THE TWO CAPTAINS.
Page: 31

would have been already set on foot, but a strange visitor fetters my
power. The Dervish whom you saw in Tunis is with me, and as in
former times we have practised many magic tricks with each other, he
would like again to play the old game. He perceives the change in
me, and on that account urges me all the more vehemently and
dangerously."

"He must either be driven away or converted," said Heimbert, girding
on his shoulder-belt more firmly, and taking up his shield from the
ground. "Have the goodness, dear maiden," he continued, "to lead me
to your enchanted isle."

"You avoided it so before," said the astonished Zeiinda," and it is
still unchanged in its fantastic form."

"Formerly it would have been only inconsiderate curiosity to have
ventured there," replied Heimbert. "You came too out here to me, and
that was better for us both. But now the old enemy might lay snares
for the ruin of all that the Lord has been working in you, and so it
is a knightly duty to go. In God's name, then, to the work!"

And they hastened forward together, through the ever-increasing
darkness of the plain, on their way to the blooming island.




CHAPTER XIII.



A charming breeze began to cool the heated brows of the travellers,
and the twinkling starlight revealed in the distance a grove, waving
to and fro with the gentle motion of the air. Heimbert cast his eyes
to the ground and said, "Go before me, sweet maiden, and guide my
path to the spot where I shall find this threatening Dervish. I do
not wish unnecessarily to see anything of these ensnaring
enchantments."

Zelinda did as he desired, and the relation of the two was for a
moment changed; the maiden had become the guide, and Heimbert, full
of confidence, allowed himself to be led upon the unknown path.
Branches were even now touching his cheeks, half caressingly and
playfully; wonderful birds, growing out of bushes, sang joyful songs;
over the velvet turf, upon which Heimbert ever kept his eyes fixed,
there glided gleaming serpents of green and gold, with little golden
crowns, and brilliant stones glittered on the mossy carpet. When the