, since it is more than I
thought to do," he said, while they entered, adding, as the black-veiled
shape of Elissa followed them into the room, "but who is the third? Ah!
I see, the lady Elissa. Does the Baaltis accompany us upon our journey?"

"Yes," answered Aziel shortly.

"Then with her high Grace on the one side and the holy Issachar on the
other it should not lack for blessings. Surely that evil must be great
from which, separately or together, they are unable to defend us. But,
lady, if I may ask it, have you bid farewell to your most honoured
father?"

"Torment me not," murmured Elissa.

"Indeed, I did not wish to, though you may remember that not so long ago
you threatened to silence me for ever. Well, doubtless your departure
is too hurried for farewells, and, fortunately, foreseeing it, I have
provided spare mules. So my deeds are kinder than my words. I go to see
that all is prepared. Now eat before you start; presently I will return
for you," and he left the chamber.

When he had gone they gathered round the table on which stood food,
but could touch little of it; for the hearts of all three of them
were filled with sad forebodings. Soon they heard a noise as of people
talking excitedly outside the palace gates.

"It is Metem with the mules," said Aziel.

"I hope so," answered Elissa.

Again there was silence, which, after a while, was broken by a loud
knocking at the door.

"Rise," said Aziel, "Metem comes for us."

"No, no," cried Elissa, "it is Doom that knocks, not Metem."

As the words passed her lips the door was burst open, and through it
poured a mob of armed priests, at the head of whom marched the Shadid.
By his side was his daughter Mesa, in whose pale face the eyes burned
like torches in a wind.

"Did I not tell you so?" she said in a shrill voice, pointing at the
three. "Behold the Lady Baaltis and her lover, and with them that priest
of a false faith who called down curses upon our city."

"You told us indeed, daughter," answered the Shadid; "pardon us if we
were loth to believe that such a thing could be." Then with a cry of
rage he added, "Take them."

Now Aziel drew his sword, and sprang in front of Elissa to protect her,
but before he could strike a blow it was seized from behind, and he was
gripped by many hands, gagged, bound and blindfolded. Then like a man
in a dream he felt himself carried away through long passages, till
at length he reached an airless place, where