THE TWO CAPTAINS.
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obstinate, an old Dervish, hitherto unnoticed, pressed forward and
said, with a gloomy smile, "Whoever has a desire to seek the lady may
set out when he chooses; I will conceal nothing from him of what I
know of her direction, and I know something. But I must first of all
receive the promise that I shall not be compelled to accompany as
guide. My lips otherwise will remain sealed forever, and you may do
with me as you will."

He looked like one who intended to keep his word, and Alba, pleased
with the firmness of the man, which harmonized well with his own
mind, gave him the desired assurance, and the Dervish began his
relation. He was once, he said, wandering in the almost infinite
desert of Sahara, impelled perhaps by rash curiosity, perhaps by
higher motives; he had lost his way there, and had at last, wearied
to death, reached one of those fertile islands of that sea of sand
which are called oases. Then followed, sparkling with oriental
vivacity, a description of the wonderful things seen there, now
filling the hearts of his hearers with sweet longing, and then again
making their hair stand on end with horror, though from the strange
pronunciation of the speaker and the flowing rapidity of his words
the half was scarcely understood. The end of all this at length was
that Zelinda dwelt on that oasis, in the midst of the pathless sand-
plains of the desert, surrounded by magic horrors; and also, as the
Dervish knew for certain, that she had left about half an hour ago on
her way thither. The almost contemptuous words with which he
concluded his narration plainly showed that he desired nothing more
earnestly than to seduce some Christians to undertake a journey which
must terminate inevitably in their destruction. At the same time he
added a solemn oath that everything was truly as he had stated it,
and he did this in a firm and grave manner, as a man who knows that
he is speaking the most indubitable truth. Surprised and thoughtful,
the circle of officers held their council round him.

Then Heimbert stepped forward with an air as if of request; he had
just received a summons to leave the burning palace, where he had