* * * * * 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 Bassa arose in wrath . ` Azemi , ' he said , ` did I not order you to stand no more in my presence ? ' ` My lord , ' replied Azemi , modestly , ' I was hidden outside the door , listening to the tale of the two Circassians . And as I know you are fond of stories , give me also leave to tell you one . I promise you it shall not be long . ' ` Speak on , ' replied the Bassa , ` but take heed what you say . ' ` My lord , ' began Azemi , ` this morning I was walking in the town when I noticed a man going in the same direction followed by a slave . He entered a baker 's shop , where he bought some bread which he gave to the slave to carry . I watched him and saw that he purchased many other kinds of provisions at other places , and when the slave could carry no more his master commanded him to return home and have supper ready at midnight . ` When left alone the man went up the street , and turning into a jeweller 's shop , brought out a watch that as far as I could see was made of silver . He walked on a few steps , then stooped and picked up a gold watch which lay at his feet . At this point I ran up and told him that if he did not give me half its price I would report him to the Cadi ; he agreed , and conducting me to his house produced four hundred sequins , which he said was my share , and having got what I wanted I went away . ` As it was the hour for attending on my lord I returned home and accompanied you to the Cadi , where I heard the story of the three Jews and learned the importance of the two watches I had left at the stranger 's .
I hastened to his house , but he had gone out , and I could only find the slave , whom I told that I was the bearer XXXXX important news for his master .
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