ld dew crept over his frame, as he gazed
upon the awful form within a yard of his couch. Unconsciously he
disembarrassed his arms of their fair burden, and, rising on the couch,
leant forward.

'_Alroy, Alroy, Alroy_!'

'I am here.'

'_To-morrow Israel is avenged!_'

'Who is that?' exclaimed the Princess, wakening.

In a frenzy of fear, Alroy, quite forgetting the spectre, turned
and pressed his hand over her eyes. When he again looked round the
apparition was invisible.

'What wouldst thou, Alroy?'

'Nothing, sweet! A soldier's wife must bear strange sights, yet I would
save you some. One of my men, forgetful you were here, burst into my
tent in such a guise as scarce would suit a female eye. I must away, my
child. I'll call thy slaves. One kiss! Farewell! but for a time.'

'"To-morrow Israel will be avenged." What! in Karasmian blood? I have
no faith. No matter. All is now beyond my influence. A rushing destiny
carries me onward. I cannot stem the course, nor guide the vessel. How
now! Who is the officer on guard?'

'Benomi, Sire, thy servant.'

'Send to the Viceroy. Bid him meet me here. Who is this?'

'A courier from the Lord Scherirah, Sire, but just arrived. He passed
last night the Kerrund mountains, Sire, and will be with you by the
break of day.'

'Good news. Go fetch Abner. Haste! He'll find me here anon. I'll visit
the camp awhile. Well, my brave fellows, you have hither come to conquer
again with Alroy. You have fought before, I warrant, on the plain of
Nehauend. 'Tis a rich soil, and shall be richer with Karasmian gore.'

'God save your Majesty! Our lives are thine.'

'Please you, my little ruler,' said a single soldier, addressing Alroy;
'pardon my bluntness, but I knew you before you were a Caliph.'

'Stout heart, I like thy freedom. Pr'ythee say on.'

'I was a-saying, I hope you will lead us in the charge to-morrow. Some
say you will not.'

'They say falsely.'

'I thought so. I'll ever answer for my little ruler, but then the
Queen?'

'Is a true soldier's wife, and lives in the camp.'

'That's brave! There, I told you so, comrades; you would not believe
me, but I knew our little ruler before you did. I lived near the gate at
Hamadan, please your Highness: old Shelomi's son.'

'Give me thy hand; a real friend. What is't ye eat here, boys? Let me
taste your mess. I'faith I would my cook could dress me such a pilau!
Tis admirable!'

The soldiers gathered round their chieftain w