"'No!' he answered, after thinking a little. 'Not if I can save the Princess. Let us go to the Caliph and confess all. Meanwhile have no fears.'
"Lelie at last gave her consent, and with trembling steps she left him, and seeking the Princess related their strange story.
"In a moment all was confusion. A man in the harem!
"'Bowstrings and sacks!' cried the captain of the guard, as he hurried Mustapha before the Caliph.
"'Wretch!' said Al Raschid the Caliph, 'Who art thou?'
"'A soldier,' said Mustapha.
"'Let him die!' cried Al Raschid.
"'Oh Caliph,' answered Mustapha, 'In the land of the Genii it was given me once to learn secrets of the vile Franks, wherewith it may be that I can save thy daughter the Princess.'
"'Thou dost lie like unto a rusty weathercock,' said the Caliph, 'But that none may say I am unjust, take this man to the kitchen. Let him do his best, and if he fail have him strangled instantly.'