-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 Bassa 's pages broke into a laugh . ` This fortune comes to us dancing , my lord , ' said he , ` and the other leaves us on crutches . Do not be afraid . She will not go very far . ' The Bassa , shocked at his impertinent interference , desired him to leave the room and not to come back till he was sent for . ` My lord shall be obeyed , ' said the page , ` but when I return , it shall be in such good company that you will welcome me gladly . ' So saying , he went out . When they were alone , Neangir turned to the fair strangers and implored their help . ` My brothers and myself , ' he cried , ` are filled with love for three peerless maidens , two of whom are under a cruel spell .
If their fate happened to be in your hands , would you not do all in your power to restore them XXXXX happiness and liberty ? '
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