CHAPTER XXV 



WHICH TELLS OF THE ARAB's LOVE FOR HIS HORSE 



In Arabia, many years ago, there dwelt a mare called 

 Ansha, renowned throughout the length and breadth of the 

 desert for her surpassing beauty, her unrivalled speed, and 

 her marvellous endurance. Khan Ali was her master, and 

 he loved her, and was proud of her high repute ; and she 

 loved Khan Ali well, and was proud to do his bidding. 

 Many coveted her, but all the gold yet offered in all the 

 land had not tempted Khan Ali to part with his treasure. 

 His coffers swelled with many wagers won, for at a word or 

 sign from her master, Ansha showed her paces and won all 

 races against the best and fleetest of Arabia's horses, until 

 she came to be called ' the Apple of Arabia's Eye.' 



One day to Khan Ali came word from the Governor of 

 Trebizond, that a rich Baron from a far country had arrived 

 for the sole purpose of seeing, and perhaps of buying, the 

 beautiful mare Ansha. The Baron was waiting at the 

 Governor's house for her and her master. For many 

 leagues by night and by day across the burning desert and 

 through the burning sands flew Ansha, bearing her beloved 

 master to answer the Governor's commands. They travelled 



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