Ay! so confident am I of success,
that I deem it no hazard to commence our contract by this surety." And
so saying, the Armenian took from his finger a gorgeous carbuncle, and
offered it to the eunuch. The worthy dependent of the Seraglio had a
great taste in jewellery. He examined the stone with admiration, and
placed it on his finger with complacency. "I require no inducements to
promote the interests of science, and the purposes of charity," said
the eunuch, with a patronising air. "'Tis assuredly a pretty stone,
and, as the memorial of an ingenious stranger, whom I respect, I shall,
with pleasure, retain it. You were saying something about a talisman.
Are you serious? I doubt not that there are means which might obtain
you the desired trial; but the Prince Mahomed is as violent when
displeased or disappointed as munificent when gratified. Cure this
Christian captive, and we may certainly receive the promised purses:
fail, and your head will as assuredly be flung into the Seraglio moat,
to say nothing of my own."
"Most noble sir!" said the physician, "I am willing to undertake the
experiment on the terms you mention.
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