THE TWO CAPTAINS.
Page: 35

works, without knowing at that time in the least of any magic
expedients. Subsequently the Dervish came, tempting me, and the
horrors of the desert joined in a fearful league with his terrible
power, and then by degrees followed all that alluring spirits showed
me either in dreams or awake."

Heimbert had no scruple to take with him for the journey any of the
wine and fruits that were still fit for use, and Antonia assured him
that by the direct way, well known to her, they would reach the
fruitful shore of this waterless ocean in a few days. So with the
approach of evening coolness they set out on their journey.




CHAPTER XV.



The travellers had almost traversed the pathless plain when one day
they saw a figure wandering in the distance, for in the desolate
Sahara every object is visible to the very horizon if the whirlwind
of dust does not conceal it from view. The wanderer seemed doubtful
of his course, sometimes taking this, sometimes that direction, and
Antonia's eastern falcon eye could discern that it was no Arab, but
a man in knightly garb.

"Oh, dear sister," exclaimed Heimbert, full of anxious joy, "then it
is our poor Fadrique, who is in search of thee. For pity's sake, let
as hasten before he loses us, and perhaps at last his own life also,
in this immeasurable waste." They strained every effort to reach the
distant object, but it was now midday and the sun shone burningly
upon them, Antonia could not long endure this rapid progress; added
to which the fearful whirlwind soon arose, and the figure that had
been scarcely visible before faded from their eyes, like some phantom
of the mist in autumn.

With the rising moon they began anew to hasten forward, calling
loudly upon the unfortunate wanderer, and fluttering white
handkerchiefs tied to their walking-staffs, as signal flags, hut it
was all in vain. The object that had disappeared remained lost to
view. Only a few giraffes sprang shyly past them, and the ostriches
quickened their speed.

At length, as morning dawned, Antonia paused and said, "Thou canst
not leave me, brother, in this solitude, and I cannot go a single