ops of the Sultan are
exhausted and fatigued, and you are flying from those who are destined
for your prey. Are, then, the riches of Delhi to be so easily
resigned, and your tedious marches over the deserts to be foiled by a
moment's fear? Even now is India offered as the reward of your toils,
and you prefer shame and ignominy to glory and honour!"

The troops of Ahubal hearing these words, and being encouraged by a
sight so wonderful, for a time stood still, irresolute what to do;
till Tasnar, alighting on the ground, and seizing a javelin, bade the
brave support and defend the avenger of their wrongs.

The Sultan's army, finding their enemies retreat, had followed them in
a tumultuous manner, and were therefore less able to resist the
enchanter Tasnar and those who supported him. And they would have
experienced the truth of the enchanter's assertion, had not the Vizier
Horam, perceiving their resistance, hastened with a few chosen troops
to the rescue of his friends.

The battle, though not so general as before, was yet much fiercer; and
Tasnar and Horam met face to face. The Vizier aimed in vain his
scimitar at the head of the enchanter, and Tasnar found a superior arm
withhold him when he attempted to demolish the faithful Vizier. But
this prevented not the general slaughter that ensued; till night,
which recruits the wasted strength of man, divided the armies of
Misnar and Ahubal.

After the retreat of the two contending armies, the Vizier Horam
attended the Sultan in the royal pavilion, and informed him of the
descent of the enchanter Tasnar, and his prowess in the field.

"Alas!" answered Misnar, "it is in vain, O Horam, that the sword is
uplifted against the power of enchantment, so long as these magicians
are prepared against our attacks: we must surprise them, or we cannot
prevail. Tasnar is joined to my faithless brother Ahubal; but there is
in my camp, doubtless, some trusty slave, who will penetrate into the
camp of Ahubal, and destroy this enchanter while he sleeps in
security; and Horam my Vizier must find that slave."

Horam bowed, and went out from the presence of the Sultan in great
distress of heart. "Where," said he to himself, "can the mighty find a
trusty friend? or what slave will be faithful to that master who has
robbed him of his liberty? Better had I perished by the hand of
Tasnar, than be betrayed through the wickedness of my servants!"

The Vizier, doubtful where to apply or whom to