Evening star., 1898-03-26
CHAPTER III.
Mnfausa GAula Uu~. m srnH

Upon reaching the palace Aziel went to
the apartments of Issachar, and, finding no
keeper at the door, entered to discover the
old priest kneeling IN prayer at the window
which faced toward Jerusalem. So alb
sorbed was he in his devotions that it was
not till he had ended them and risen that
he saw Aziel standing in the chamber.
Behold an answer to my prayer!' he
said. My son, they told me that some
fresh danger had overtaken you, though
none knew its issue. Therefore it was that
1 prayed. and now 1 see you unharmed,"
and, taking him in his arms, he embraced
him.
1T is true that have been in danger,
father" answered Aziel, and he told him
the story of his escape from Ithobal.
Did l not pray you not to accompany
this embassy?'
Yes, father, but yet have returned in
safety. Listen. 1 come with tidings that
you will think good. Not an hour since
promised Saxon that would leave Zimboe.
where it seems my presence breeds much
trouble
Good tidings, lndeedr' exclaimed Issa-
char. "And never shall l know a peaceful
hour until we have seen the last of the
towers of this doomed city and its accursed
people of devil worshipers.
Yes. good for you. father. but for me
most ILL., for here I shall leave my youth
think, that this is but some passing fancy,
bred OF the pleasant beauty Of woman.
but ii is not so. l say that from the mo-
ment when first 1 saw her she became life
of my life and soul of my SOUL and that
go hence, beggared of joy and hope, and
carrying with me a Cankered memory that
shall eat my heart away. You deem her a
witch, one to whom Baaltis has given pow
er to drug the minds of men to their oe-
stuction, but L tell you that her only spell
is the spell Of her love for me; also tnat
she whom you name SO grossly is the SER
want not of Baaltis but, rather, of Him we
worship"
"Elissa not the servant of Baaltis? How
comes she. then, to be her high Driestess?
Aziel, your passion has made you mad
''She is high priestess because Metem and
others brought about her election without
her will. urged on to it by / know not
whom" and ne looked hard at Issachar.
who turned away. But what matters 1t
who did the i'll deed" he continued, "since
ttis at least. is certain. that here my
presence breeds sorrow and bloodshed, and
therefore 1 must go, as have promised"
When do We go, prince?' queried Issa-
char.
Il know not, it is naught to me. All!
here comes Metem: ask of him.
"Metem,' said the Levite, 1.-The prince
desires to leave Zimboe and march to the
coast. there to take ship 10 Tyre. When
can the caravan be ready?'
$50 1 have heard, IsSachar. for Saxon
tells me that he has had speech with the
prince upon this matter. Well, ! am glad
to learn IL, for troubles thicken here, and
| think that the woe you prophesied is not
far from the city of Zimboe. where every
man seeks to serve his own hand. and Is
ready TO sell his neighbor. When can the
caravan be got ready? Well. the night
after next, that is, we can start that night,
for tomorrow evening" soon as the sun
is down. l will send on the cameis by ones
and twos. and with them the baggage and
treasure. to secret place / know of in
the mountains. where We and the prince 8
guard can follow upon the mules and join
them. AS 1t chances, l have A safe con-
duct from Ithobal: still / should not wish
to put his troops inio temptation by march
ing through them with twenty laden
camels, or to lose certain earnings of my
own that will be hidden in the baggage.
Moreover. If our departure be known, half
the city would wish to come with us, hav-
ing no love of soldering and misdoubting
them much of the issue Of this war with
Ithobal."
las you WILL" said Issachar: 'you are
captain of the caravan and charged with
the safety of the prince upon his Journey
ings. l am ready when you WILL and the
quicker that hour comes the more praise
you will have from me-"
Come with me; I would speak with
you" said Aziel to the Phoenician as they
left the presence Of Issachar. Listen
he added, when they had reached his cham
ber; I'VE leave this city soon, and I have
farewells to make"
ITO the Baaltis?' suggested Metem.
ITO the Lady Elissa- l would send her