This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. THE MYSTERIOUS DAGGER. He did not make a movement to defend himself, and pronounced the fatha without fear or embarrassment. Whilst I had hold of him in this way, I perceived that the Feather and the Squirrel were laying hold of all the little objects on which they could lay their hands, and were stowing them away in their pockets, their bosom, or under their robes. When I saw that my man pronounced the sacred formula without hesitation, I came to the conclusion that he was not a miscreant, and began to make apologies for my violence, setting it down to the wine which he had made me drink. He did not even seem to hear what I said. With a stern glance he put his hand on my shoulder, and I could feel, by the pressure of his fingers, that he was stronger than I thought. I pushed him away sharply, and placed myself on my guard. "Djani, son of Euktulmich!" cried he in a clear tone. All my blood seemed to flow back to my heart. How did that strange man know me? "Soldier of the Bessed Djissoud, standard-bearer of Djebe the Wolf!" continued my host. "Your two companions are pagans; you have pillaged the Almaty customhouse, and you are a Mongol spy!" "Curses on you!" replied I. "You are Satan! Get you hence, Satan the Stoned!" "I am a Mussulman," said my host in a serious tone. "Do not be surprised at what I know. I have information about everything. My power is mysterious and unbounded; you cannot deliver yourself from it. Henceforth you belong to me!" At these words he stamped with his foot. Twenty men, armed with cuirasses, with helmets on their heads, and sabres or axes in their hands, rushed into the hall. With a single bound I got my back to the wall, and put myself on my guard. The Feather and the Squirrel placed themselves...