wanderer. A second eddy of sulphureous vapours from the volcano, yet
more rapidly, yet more densely than its predecessor, rolled over the
mountain; and either the nature of the exhalation, or the excess of his
own dread, was such, that Glyndon, after one wild gasp for breath, fell
senseless on the earth.

CHAPTER 3.XI.

Was hab'ich,
Wenn ich nicht Alles habe?--sprach der Jungling.
"Das Verschleierte Bild zu Sais."

("What have I, if I possess not All?" said the youth.)

Mervale and the Italians arrived in safety at the spot where they had
left the mules; and not till they had recovered their own alarm and
breath did they think of Glyndon. But then, as the minutes passed, and
he appeared not, Mervale, whose heart was as good at least as human
hearts are in general, grew seriously alarmed. He insisted on returning
to search for his friend; and by dint of prodigal promises prevailed at
last on the guide to accompany him. The lower part of the mountain lay
calm and white in the starlight; and the guide's practised eye could
discern all objects on the surface at a considerable distance. They
had not, however, gone very far, before they perceived two forms slowly
approaching them.

As they came near, Mervale recognised the form of his friend. "Thank
Heaven, he is safe!" he cried, turning to the guide.

"Holy angels befriend us!" said the Italian, trembling,--"behold the
very being that crossed me last Friday night. It is he, but his face is
human now!"

"Signor Inglese," said the voice of Zanoni, as Glyndon--pale, wan, and
silent--returned passively the joyous greeting of Mervale,--"Signor
Inglese, I told your friend that we should meet to-night. You see you
have NOT foiled my prediction."

"But how?--but where?" stammered Mervale, in great confusion and
surprise.

"I found your friend stretched on the ground, overpowered by the
mephitic exhalation of the crater. I bore him to a purer atmosphere; and
as I know the mountain well, I have conducted him safely to you. This is
all our history. You see, sir, that were it not for that prophecy which
you desired to frustrate, your friend would ere this time have been
a corpse; one minute more, and the vapour had done its work. Adieu;
goodnight, and pleasant dreams."

"But, my preserver, you will not leave us?" said Glyndon, anxiously, and
speaking for the first time. "Will you not return with us?"

Zanoni paused, and drew Glyndon aside. "Young m