and devoted band, and merry faces were not wanting when at
night they assembled in the amphitheatre for their common meal.

No sooner had Alroy completed his arrangements than he sent forth
spies in all directions to procure intelligence, and especially to
communicate, if possible, with Ithamar and Medad, provided that they
still survived and maintained themselves in any force.

A fortnight passed away without the approach of any stranger; at the end
of which, there arrived four personages at their haunt, not very welcome
to their chief, who, however, concealed his chagrin at their appearance.
These were Kisloch the Kourd, and Calidas the Indian, and their
inseparable companions, the Guebre and the Negro.

'Noble Captain,' said Kisloch, 'we trust that you will permit us to
enlist in the band. This is not the first time we have served under your
orders in this spot. Old co-mates, i'faith, who have seen the best and
the worst. We suspected where you might be found, although, thanks to
the ever felicitous invention of man, it is generally received that you
died in battle. I hope your Majesty is well,' added Kisloch, bowing to
Schirene.

'You are welcome, friends,' replied Alroy; 'I know your worth. You have
seen, as you say, the best and the worst, and will, I trust, see better.
Died in battle, eh! that's good.'

''Tis so received,' said Calidas.

'And what news of our friends?'

'Not over good, but strange.'

'How so?'

'Hamadan is taken.'

'I am prepared; tell me all.'

'Old Bostenay and the Lady Miriam are borne prisoners to Bagdad.'

'Prisoners?'

'But so; all will be well with them, I trow. The Lord Honain is in high
favour with the conqueror, and will doubtless protect them.'

'Honain in favour?'

'Even so. He made terms for the city, and right good ones.'

'Hah! he was ever dexterous. Well! if he save my sister, I care not for
his favour.'

'There is no doubt. All may yet be well, Sir.'

'Let us act, not hope. Where's Abner?'

'Dead.'

'How?'

'In battle.'

'Art sure?'

'I saw him fall, and fought beside him.'

'A soldier's death is all our fortune now. I am glad he was not
captured. Where's Medad, Ithamar?'

'Fled into Egypt.'

'We have no force whatever, then?'

'None but your guards here.'

'They are strong enough to plunder a caravan. Honain, you say, in
favour?'

'Very high. He'll make good terms for us.'

'This is strange news.'

'Very, but true.'

'Well! you are