the Hebrew army, after
having been long distinguished in the distance, approached the walls. A
large body of cavalry dashed forward at full speed from the main
force. Upon a milk-white charger, and followed by a glittering train of
warriors, amid the shouts of the vast multitude, Alroy galloped up to
the gates.

He was received by Ithamar and the members of the deputation, but Honain
was not there. Accompanied by his staff and a strong detachment of the
Sacred Guard, Alroy was conducted through the principal thoroughfares
of the city, until he arrived at the chief entrance of the serail,
or palace, of the caliph. The vast portal conducted him into a large
quadrangular court, where he dismounted, and where he was welcomed by
the captain of the eunuch guard. Accompanied by his principal generals
and his immediate attendants, Alroy was then ushered through a suite of
apartments which reminded him of his visit with Honain, until he arrived
at the grand council-chamber of the caliphs.

The conqueror threw himself upon the gorgeous divan of the commander of
the Faithful.

'An easy seat after a long march,' said Alroy, as he touched with his
lips the coffee, which the chief of the eunuchs presented to him in a
cup of transparent pink porcelain, studded with pearls.[65] 'Itha-mar,
now for your report. What is the temper of the city? Where is his
Sultanship of Roum?'

'The city, sire, is calm, and I believe content. The sultan and the
caliph are still hovering on the borders of the province.'

'So I supposed. Scherirah will settle that. Let the troops be encamped
without the walls, the garrison, ten thousand strong, must be changed
monthly. Ithamar, you are governor of the city: Asriel commands the
forces. Worthy Jabaster, draw up a report of the civil affairs of
the capital. Your quarters are the College of the Dervishes. Brave
Scherirah, I cannot afford you a long rest. In three days you must have
crossed the river with your division. It will be quick work. I foresee
that they will not fight. Meet me all here in council by to-morrow's
noon. Farewell.'

The chieftains retired, the high priest lingered.

'Were it not an intrusion, sire, I would fain entreat a moment's
audience.'

'My own Jabaster, you have but to speak.'

'Sire, I would speak of Abidan, as valiant a warrior as any in the
host. It grieves me much, that by some fatality, his services seem ever
overlooked.'

'Abidan! I know him well, a valiant man, b