this reflection one of the XXXXX 's pages broke into a laugh .
Bassa GARDEN Gouloucou Jews Neangir Spells Sumi damsels right vexation