“Having learned the exact route the company would take on their way to Stamboul--for there seems to be some formal ceremony about such affairs--he mounted a horse and departed in hot haste. “The result was just what he figured on. Such a shock old Constantinople had not received since the Crimean War. Even convulsed as the Turks were over the impending war with Russia, they became furious when it was learned that the caravan bearing the intended bride of a pasha had been attacked by a band of savage Kurds under an American, the horses all stolen and the beautiful Marda carried away. “Samson had laid his plans well. I reckon he had the story of young Lochinvar in his mind. At any rate, he rode furiously on to the city, where he had almost to bankrupt himself in chartering a small steamer. Once on this they had just so many hours to pass the forts at the straits. I believe a shot or two were fired after them, but it was too late, for evening came on, and the brave American had won his bride.” “You have deeply interested me. Love is indeed a giant in leveling difficulties. We are now nearing the top--the view is magnificent--but as yet I am not able to apply your story to present conditions.” “Patience, and all will be made clear, dear boy.” CHAPTER III. THE STRANGE PLOT OF THE FERRIS WHEEL. “What I have told you reflects only honor upon the name of an American. I now come to the part that is hard to believe, and yet I swear every word is true as gospel. “The pasha whose bride was stolen, you have met. Aroun Scutari is the man. He comes to the Fair nominally as a dealer in precious stones, but actually to satisfy a revenge that has been slumbering these twenty years. A Turk never forgets nor forgives an insult or injury, and it so happened that he was madly infatuated with the lovely houri Samson carried away--something rather unusual with a pasha who can buy as many wives as he cares to support. “His vengeance slept because he learned that a year after reaching America Samson’s lovely wife died. Chicago’s climate was too severe for the hothouse flower. She left a child, and upon this girl the old broker has lavished his love. How the Turk learned all this I can’t say, but he came here determined to repay the long standing debt he owed a Yankee. “I don’t know whether the pasha knew Samson lived in Chicago, but he felt sure he would come to the Fair, and he bided his time. Sure enough, one day they met face to face, and with the old operator was his charming daughter. “In Constantinople these two men had known each other. The eyes of hate are keen. One look they flashed into each other’s face and with a frown and a grunt passed on.