, let us pursue the veil!' cried Idallan: 'this beauteous banner
leads us to more delightful conquests!'

They resumed their saddles and hastened to follow their mysterious
guide, keeping their eyes immovably fixed upon the bright and waving
emblem, which remained constantly visible in the distance.

CHAPTER V.

The gray-haired Hiorba was standing with her blooming daughters upon
the ruins of an ancient castle. 'You will not listen to my warnings,'
she sadly and affectionately remarked. 'You scorn to consecrate your
virgin purity to the gods, as I have done, and receive rare knowledge,
great power, and almost an earthly immortality, in return. The ardent
wishes of youth kindle only for sensual enjoyments, which are ever
mingled with sorrow and of short duration. Your desires shall be
gratified. You shall possess whatever can bless mortal maidens: wealth,
splendor, honors, and the husbands of your choice. The rest must depend
upon the gods.'

'Why so earnest and solemn, good mother?' said Aliande.

'Your present situation, your inconsiderate choice for a whole life,
the reflection that your days will be embittered and abridged by
unappreciated and betrayed love, all contribute to make me sad. An
equal affliction threatens both of you, for it is not in my power to
call back spirits from the blooming fields of Walhalla to furnish
husbands for you. It is done! I hear the distant song of Immo, and
hasten to prepare your future abodes.'

Drawing a circle which included herself and the maidens, Hiorba then
pronounced the mysterious words of conjuration. Subterranean thunder
was heard, the earth heaved, gleams of lightning escaped through the
cleft rocks, and a thick smoke almost destroyed the power of
respiration. In an instant they became fearfully conscious that they
were no longer alone among the ruins. Innumerable demons surrounded
Hiorba's magic circle, respectfully awaiting her commands.

'Spirits of the Earth!' cried the antiquated virgin with great dignity,
'my foster-daughters, Aliande and Daura, require of me a dowry. Spirits
of the east and west! I command you to convert these ruins into a
splendid castle for the residence of Aliande. Spirits of the north and
south! Prepare upon yonder hill a similar abode for my Daura. To the
work! In nine times nine twinklings of the eye must all be completed.'

A motion of her wand, and half of the demons disappeared. The other
half