As I stated to your highness last evening when I broke off my narrative, I was in the highest favour with the sultan, who made me his confidant.  He had often mentioned to me the distinguished services of a young seraskier, whom he had lately appointed capitan pacha, to combat in the north against a barbarous nation called Sclavonians, or Russians.  My curiosity was raised to see this Rustam of a warrior, for his exploits and unvaried success were constantly the theme of the sultan’s encomiums.  A Georgian slave, who had been the favourite previous to my arrival, and who had never forgiven my supplanting her, had been sent to him by the sultan as a compliment; and this rare distinction had been conferred upon him on the day when I requested leave to remain behind the screen in the hall of the divan, that I might behold this celebrated and distinguished person.  He was indeed a splendid figure, and his face was equally perfect.  He formed, in outward appearance, all that I could imagine of a hero.  As I looked at him from behind the screen, he turned his head from me, and I beheld, to my surprise, the red stain on his neck, which told me, at once, that I had found my long-lost brother.  Delighted at the rencontre, I retired as soon as the audience was over, and the sultan came to my apartment; I told him the discovery which I had made.  The sultan appeared pleased at the information:  and the next day sending for my brother, he asked him a few questions relative to his lineage and former life, which corroborated my story, and, loading him with fresh honours, he dismissed him.  I was delighted that, in finding my brother, I had found one who was not unworthy of the sultan’s regard, and I considered it a most fortunate circumstance; but how blind are mortals!  My brother was the cause of my disgrace and eternal separation from the sultan.  I mentioned to your highness that the Georgian slave, who had preceded me in the sultan’s favour, had been sent as a present to my brother.  This woman, although she had always appeared fond of me, was, in fact, my most bitter enemy.  She was very beautiful and clever, and soon obtained the most unlimited influence over my brother.  Yet she loved him not; she had but one feeling to gratify, which was revenge on me.  My brother had so often led the troops to victory, that he had acquired an unbounded sway over them.  Stimulated by their suggestions, and his own ambition, which like mine, was boundless, he was at last induced to plot against his master, with the intention of dethroning him, and reigning in his stead.  To his new wife, the Georgian, he had intrusted his plans; and she resolved to regain the favour of the sultan and accomplish my ruin, by making me a party, and then communicating to him the treason which was in agitation.  She proposed to my brother that he should inform me of his intentions, alleging, that in all probability I would assist him, as I cared little for the sultan; and at all events, if I did not join, my interest