TELLS OF THE ARAB'S LOVE FOR HIS HORSE 211 



her head loose from the hand that held her, had leaped the 

 fence, and with incredible speed was beside her master, 

 before anyone could reach the gate. In a moment Khan 

 Ali mounted, and was flying on Ansha's back, with the bag 

 of gold resting on his saddle-bow; in another, only a cloud 

 of dust remained, to indicate the direction of their sudden 

 disappearance. Consternation reigned among the group so 

 unceremoniously left behind ; and threats deep and dire 

 followed the Arab thief who had so shamefully outwitted 

 them. Then said the Governor of Trebizond, — 

 ' How many pounds of gold did Khan Ali lift ? ' 

 ' At least one hundred and fifty pounds' weight were in 

 that bag.' 



' Then Khan Ali carried away a large sum of money ? ' 

 The Baron, in reply, named a sum equal to some $45,000 

 in American money. 



'Well, Baron, you shall have the mare or the gold. I 

 promise that the Arab shall return. You have all heard 

 him swear "By the beard of Mahommed " three times?' 

 'Yes, Most Wise, we heard him swear it three times.' 

 ' He shall return to you here ; but you must wait, and I 

 will gladly be your host until he comes. Will you accept 

 this arrangement?' 



'With great pleasure, your Excellency.' 

 They waited. A week passed — two weeks — three weeks 

 had dragged by their weary length, lightened only by such 

 diversions as the kindly Governor could command. At 

 last, at the end of the fourth week, came meekly walking 

 into the courtyard Khan Ali, leading a mule. Beside him 

 was the famous mare, Ansha, magnificently caparisoned. 

 Gold lace was about her neck, and a bridle of exquisite 

 workmanship adorned her head. The saddle-cloth was of 



