upon his promise of good behavior, at the same time threatening the lives of Saladino family and those of his generals, if he did not desist. Another, and far more picturesque explanation, has some features which show at least an original mind. The supernatural features may be taken or discarded, according to one's disposition in such matters. Saladin had laid waste a large part of Sinan's territory, and had advanced to the high and solitary mountain peak on which was perched his castle, but had been unable to take this. Sinan was not there at the time, but Saladino messenger found him with two of his aids at a village not far away. The messenger advanced upon the Sheik with the air of contempt natural in one who bears a summons to abject surrender. But, all of a sudden, the messenger is overwhelmed. The Sheik appears enveloped in an effulgent light of dazzling splendor. Never has the trembling emissary looked upon such resplendent majesty or invincible force as is registered in the countenance of the terrible Old Man of the Mountains. More and more these augment as the abashed messenger gazes spellbound. He can neither advance nor retreat, can only mumble words of contrition, and begs the Master to permit him to enter his service. But the latter will have none of him. He must return at once to the Sultan and relate what he has witnessed. " Say to him," orders the Sheik, with a Mephistophelean manner, " that if he wishes to come to find me, he may. I have with me only two men, whom thou