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THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA

"Thou speakest in mysteries still, beauteous Tartar maiden."

"Thou wilt visit a place where man's foot has never trod. Thou wilt listen to the commands of one, the fairest in the land. Thou wilt face a danger which makes a brave man quake. Ask no more to-night; rest a week yet; summon all thy strength and all thy courage for the task which awaits thee. The red light of the dawn steals into thy room, and I must depart—"

"Thou departest not, fair girl, till thou hast told me who thou art," said Noren, clutching the slender arm of the fair visitant nervously. "I must know more of this mystery."

Again a silent laughter broke from those mocking lips, and the dark eyes twinkled like those of a basilisk. "Ay, ay, thou art not new to the trade of a lover, I imagine! My mystery thou shalt know another day, ardent young man. My name is Jelekha."

She had vanished.

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