The Indianapolis journal., 1899-02-19

Zulelka had run away leaving all her jew
els, fine dresses and money behind. OF
course, that indicated where she had gone.
No woman, least of all a Circassian, aban-
dons her diamonds and fine frocks unless
better ones and more of them are awaiting
her elsewhere. Youssouff was willing to
swear by the prophet that his Zuleika had
been kidnapped for the Sultans harem. But
until he was certain of the fact and could
prove it nothing could be done.
me next teW days 4oussouH spent hang
ing about Yildiz Palace and interviewing all
officials and servants, high and low, who
would listen to him. Many of them accepted
his bribes, but none could give him the de-
sired information. At last Youssouff got
hold of a cook who prepares the meals for
the Sulatn's nlistresses at their occasional
meetings This man had an idea. Tell me
what is Zuleika'S favorite dish, and | will
tell you whether she is in the harem, where
l serve.' he said. Nothing easier than that.
Twenty-four hours later Youssouff knew
that his surmiseS respecting the Sultans
completely in spiriting away his Circassian
had been correct.
THE SULTAN'S REPLY.
Then he sat down and wrote a letter to
the Padishah, complaining that "some high
palace official had stolen his (Youssouf's) s.
slave girl on the very eve of their projected
marriage. He added the circumstances of
Zuleikas purchase pointing out that she
had been bought on the installment plan,
and that 5000 francs were still owing on her.
tended wife, send me at least the money for
which / became liable through her pur-
chase" wrote Youssouff in conclusion Of his
petition He did not have to wait long for
an answer Next morning at 10 o'clock a
court carriage drove up at his door, and out
Jumped Zuleika, more beautiful and more
richly dressed than ever. The colofed gen.
tleman who accompanied hec, ane VINO MAS,
as it afterward turned out, one OF the minor
eunuchs of YildiZ Palace, smil1ngly stepped
up to Youssoun and counted 1900 francs
upon the table.
to order the official of whom you COM
planned to pay over the full purchase price
After getting his receipt he rapidly drove
away. The negotiations had not lasted
more than five minutes.
Zuleika wouldn't answer any questions as
to where she had been and with whom. She
said she had sworn not to reveal anything
until after three days had passed.
Well she took the secret with her into
the grave, for as stated, she lived only
three-quarters Of an hour after her return
home While in her death agonies she had
only strength enough to say that sne nad
parfaken of no food or drink since that
mornings breakfast in the harem.
Those who saw the slave girl say tilat tnat
had been brought to Constanhnople Tor
years. She was only fifteen years OF age, a
little over five feet in height and perfectly
proportioned. She had beautiful small lnds
and feet an oval face, blonde hair and a
complexion of lilies and roses. Her eyes
were dark and big and full Of intelligence.
Youssouff is nearly distracted over her
loss, but can do nothing. All the talk is
that no less a person than the sultan hlm-
self PLAYED the leading part in the tragedy.
Furthermore, there is the evidence of the
harem cook, and there are the 1900 francs.
The Sultan could not AFFORD TO have the
name of robbing a subject of a slave and
money. too. So he reimbursed him and gent
him back his slave, but not for long. Thus
no lowly subject embraced the woman whom
the Sultan himself had coveted.