in frightful pain. The Khan was soon notified and was much alarmed when he found the queen apparently in such a bad condition.
"My dear wife," he cried, "I will have the court physician summoned at once, that he may give you a remedy."
"Nay," said the queen feebly, "it will do no good. Already I am nigh unto death, and none can help me. I am dying, my Khan—I am dying fast, and the one and only remedy for my sickness I can never have."
"One remedy?" said the king. "If there is anything on earth which will cure you, my dear, you shall have it, though I give my kingdom to get it for you! Only tell me what it is, that I may procure it at once!"
"It is more than your kingdom," she replied, with another groan. "It is of such a nature that I dare not speak of it!" Then she writhed and shuddered as if in fearful