its open beaming smile, and the rich brown hair waving round it, which a mother's pride had arranged so carefully, little thinking how awful and solemn was to be to him the day for which she decked him thus.

At a signal from the Pasha the sports now commenced. The game of the jereed, which was formerly used for the most deadly purposes of war, consists of a sort of mock fight, which is carried on solely with the aid of a long slender spear, which the combatants fling at one another with the most surprising dexterity whilst careering past at full gallop; and it was almost incredible the manner in which, while their horses were flying along at their utmost speed, they would fling themselves almost out of their saddles in order to lift their spear from the ground, and regain their seats without slackening their speed in the slightest degree. Of course, in this amicable sport, the greatest merit consisted in appearing to hit their adversaries, while the weapon was in reality directed with so unerring an aim that it did not touch them; and some young men certainly performed most astonishing feats of horsemanship. None, however, not even Scarlato G, could surpass in skill one of the Pasha's slaves, who seemed equally dexterous and active, notwithstanding his bulk, which was very considerable. He was a negro of enormous size, and would have seemed most unwieldy but for the great strength of the huge animal which bore him. This immense horse was jet black, and both he and his rider were in such admirable proportion, that when they stood motionless, they were exactly like a splendid equestrian statue worked in bronze. Lester observed, as the game proceeded, that this negro, by name Fehim, repeatedly passed the spot where the Pasha was placed at a rapid pace, and glanced, as though casually, at him as he passed. The countenance of his master, however, always remained impassive, and Lester might not have observed this circumstance had he not been already speculating on the singular expression of the governor's face.

There are few, even good physiognomists, who are aware to what an extent the human face is the mask of the mind; it is, indeed, so

natural to man to render it so, that nothing but the most determined and systematic sincerity, founded on a noble principle, can enable any one to teach their countenance to speak the truth. As, however, the minutest actions of the Pasha of Smyrna were based on the comfortable system of furthering his own interest in all things, it was evident to the Englishman that he had taught that calm and smiling face to belie his thoughts to the uttermost; and yet there was a lurking and malicious sneer with which he watched the sports, that forced on Lester the conviction that it was not for mere amusement that the cunning and aged hypocrite sat there. Involuntarily, therefore, he found himself occupied in watching him narrowly, fascinated by the vague wish to solve the mystery of that cruel smile; and when again the negro came galloping past, and cast at him that meaning glance, it was almost with a start that he perceived the Pasha answer it with a scarcely perceptible movement of the eyebrows.

It was now with considerable curiosity that Lester watched the proceedings of the negro, under the belief that an order of some kind had been certainly given to him. In this he judged rightly. He saw the negro return seemingly with renewed energy to the games, and soon after he appeared to dart off in mock pursuit of a young Turk better mounted than himself; but as he passed at full speed Scarlato G, who was riding more slowly, Lester saw him rise in his stirrups, and take aim with his spear in precisely the opposite direction, whilst with a sleight of hand so extraordinary, so quick, and dexterous, that not one single person except the Englishman observed it, he turned it through his fingers in such a manner that with the most unerring stroke it shot right towards the son of the Rayah, in whose heart it planted itself deep and sure. In an instant all could see it, as it remained fixed and quivering in the palpitating frame of the unfortunate young man, whilst over that bright young face a wild contortion passed, and then a dark shade-the bridle dropped from the powerless hands, for a moment they seemed to struggle in the empty air, and Scarlato G, rolling over in the saddle, fell

heavily to the ground, a dead mass of lifeless clay. This horrible event had taken place so rapidly, that none but Lester knew the truth. So many spears had been cleaving the air at the moment, that all present believed it to have been merely the effect of an accident; and the Pasha, expressing the deepest regret and commiseration, when the confusion had somewhat subsided, ordered the body to be conveyed to the dumb Rayah's house, whilst some of his attendants were dispatched to acquaint the wretched parents, that by an inevitable and unforeseen accident, the brave and beautiful son, who had gone forth that morning in all the pride of his youth and his strength, was about to return to them a powerless corpse.

