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The conqueror and the priest looked at each other at the same time. Their countenances were pale, enquiring, and agitated. 'Sire, said Jabaster, 'march to Judah. 'It portends war, replied Alroy, endeavouring to recover himself. 'Perchance some troubles in Persia. 'Troubles at home, no other. The danger is nigh. Look to thyself. A wild scream was heard in the gardens. It sounded thrice.
'A dreamer, sire! Believe me, a true son of Israel, and one whose faith is deep. 'Good Jabaster, we are all true sons of Israel. Yet let me have men about me who see no visions in a mid-day sun. We must beware of dreamers. 'Dreams are the oracles of God. 'When God sends them. Very true, Jabaster.
Fires were lit, torches illumined, the conquerors prepared the eager meal as they sang hymns of praise and thanksgiving. A procession approached. Esther the prophetess, clashing her cymbals, danced before the Messiah of Israel, who leant upon his victorious scimitar, surrounded by Jabaster, Abner, Scherirah, and his chosen chieftains. Who could now doubt the validity of his mission?
'A bold plan, said Jabaster, musing, 'and yet I like it. 'Tis quick, and that is something. I think 'tis sure. 'It cannot fail, exclaimed Zalmunna, 'for if the flame ascend not, still we are but where we were. 'I am for it, said Scherirah. 'Well, then, said Jabaster, 'so let it be. Tomorrow's eve will see us here again prepared. Good night. 'Good night, holy Priest.
I feel more like a doomed and desperate renegade than a young hero on the eve of battle, flushed with the memory of unbroken triumphs! 'Hah! what awful form art thou that risest from the dusky earth before me? Thou shouldst be one I dare not name, yet will: the likeness of Jabaster. Away! why frownest thou upon me? I did not slay thee. Do I live, or dream, or what? I see him, ay! I see thee.
Ere to-morrow's sunset the Philistines will be here, led by Hassan Subah himself. The Lord of Hosts be with us! Since we conquered Canaan, Israel hath not struggled with such a power! A murmur ran through the assembly. Men exchanged enquiring glances, and involuntarily pressed each other's arms. 'The trial has come, said a middle-aged Hebrew, who had fought twenty years ago with Jabaster.
'With thought; he has so much upon his mind, 'tis wondrous how he bears himself. 'I have seen him gay on the eve of battle, and lively though calm, with weightier matters than now oppress him. His brow was clouded, but not, me-thinks, with thought; one might rather say with temper. Mark you, how he rated Jabaster? 'Roundly!
But Alroy, in despair at the thought of losing the talisman, remembering the injunctions of Jabaster, and animated by supernatural courage, burst from his searchers, and, seizing a brand from the fire, held them at bay. 'The fellow has spirit, said Scherirah, calmly. ''Tis pity it will cost him his life. 'Bold man, exclaimed Alroy, 'for a moment hear me! I am a pilgrim, poorer than a beggar.
The guard disappeared; and the caftan falling to the ground, revealed Honain. 'My beloved Alroy, said the brother of Jabaster; and he advanced, and pressed him to his bosom. Had it been Miriam, Alroy might have at once expired; but the presence of this worldly man called back his worldliness. The revulsion of his feelings was wonderful.
'Fear not the pledge, and so believe me, on the mountain brow watching the starry heavens with thyself, I was not calmer than I feel, sir, now. 'I do believe thee. 'Then, Jabaster, believe as fully I am the Lord's anointed. 'Tell me all, my child. 'Know, then, that sleeping on the couch within, my sleep was troubled. Many dreams I had, indefinite and broken.
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