orders to prepare a rope of a certain length and thickness, directing him to place several large knots at equal distances thereon, with an iron hook at one end of the rope, of a particular shape and size. The rope-maker comprehending his wishes, was desired to have all in readiness by the following evening, when he would call for it. Hussun al Hubul promising obedience in every particular, Ashuk took his departure. Beewah not having returned home, Ashuk strolled about the city, conversing with many of his friends and old schoolfellows: from these he learned that Ajeez was in a week's time to proceed with his cargo to Calcutta, in the very ship commanded by Fureeb Khash, the schoolmaster's son-in-law. A thought now struck him: that through the means of Adeeb Khan he might prevail upon Fureeb Khash to detain Ajeez much longer than was necessary, and thus afford him more time to arrange his plans for possessing himself of the fair Kheir Neyut; he therefore called at the schoolmaster's house, whom he fortunately found disengaged. Adeeb Khan gave him a most hearty welcome; said he had heard of his return with regret, and enquired to what profession he now intended to turn his thoughts.

'With your assistance, kind Adeeb, I mean to think of only one occupation.'

'And what may that be?' enquired Adeeb.

'Love, Adeeb Khan; for that I feel convinced is the only line into which I am capable of entering with heart and soul.' 'Oh, Ashuk! Ashuk! will wisdom never enter thy poor brains?'

'Now pray, Adeeb, don't preach to me; I am not in a fit

condition to hear you; so, for love of Allah, cease. I tell you, if you aid me, I must succeed, and become a rich man to boot.' 'But how in the name of wonder can I assist you, Ashuk?'

The youth, having made the schoolmaster promise inviolable secrecy, related his tale of love, and the arranged departure of his rival in his son-in-law's ship; he then at once begged him to persuade Fureeb Khash to detain Ajeez, in order that he might gain time to prosecute his plans for the possession of the fair Kheir Neyut. The schoolmaster having no great good-will towards either Saruk or his son, and being extremely partial to young Ashuk, ever since his spirited exertions in his defence, at last promised to sound his son-in-law on the subject, and desired Ashuk to call again in a day or two; Fureeb Khash being then in the city transacting business with the owners of the ship 'Futteh Mobaruk,' which was the name of the vessel he commanded. Ashuk pressed the hand of his old preceptor in gratitude for his kindness, and promised to call again in two days' time.

When the amorous youth entered his mother's house he perceived her wearing a countenance of joy and gladness, for she had, by expending her last rupee, contrived to get him appointed an officer in the Nuwab's body-guard-a situation highly agreeable to the youth, whose services would seldom be required, save when the Nuwab went out in state, and would secure him a permanent residence near his beloved Kheir Neyut. Ashuk spent the rest of the day in parading about the city, mentioning his appointment to all he met. When the evening set in he failed not to demand his rope from old Hussun al Hubul, which was all ready for him an hour before midnight, and made exactly as

he desired. When he conceived his mother to be fast locked in the arms of sleep he softly arose, and unbolting the door, which he cautiously closed after him, ran down the street, and arrived at the spot where he had deposited the rope, and proceeded to the lane at the back of the miser's house; having provided himself with a long bamboo pole, by means of which he safely fixed the hook at the end of the rope to the bar of the window above him.

The moon, although behind a cloud, afforded him sufficient light to perceive with delight that the centre bar of the window had been removed. 'She intends to admit me!' cried the youth in ecstasy. 'Ah! I see her at the window; now, then, love assist me!' Saying which, he scrambled up the knotted rope. He had nearly reached the top, when the moon burst forth from behind the cloud, upon the window, where he espied, not the lovely Kheir Neyut, but the wrinkled visage of her father, with several men armed with swords and sticks. In an instant he slid down the rope and rushed from the lane. What could be the meaning of this? Had Kheir Neyut deceived him? It was impossible she could have been so treacherous; it must be the act of the rope-maker, who had probably watched his footsteps; to him, therefore, he determined that instant to repair and upbraid him for his ill-natured officiousness. The rope-maker had retired to rest, and, alarmed at the violent knocking at his door, was a considerable time before he durst venture to open it. As soon as Ashuk beheld the trembling Hussun al Hubul, he commenced loading him with abuse. The rope-maker was long ere he could comprehend the meaning of all this; and when he did, solemnly

declared his innocence, swearing positively he had not quitted

his house that night.

'Then you must have betrayed me to some one,' cried the enraged Ashuk, and was beginning to beat poor Hussun al Hubul, when his wife interfered, saying, 'I fear, sir, it is I whom you must blame; but indeed I was not aware I should injure you. This day, my husband having finished your rope full of knots, I went to the smith's to procure an iron hook such as you directed, and, in his absence, young Ajeez, the merchant, came to purchase ropes and lashings for his goods about to be sent to Cambay. Observing your very curious knotted rope, he enquired for what pupose and for whom it was intended. I replied it had been made by your order, but for what purpose I could not tell; and I declare I mentioned the circumstance to no one else on earth.'

'That was quite enough, thou babbling fool, to ruin me,' said Ashuk, angry and mortified.

The old woman begged a thousand pardons, which, however, were far from being granted-so incensed was her customer. Ashuk proceeded home, dejected and out of spirits, anticipating a seizure by the police in the morning, or perhaps that very night.

Whilst the youth is momentarily expecting the punishment for his rashness, it will be proper to explain the suspicions which were awakened in the bosom of Ajeez, who, having been informed that this extraordinary rope was for Ashuk, determined to watch his footsteps most narrowly. He accordingly saw him come for the rope, convey it to an old shed, and then return. At an hour before midnight he again saw him enter the shed, remove

the 'rope, and proceed with it to the lane at the back of the miser's house.

The idea of Ashuk presuming to love Kheir Neyut never once entering his imagination, he concluded the daring youth was actually about to rob old Nugdee Hurrees; and being himself greatly interested in preserving the miser's hoarded gold, hastened to the front gate, where he knocked and called most loudly. Nugdee would seldom at night hear any summons at his gate; but the incessant violent kicking and bawling of Ajeez induced him to descend and enquire who was there. Hearing the voice of Ajeez, he opened the gate, and was soon made acquainted with the danger that threatened his house and property. The miser stood breathless with fear, and seemed quite at a loss how to act; but Ajeez calling to his recollection that no time was to be lost, he opened the gate, and proceeding to the house of a poor tailor, who lived opposite, he begged his assistance for the love of Heaven, for that robbers were about his house. The tailor, accompanied by his son, quickly appearing, Nugdee promised them a reward should the thief be secured. Having no doubt but the rope described by Ajeez was intended to be made fast to the window of his daughter's apartment, which looked into the lane, the miser, accompanied by Ajeez and the tailors, armed with swords and clubs, entered her apartment, and bade her retire to another room, for that robbers were about the house.

Kheir Neyut trembled for poor Ashuk, and was at a loss to account for the discovery of his intention to escalade the building; at the same time she was pleased to find his actions were imputed to a wrong motive, although either way, whether he was