But the Englishman was possessed of a clue by which he could unravel as dark a plot as ever was achieved by human crime. It was most evident to him, that the Pasha having ascertained the intention of the sons of the Rayah to follow the Philellenist, had determined to prevent an escape, which would augment the number of the defenders of Greece. Not daring, however, to break the treaty entered into with Russia by his government, of which we have already spoken, he had adopted this means of entrapping the unhappy young Greek into a snare, and, under pretence of inviting him to join in an innocent pastime, had in fact arranged the manner in which he was to be quietly and deliberately murdered. This view of the case, which was, in truth, correct in all points, left Lester considerable apprehension as to the safety of the two remaining sons of the Rayah. He lost no time, on his return to Smyrna, in communicating his fears to Vasili, the commander of the Philellenists. This unworthy Greek was, however, unfortunately of a very jealous disposition, and he could not endure that anything efficient should be discovered or done by another than himself. He therefore treated the suspicions of Lester with the utmost contempt-declared that the Pasha would never have dared to perpetrate such a deed, and would take no other measures to prevent further misfortunes, except to send a message to Demetrius and Floros, begging them, notwithstanding their late calamity, to hasten their

departure. To this an answer was received next day, stating that the two young Greeks, despite the anguish of mind into which their aged parents were thrown by the death of Scarlato, would take their leave of them that evening, and would join the Philellenists in time to sail for Greece, under cover of the darkness. The messenger also casually men. tioned, that in the meantime Demetrius had been summoned to an audience with the Pasha, who was desirous of condoling with him on the death of his brother.

At this information, the fears of Lester were once more roused to the uttermost. He fancied he had heard the very sentence of death of the noble prince, and blaming himself severely for not having warned him sooner, he prepared to start for Sedequi without a moment's delay. It was in vain that Vasili, laughing scornfully at his terror, commanded him, on his authority as superior officer, not to absent himself from Smyrna port, as they were about to start.

Lester declared himself willing to submit to the degradation from his rank in the regiment, which was the allotted punishment of insubordination, but he persisted in hastening at once to avert, if possible, the doom which, he doubted not, was preparing for the unsuspecting prince, followed by Manouk, who shared in the utmost extent of his fears. He rode with unabated speed to the villa of the dumb Rayah at Sedequi, and there found, to his dismay, that Demetrius had

gone about an hour before to the Pasha's palace. Without uttering a word, he turned instantly in that direction, and urged his horse to his swiftest pace. Manouk however, dreading some act of imprudence, rode up alongside of him, and implored him not to attempt to obtain an entrance into the governor's dwelling, as, if he really did entertain any such murderous design as that which they suspected, he would assuredly take such measures to prevent the approach of any stranger, as must effectually frus trate their attempt at the rescue of the Prince Demetrius. The Turk, therefore, begged of Lester to allow him rather to try by bribing some of the Pasha's slaves, to obtain permission

for him to establish himself secretly in some position, from whence he might witness the interview (a matter easily arranged, as it would probably take place on the terrace or in the garden), and whence he might rush out and interfere, on the slightest appearance of treachery.

The Englishman had not now to learn that Manouk was as prudent an adviser as he was a faithful servant; he therefore once more consented to be guided by him, and remained at a little distance from the gate, whilst the Turk went to put his scheme into execution, if possible, furnished with all the money Lester had brought with him.

In Turkey it seems scarce possible that the power of gold should ever fail in its effect; this time, at least, it was thoroughly successful. Manouk returned, accompanied by a young Armenian slave, who conducted the Englishman into the garden, where, concealed behind an enormous myrtle bush, he obtained a full view of the hall where the Pasha was holding his audience, as the silken curtain by which alone the entrance to it was at any time closed, was drawn up completely to admit the already waning light. Here he established himself with his companion, and they began to watch, with intense interest, the proceedings within. Nothing, however, seemed to warrant their fears-Demetrius was there, seated opposite to the Pasha in the usual ceremonious manner, but no one else was present; and it seemed ridiculous to suppose that this feeble old man could in any way injure him.

They continued, however, to watch them carefully, till, as the evening began to close in, the Greek prince rose to take his leave. The Pasha, however, whose whole manner seemed really to betoken an honest friendliness, begged of him to remain for a moment, saying, with as much of an approach to gaiety as could be indulged in by so dignified a personage, that he must really beg of Demetrius to humour an old man's caprice, and consent to play a game of chess with him, as it was his favourite amusement, and it was rarely that he met with so skilful an antagonist.

