not find me napping!'

'You see, my lords,' said Alroy, ere the council broke up, 'we must
attack them singly. There can be no doubt of that. If they join, we must
combat at great odds. 'Tis in detail that we must route them. I will
myself to Persia. Ithamar must throw himself between the Sultan and
Abidan, Medad fall back on Ithamar. Scherirah must guard the capital.
Honain, you are Regent. And so farewell. I shall set off to-night.
Courage, brave companions. 'Tis a storm, but many a cedar survives the
thunderbolt.'

The council broke up.

'My own Scherirah!' said the Caliph, as they retired, 'stay awhile.
I would speak with you alone. Honain,' continued Alroy, following the
Grand Vizir out of the chamber, and leaving Scherirah alone, 'Honain, I
have not yet interchanged a word with you in private. What think you of
all this?'

'Sire, I am prepared for the worst, but hope the best.'

''Tis wise. If Abner could only keep that Karasmian in check! I am about
to speak with Scherirah alone. I do suspect him much.'

'I'll answer for his treason.'

'Hah! I do suspect him. Therefore I give him no command. I would not
have him too near his old companion, eh? We will garrison the city with
his rebels.'

'Sire, these are not moments to be nice. Scherirah is a valiant captain,
a very valiant captain, but lend me thy signet ring, I pray thee, Sire.'

Alroy turned pale.

'No, Sir, it has left me once, and never shall again. You have touched
upon a string that makes me sad. There is a burden on my conscience,
why, or what, I know not. I am innocent, you know I am innocent,
Honain!'

'I'll answer for your Highness. He who has enough of the milk of human
kindness to spare a thing like Scherirah, when he stands in his way, may
well be credited for the nobler mercy that spared his better.'

'Ah me! there's madness in the thought. Why is he not here? Had I
but followed; tush! tush! Go see the Queen, and tell her all that has
happened. I'll to Scherirah.'

The Caliph returned.

'Thy pardon, brave Scherirah; in these moments my friends will pardon
lapse of courtesy.'

'Your Highness is too considerate.'

'You see, Scherirah, how the wind blows, brave heart. There's much to
do, no doubt. I am in sad want of some right trusty friend, on whose
devoted bosom I can pillow all my necessities. I was thinking of sending
you against this Arslan, but perhaps 'tis better that I should go
myself. These are moments one should not