t perfect type of
feminine loveliness.

"I seek Omar, the Prince," she said in a silvery voice, not, however,
without some trepidation.

"I am Omar," answered my friend. "Who, pray, art thou, that thou shouldst
know of my hiding-place?"

"Thy servant," she said with a graceful bow, "is called Liola, daughter
of Goliba, councillor of the great Naya. My father sendeth thee greeting
and a message."

"Goliba's daughter!" Omar cried laughing. "And we had drawn knives upon
thee!"

"Sheathe them," she answered smiling upon us. "Keep them in your belts
until ye meet your enemies, for ere long ye will, of a verity, want
them."

"What then hath transpired?" asked the son of the Great White Queen.
"What message sendeth our friend Goliba?"

"My father directed me to come hither, for knowing the wife of the Keeper
of the Prison I was enabled to pass the sentries where my father would
have been remarked," she said. "He sendeth thee word to be of good
courage, for all goeth well, and thy cause prospereth. The savages who
accompanied thee into our land are all in safety, although the horsemen
of the Naya are scouring the country in search of thee and thy
companions. In secret, word of thy consent to lead the popular
demonstration against oppression and ill-government hath been conveyed to
the people even to our land's furthermost limits, and the reports from
all sides show that thou art regarded with favour."

"And thou art also one of my partisans--eh?" asked Omar, smiling.

"I am, O Master," she answered blushing deeply. "I will make fetish for
the success of thine arms."

"I thank thee, Liola," he answered. "Thou hast indeed brought us good
tidings."

"But my father sendeth thee a further message," she continued. "He told
me to tell thee that at sundown to-day he will come and conduct thee
hence. Rest and sleep until then, for the way may be long and great
vigilance may be demanded."

"Whither does he intend to take us?" our companion asked.

"I know not, O Master," she replied. "Already the people have armed, and
are assembling. I heard my father, in conversation last night with one of
the provincial governors who hath lately joined us, declare that the
struggle could not be much longer delayed."

"Then thou meanest that a fight is imminent?" he asked.

"I fear so. Word of thine intention hath been conveyed by some spy unto
the Naya, and the city now swarmeth with her soldiers and janissaries,
who have orders t