“But there are certain rules to which I must conform, else I forfeit my rights. You know, the ladies of the harem never enter this room when more than one man is present. If I call them, it will be necessary for the colonel and myself to retire.” “And leave me alone with them?” gasped Zenas. “Yes. I will send you my two favorites, the greatest beauties of the harem. I have taught them both to speak English, although they do so somewhat imperfectly, and they have picked up several expressions of which I do not approve. No matter what they say, you must understand that they are complimenting you.” “All right,” said the professor, a bit doubtfully. “But are there only two?” “Only two? How many do you want? There are plenty of them, but you understand that the two I shall send are the reigning belles of the harem. They are marvelously beautiful.” “Well, I—I don’t know about being left alone,” muttered the old fellow nervously. “Can’t it be arranged some other way?” “Why, I thought you might wish to be alone with them. As I have said, the colonel and I must leave the room, as no man save yourself may be present; but I can send in the dancing girls again and let them dance while you are chatting with my favorites.” “Do so, do so,” urged Zenas, in relief. “That is a good idea.” “Very well. I hope you may be pleased; and do not forget that I am willing and ready to dispose of my harem at a most reasonable price. By Jove! I’ll almost give the whole outfit away!” Coddington and Stringer retired, having seen the professor take the seat of honor in the midst of the cushions. The old man was rather nervous, but he endeavored to remain calm and dignified. Finally a low burst of musical laughter came to his ears, causing him to brace up. A moment later, hand in hand, two persons entered the room and advanced swiftly, bowing low before the professor, their foreheads touching the tiling. “Ah, these are the favorites!” murmured Zenas, his eyes shining. “Arise, my dears, and come here. Be seated beside me.” They needed no second invitation to sit beside the professor, however. Cooing in a coy manner, they plumped themselves down amid the cushions on either hand. “He nice!” said one. “Him fine!” murmured the other. Then both giggled. “He! he!” laughed the professor nervously, as the one on his right leaned against his shoulder. “What’s your name, my dear?” “Fraud,” was the answer. “Fraud? Well, that’s an odd name! How do you happen to have such a name as that?” “Effendi, him give it. Effendi, him husband. Him call me Little Fraud.” “Ah, I see; sort of a pet name.” Then he turned to the other one, on his right. “And what is your name, darling?” he asked. “Fake.” “Hey? Fake?” “Sure. Effendi, him call me Big Fake.” “Well, surely he has peculiar names for his wives. Do you love Effendi?” “Oh, so, so. Him better no husband. Much tired now. Like change.”