ith eyes beaming with
adoration. 'Twas a fine picture, the hero in the centre, the various
groups around, some conversing with him, some cooking, some making
coffee, all offering him by word or deed some testimonial of their
devotion, and blending with that devotion the most perfect frankness.

'We shall beat them, lads!'

'There is no fear with you, you always conquer.'

'I do my best, and so do you. A good general without good troops is
little worth.'

'I'faith that's true. One must have good troops. What think you of Alp
Arslan?'

'I think he may give us as much trouble as all our other enemies
together, and that's not much.'

'Brave, brave! God save Alroy!'

Benomi approached, and announced that the Viceroy was in attendance.

'I must quit you, my children,' said Alroy. 'We'll sup once more
together when we have conquered.'

'God save you, Sire; and we will confound your enemies.'

'Good night, my lads. Ere the dawn break we may have hot work.'

'We are ready, we are ready. God save Alroy.'

'They are in good cue, and yet 'twas a different spirit that inspired
our early days. That I strongly feel. These are men true to a leader who
has never failed them, and confident in a cause that leads to plunder.
They are but splendid mercenaries.

No more. Oh! where are now the fighting men of Judah! Where are the men
who, when they drew their scimitars, joined in a conquering psalm of
holy triumph! Last eve of battle you would have thought the field a
mighty synagogue. Priests and altars, flaming sacrifices, and smoking
censers, groups of fiery zealots hanging with frenzy on prophetic lips,
and sealing with their blood and holiest vows a solemn covenant to
conquer Canaan. All is changed, as I am. How now, Abner? You are well
muffled!'

'Is it true Scherirah is at hand?'

'I doubt not all is right. Would that the dawn would break!'

'The enemy is advancing. Some of their columns are in sight. My scouts
have dodged them. They intend doubtless to form upon the plain.'

'They are in sight, eh! Then we will attack them at once ere they
are formed. Rare, rare! We'll beat them yet. Courage, dear brother.
Scherirah will be here at dawn in good time, very good time: very, very
good time.'

'I like the thought'

'The men are in good heart. At break of dawn, charge with thirty
thousand cavalry upon their forming ranks. I'll take the right, Asriel
the left. It shall be a family affair, dear Abner. How is Miriam?'