Lester could see, by the expression of Demetrius's noble countenance,

which was darkened by a settled melancholy, that plainly showed how his brother's death lay heavy at his heart, that this proposal was highly displeasing to him. The request of a Turkish Pasha is, however, nothing less than an order, not to be resisted, and Demetrius silently signified his readiness to comply with his desire. The aged governor clapped his hands, and a slave appeared, who prepared the chess-board on the divan between them, when they at once commenced their game. The Pasha seemed so intent on its progress, that Lester actually abandoned any idea of his harbouring treacherous designs. At last, while Demetrius was silently considering a difficult move, the old man looked up, and quietly remarked, "The night closes in."

As he uttered these words-obviously a preconcerted signal-as though by magic, four blacks suddenly started from behind a curtain, where they lay hid, and throwing themselves with inconceivable rapidity on Demetrius, before he could offer any resistance, or Lester even attempt to fly to his rescue, they had grasped the throat of the unhappy prince with their sinewy hands, and had strangled him with a frightful dexterity. At this dreadful sight, horror, and a feeling too like remorse, so maddened Lester, that he nearly lost his senses, and would have precipitated himself frantically into the hall, in order to avenge him he could no longer save, had not Manouk, perceiving that he was about to rush to his own destruction, torn him back by main force, and dragged him from the fatal garden.

The Englishman sunk down in a state of stupefaction at the gate, utterly bewildered with the suddenness of this event. He had seen the livid face of the prince, as the negroes relinquished their prey, and flung him at the Pasha's feet; and he could not doubt that life was altogether extinct. They had performed their task with such horrible celerity, that they seemed to have spared him even a death agony; but Lester could scarce realise to himself that the assistance he had been too late in rendering, would now be unavailing to him whom, ten minutes before, he had seen so full of life and energy. Manouk at last aroused him, and, anxious to withdraw him from

such painful thoughts, proposed to him that they should hasten to break the news of this catastrophe to the aged Rayah and his wife, before so dreadful a misfortune was abruptly announced to them.

Lester willingly acceded to this proposal, thankful to perceive that any means was yet left to him of serving this most unfortunate family; but on arriving at the dwelling of Petros G, they found that a messenger of the Pasha's, dispatched, probably, before the murder was even committed, had already conveyed to the miserable father the intelligence, that Demetrius had expired suddenly in a fit. It was not, of course, to be supposed that the Pasha expected any one now to believe that the death of these two fine young men could have resulted in natural causes; but by taking measures to give their assassination the appearance of accident, and preventing any positive trace of violence on the bodies, he had avoided any actual proof that the treaty with Russia had been violated by him, and this was enough for the Turkish honour. Lester and Manouk could now, therefore, only return to Smyrna, to tell their companions what had occurred, and some discussion now arose among the Philellenists as to their further proceedings.

Their departure could no longer be delayed, and it seemed likely that their purpose in coming to Asia Minor would be altogether frustrated. Dispatches had reached them that morning from Greece, urging most strongly not only their speedy return, but the extreme necessity of their bringing some reinforcement to the Hellenic army, as it was become evident on all sides that a crisis was approaching, and no doubt was entertained that the Moslems were about to bring an almost irresistible force against Messalonghi, now the centre of action. Lord Byron, full of generosity and enthusiasm, was spoken of as a most powerful auxiliary, and it was particularly impressed on the European volunteers, that their post was at his side. Private letters for the Rayah Petros G were also enclosed,

from some of the leaders, doubtless demanding his utmost aid in this emergency. And with these, Vasili, Lester, and one or two others, decided on proceeding at once to Sedequi, in order to take their leave of him, into whose house their coming had brought such desolation. They could not ask him, or expect that he would perform the Brutus-like task of delivering up to them now his last, his only son; and it was an additional reason for their desiring to hasten their depar ture, that by so doing they would at once place the life of the young Floros in safety, by removing all excuse for his assassination.

It was the day following the death of Prince Demetrius, that the Philellenists were once more ushered into the presence of the Rayah and his wife. The interment was just over, according to custom in the East, where the dead are always buried within four-and-twenty hours from the moment of their departure, and Petros appeared to have expected their visit, as they were instantly admitted to the room where all that now remained of this doomed family were assembled ; and it was, indeed, a piteous thing to look upon the group which they presented.

