A SUSPICIOUS SULTAN.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9339, 7 January 1909, Page 6

A SUSPICIOUS SULTAN.

The following story appears in a scathing account of the Sultan’s secret life, recently published. It is said to exhibit that suspicious attitude which he adopts to all the members of his entourage. The writer says that it was communicated to him by an aide de camp who was on duty in the corridors of the palace at the time of the occurrence. The Sultan he says had recently added to his ibarem a Circassian girl about sixteen years of age and of a remarkable beauty. Among the hundreds of women of the palace tnia girl soon became the favourite and in her his Majesty seemed to place the greatest confidence so that she conld enter his room nnanuonnced and at her pleasure. One evening she enterred as usual, and, finding his Majesty asleep, she examined the varions bric-a-brac scattered here and there, her attention being particularly attracted by a jewelled pistol which was lying on the table. At this point the Snltan, suddenly opening his eyes, asked with apparent calm: “What are yon doing?” “‘Nothing your Majesty,” replied the girl. “But you are looking at something,” the Snltan insisted. “Yes, sir—it is so pretty—this.” “And what do yon call that object?” “A pistol, ’’answered the favourite. “And what is a pistol used for?” “To kill, sire,” replied the Circassian in a low and trembling voice. “To kill?” said the despot. “To kill,” he repeated. “Let me see, ” and picking up another pistol which he had on his person be fired three times, fatally injuring the innocent girl.