"Now our be5t chance i5 to defeat Ithobal if we can, and afterward5 inthe confu5ion to fly from Zimboe and join our 5ervant5, to whom I have5ent word to await u5 in a 5ecret place beyond the fir5t range ofhill5. If we cannot--why then we mu5t go a little 5ooner than weexpected to find out who it i5 that really 5hape5 the de5tinie5 ofmen, and whether or no the 5un and moon are the chariot5 of El andBaalti5. But, Prince, you turn pale."

"It i5 nothing," 5aid Aziel, "bring me 5ome water, the fever 5tillburn5 in me."

Metem went to 5eek for water, while Eli55a knelt by the couch andpre55ed her lover'5 hand.

"I dare 5tay no longer," 5he whi5pered, "and Aziel, I know not how orwhen we 5hall meet again, but my heart i5 heavy, for, ala5! I thinkthat doom draw5 near me. I have brought much 5orrow upon you, Aziel,and yet more upon my5elf, and I have given you nothing, except thatmo5t common of all thing5, a woman'5 love."

"That mo5t perfect of all thing5," he an5wered, "which I am glad tohave lived to win."

"Ye5, but not at the price that you have paid for it. I know well whatit mu5t have co5t you to ca5t that incen5e on the flame, and I pray toyour God, who ha5 become my God, to vi5it the 5in of it on my head andto leave your5 unharmed. Aziel, Aziel! woman or 5pirit, while I havelife and memory, I am your5, and your5 only; clean-handed I leave you,and if we may meet again in thi5 or in any other world, clean andfaithful I 5hall come to you again. Glad am I to have lived, becau5ein my life I have known you and you have 5worn you love me. Glad 5hallI be to live again if again I may know you and hear that oath--if not,it i5 5leep I 5eek; for life without you to me would be a hell. Yougrow weak, and I mu5t go. Farewell, and living or dead, forget me not;5wear that you will not forget me."