It is because his rule is not the best and wisest, and also because his kingdom is always in danger from the countries around it, that the Sultan is often spoken of as "The Sick Man of Europe." Our little Turkish cousin lives in the city of Constantinople, not far from the Sultan's palace. He does not understand why some of his people live in wealth and luxury, while so many others spend their lives in begging for the food and clothing they must have. He has no thought but that the Sultan of Turkey is as great and noble as the ruler of any other land. The child is brought up to love ease and comfort, the daintiest food and the richest clothing. He feels sorry for the poor and the homeless, but he does not know how to truly help them. He hears little about other countries where every one is free and can claim just treatment as his right. But as he grows older he may, perhaps, think for himself, and do some noble deed to save his country and make his people better and happier. Let us open the doors of our hearts to him, and let him feel our love and sympathy. Contents CHAPTER PAGE I. OSMAN 1 II. SCHOOL 12 III. THE FIRE 22 IV. THE PICNIC 33 V. GIPSIES 54 VI. A TURKISH BATH 67 VII. THE WEDDING 85 VIII. THE CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL 92 IX. THE TWO FRIENDS 101 List of Illustrations PAGE OSMAN _Frontispiece_ OSMAN AND HIS MOTHER 17 "IT LOOKED ALMOST LIKE A FAIRY CITY" 39 "'SHE TOLD ME HE WOULD BE MY HUSBAND'" 58 "THROUGH THE CROWD OF BUSY PEOPLE" 75 "THEY CAME IN SIGHT OF THE MOSQUE AT LAST" 96 Our Little Turkish Cousin CHAPTER I. OSMAN OF course Osman cannot remember his first birthday. He is a big boy now, with brown eyes and soft, dark hair. Ten years have rolled over his head since he lay in the little cradle by the side of his mother's grand bedstead. He made an odd picture,--this tiny baby in cotton shirt and quilted dressing-gown. His head was encased in a cap of red silk. A tassel of seed-pearls hung down at one side. Several charms were fastened to the tassel. His mother thought they would keep harm and danger away from this precious baby boy. He could not have felt very comfortable. His nurse had straightened out his arms and legs, and bound them tightly with bandages. After dressing him, she placed him in his little bed and covered him with several quilted wrappers. Last of all, a thin, red veil was spread over this little Turkish baby. Do you think he could have enjoyed himself very much? I don't.