the whereabouts of that valley, away in the eastern
wilderness, beyond the Jordan.

"Thou sayest? Now may Allah bless thee!" muttered Elias, with
immediate reverence. "Allah witness how I always loved thee. I
understand now why his Honour questioned me with so much mystery. You
are going there together. The Emir will furnish forth the expedition
and become thy partner. Allah witness how I always loved thee.
Bitterly do I repent my conduct towards thee of the last few days, and
Allah knows thou hast had ample vengeance. Thou art too strong for me.
Henceforth I am thy friend and loving servant. Take me also, I beseech
thee, O my soul. I can be useful to thee from my wide experience in
travel; and of the spoil I would claim no more than an alms or
gleaning. Fear not that I shall breathe a word to any man. Elias is
renowned for his discretion. Say yes, O beloved! For the love of
Allah, let me go with you."

Iskender said yes, though with mental reservations. The concession set
Elias upon heights of glory. He kissed Iskender on both cheeks at
parting, and swore by Allah that the love he felt for him transcended
that which he bore his own father and mother.

CHAPTER XIII

Iskender followed the sandy road through the gardens. It was dark, and
the forms of one or two men who passed him made him tremble, they
sprang so suddenly out of the gloom, noiseless, their footfalls
deadened by the soft sand. The events of the day had left on him a
strong impression of the supernatural, and now he felt that witchcraft
was abroad, expected each minute that some evil claw would pounce on
him out of the gloom. The very stars of heaven looked uncanny. Cold
sweat came out upon his forehead; his legs dragged weakly though he
longed to run. Two palm-trees standing out against the sky told him he
was approaching the abode of Mitri; the church, the hovels, even the
ilex-tree, were swallowed up in the dark cloud of the gardens which
rolled mysterious on every side. Presently he saw a light among the
dwellings. It occurred to him to call at the priest's house, and
render thanks for his intervention in the matter of Elias. He longed
to speak to some one, any one, for rescue from the grinning terror of
the night.

He knocked at the door with loud blessings. It was opened, with a
sudden gush of light. The priest peered out into the gloom.

"Is it thou, O my son?" he cried, recognising at length the voice that
prai