truth, I grow fearful, for at the threshold of such places the angel of
the Lord deserts us."

"There is nothing to fear," said Aziel. But even as he spoke, although
he could not see it, a white face rose above the edge of the pit, like
that of some ghost struggling from the tomb, watched them a moment with
cold eyes, then disappeared again.

Now they were near the greater pillar, and now from its shadow glided a
black-veiled shape.

"Elissa?" murmured Aziel.

"It is I," whispered a soft voice; "but who comes with you?"

"I, Issachar," said the Levite, "who would not suffer that he of whom I
am given charge should seek such company alone. Now, priestess, say
your say with the prince yonder and let us be gone swiftly from this
blood-stained place."

"You speak harsh words to me, Issachar," she said gently, "yet I am most
glad that you have come, for, believe me, I sought no lovers' meeting
with the prince Aziel. Listen, both of you: you know that they have
consecrated me high-priestess of Baaltis against my will. Now, I tell
you, Issachar, what I have already told the prince Aziel--that I am no
longer a worshipper of Baaltis. Yes, here in her very temple I renounce
her, even though she takes my life in vengeance. Oh! since they made me
priestess I have been forced to learn all her worship, which before I
never even guessed, and to see sights that would chill your blood to
hear of them. Now I tell you, prince Aziel and Issachar, that I will
bear no more. From El and Baaltis I turn to Him you worship, though,
alas! little time is left to me in which to plead for pardon."

"Why is little time left?" broke in Aziel.

"Because my death is very near me, Prince, for if I live, see what a
fate is mine. Either I must remain high-priestess of Baaltis and to
her day by day bow the knee, and month by month make sacrifice--of what
think you? Well, to be plain, of the blood of maids and children. Or,
perhaps, should their fears overcome their scruples, I shall be given by
the council as a peace-offering to Ithobal.

"I say that I will bear neither of these burdens of blood or shame; they
are too heavy for me. Prince, so soon as you are gone I too shall leave
this city, not in the body, but in the spirit, searching for peace
or sleep. It was for this reason that I sought to speak with you in
farewell, since in my weakness I desired that you should learn the truth
of the cause and manner of my end.

"Now you know all, and as