THE TWO CAPTAINS.
Page: 22

been seeking his friend, and had been appointed to the place of
council because it was necessary to arrange the troops here in
readiness for any possible rising in the conquered city. "What do
you wish, my young hero?" said Alba, recognizing him as he appeared.
"I know your smiling, blooming countenance well. You were but lately
sheltering me like a protecting angel. I am so sure that you make no
request but what is honorable and knightly that anything you may
possibly desire is granted beforehand." "My great Duke," replied
Heimbert, with cheeks glowing with pleasure, "if I may then venture
to ask a favor, will you grant me permission to follow the beautiful
Zelinda at once in the direction which this wonderful Dervish has
pointed out?" The great general bowed in assent, and added, "So
noble an adventure could not be consigned to a more noble knight!"

"I do not know that!" said an angry voice from the throng. "But well
do I know that to me above all others this adventure belongs, even
were it assigned as a reward for the capture of Tunis. For who was
the first on the height and within the city?" "That was Don Fadrique
Mendez," said Heimbert, taking the speaker by the hand and leading
him before the general. "If I now for his sake must forfeit my
promised reward, I must patiently submit; for he has rendered better
service than I have done to the emperor and the army."

"Neither of you shall forfeit his reward," said the great Alba.
"Each has permission from this moment to seek the maiden in whatever
way it seems to him most advisable."

And swift as lightning the two young captains quitted the circle of
officers in opposite directions.





CHAPTER IX.



A sea of sand, stretching out in the distant horizon, without one
object to mark its extensive surface, white and desolate in its
vastness--such is the scene which proclaims the fearful desert of
Sahara to the eye of the wanderer who has lost himself in these
frightful regions. In this also it resembles the sea, that it casts
up waves, and often a misty vapor bangs over its surface. But there
is not the soft play of waves which unite all the coasts of the