The truth was that the Armenian had long known Selim, had taught him his religion, and, had instructed him much at various times in such matters as it behooved him to know, and which had placed him at an early age far above many others in the service, who had all sorts of favoritism to advance their interests.  He knew of Selim’s love for the old Bey’s daughter, and when chance led the father to consult him about his child, the idea of sending Selim to his house, as he succeeded in doing, flashed across his mind, and he proposed it to the father, as we have seen.

Selim’s Armenian friend repaired on board his vessel as soon as he was released from the presence of the Sultan, upon the inquiry to which we have alluded.  It would have gone hard with him had it not been that his skill in his profession had long since recommended him to the Sultan, in whose household he frequently appeared.  Selim greeted him kindly, and told him he was indebted to him for his future happiness in life.

“We have been so successful in this plan,” said the Armenian, “that I have half a mind to try one of a similar, but far bolder character, if you will assist me.”

“With all my heart.  What is it you propose?” asked Captain Selim.

“In my visits to the Sultan’s harem, I have more than once been brought—­”

“Is the attempt to be made upon the Sultan’s harem?” interrupted Selim.

“Be patient and hear my story.”

“I will, but this must be a bold business.”

“I say, in my visits to the Sultan’s household, I have often been brought in contact with one whom I know to be very unhappy, and who is detained there against her will.  She is queen, I think, not only of the harem, but also of its master’s heart, her beauty and bearing being of surpassing loveliness.  Her history, too, as far as I can learn, is one of romantic interest, and she pines to return to her home in Circassia, from whence she was violently torn.  At first when she came here, I was called upon to treat her case, for she had lately recovered from some severe sickness, and I then saw how tenderly the Sultan regarded her.  Well, at that time she was both deaf and dumb, but—­”

“Hold! do you say she was deaf and dumb?” asked Selim, as if he recalled some memory of the past.

“I did.”

“Strange,” mused the officer; “it must be the slave that I bid for in the market.”

And so indeed it was the same beautiful being who had so earnestly attracted him, as the reader will remember, when the Sultan’s agent, Mustapha, overbid him in the bazaar.

“You know her then?” asked the Armenian.

“I think so; but go on.”

“Well, I am satisfied that she pines to be released, and from hearing her story, and tending her in a short illness, I have become deeply interested in her.  You know, Selim, that I hate the Turks in my heart, and if I can by any means rob the Sultan of this girl, and restore her to her home, I would risk much to do so.”