The father and mother appeared to cling to their living son with a threefold tenderness, which had grown out of the unavailing love that had been flung back into their bosoms from those two closing graves, and on the face of the dumb Rayah there was a heartbroken expression, far more eloquent of the depths of his silent agony than could have been the words he might not utter; while the princess sat motionless, her head entirely covered by a thick mourning veil, so that not even a look might profane the sacredness of a mother's grief. Floros himself seemed stunned and bewildered by their repeated misfortunes; his face was deadly pale, and his eyes still laden with the bitter tears which the young warrior had wept for his childhood's friends. His lips quivered when he strove to speak, for grief was new to him; but there was a sudden glow on his fair countenance

which showed, as the Philellenists entered, that no sorrow for others, or conviction of his own peril, could abate the fervour of his patriotism. The same feelings seemed also for a moment to lift off the dark shadow from the old man's face, as he listened to the account which Vasili read to him of the critical position of their country, and the urgent necessity that all to whom she was dear, should now or never hasten to her aid.

The mother alone remained immoveable, buried in the dark folds of her mourning garments, yet to her only it was given by outward acts to show her fidelity to Greece. She had apparently already received her husband's instructions, for now rising solemnly, as she had risen once before, she took her last surviving child by the hand, as she had taken his dead brothers, and advanced towards the Philelle nists. She did not remove her veil, but the voice, hollow, tremulous, and broken, was so changed from the firm, energetic accents with which she had last addressed them, that they scarcely recognised it. Yet was that dauntless woman's noble heart unchanged, for she spoke nearly the same words as formerly.

"When we were rich we gave to Greece our best-our all-and now, from our poverty, let her take this, our last remaining and most precious treasure."

She placed the hand of Floros in that of Vasili as she spoke, and returned to her place.

Not even the Greeks, accustomed as they were during the revolution of their country to witness the most extraordinary instances of devotion to her cause, had expected this uncompromising sacrifice, but it was an act on which no one dared to comment, and they prepared to depart. Petros G meanwhile had been reading the letters they had brought to him, which contained a most fervent appeal from some of his old companions in arms, to leave no means untried to furnish soldiers for the Hellenic cause at this momentous juncture. When the Philellenists turned to look on him they were startled by perceiving that some fierce inward struggle was certainly agitating the dumb old man. He was breathing quick and hard, and glancing wildly from side to side, while

he twined his hands convulsively together. One speaking look, which he cast upon his son, showed how the feelings of the father were lost in those of the patriot, for it was full of bitter regret that he had nothing but this one poor offering to make to his country now; butsuddenly a gleam of enthusiasm seemed to light up his stern and colourless face, his silent lips parted in a joyful smile, and it was evident in his whole expression that he had taken some great resolution which had relieved his troubled spirit. With singular calm he rose, and motioned to his son to depart at once with the Philellenists, a measure which it certainly was very necessary he should adopt, in order to escape if possible the treacherous and deadly interference of the wily Pasha.

Vasili and Lester first took their leave, and left the room, that they might not intrude on the bitter farewell of the parents and child, when the mother should lift up the veil, with which she hid her anguish for her murdered children, to look her last of the living son, and the young man turn from the home whence his dead brethren had that day been carried, to seek them but too probably in their untimely grave. They were, however, soon joined by Floros, and returned altogether to Smyrna, with the intention of starting that night on their return to Greece.

Ut

That same evening, after the darkness had altogether closed in, a strange scene was enacted within the hall of the Rayah's villa. The rays of the moon streaming in through the door, which opened into the garden, sufficed to illuminate it, and disclose the figure of the aged princess, its sole occupant. She lay motionless on the divan. terly exhausted by the excess of her misery, she had fallen into a state of stupor, which could hardly be called sleep; indeed she seemed herself almost like one over whom life was to have no more power, so still and ghastly was the face revealed by the falling aside of the thick dark veil. The deep silence which reigned around was suddenly disturbed—a footstep, firm but stealthy, passed from the garden into the room, and Petros G himself advanced towards the couch where his wife was laid. He had changed his dress entirely since