come to so dreadful a death. Prince, do not heed
the howlings of that old fanatic, but remember that after all you are
the cause of this lady's plight, and play the part of a man. Can you for
the sake of your own scruples, however worthy, or of your own soul even,
however valuable to yourself, doom the fair body of a woman who risked
all for you to such an end as that?" And shuddering he nodded towards
the gloomy precipice.

"Is there no other way?" Aziel asked him.

"None, I swear it. They did not wish to kill her, except that wild-cat
Mesa who seeks her place, but having put her on her public trial, if you
persist--they must.

"This is one of the few laws which cannot be broken for favour or for
gold, since the people, who are already half-mad with fear of Ithobal,
believe that to break it would bring the curses of heaven upon their
city. Perhaps we might have found some other plan, but none of us even
dreamed that you would refuse so small a thing for the sake of a woman
whom you swore you loved."

"A small thing!" broke in Aziel.

"Yes, Prince, a very small thing. Remember, this offering of incense is
but a form to which you are forced against your will--you can do penance
for it afterwards when I have arranged for both of you to escape the
city. If your God can be angry with you for burning a pinch of dust
to save a woman, who at the least has dared much for you, then give me
Baal, for he is less cruel."

Now Aziel looked towards him who held the bowl of incense. But Elissa
who all this while had stood silent, stepped forward and spoke:--

"Prince Aziel," she said in a calm and quiet voice, "I named you husband
to save your life, but with all my strength I pray of you, do not this
thing to save mine, which is of little value and perhaps best ended.
Remember, prince Aziel, that being what you are, a Jew, this act of
offering, however small it seems, is yet the greatest of sins, and one
with which you should not dare to stain your soul for the sake of a
woman, who has chanced to love you to your sorrow. Be guided, therefore,
by the true wisdom of Issachar and by my humble prayer. Make an end of
your doubts and let me die, knowing that we do but part a while, since
in the Gate of Death I shall wait for you, prince Aziel."

Before Aziel could answer, the Shadid, either because his patience was
outworn, or because he wished to put him to a sharper trial, uttered a
command. "Be it done to her as she desires."