And the deposition was read, which stated that David Alroy possessed,
and wore next to his heart, a talisman, given him by Eblis, the virtue
of which was so great that, if once it were pressed to the heart of any
woman, she was no longer mistress of her will. Such had been the unhappy
fate of the daughter of the Commander of the Faithful.

'Is it so written?' enquired the captive.

'It is so written,' replied the Cadi, 'and bears the imperial signature
of the Princess.'

'It is a forgery.'

The King of Karasme started from his throne, and in his rage nearly
descended its steps. His face was like scarlet, his beard was like a
flame. A favourite minister ventured gently to restrain the royal robe.

'Kill the dog on the spot,' muttered the King of Karasme.

'The Princess is herself here,' said the Cadi, 'to bear witness to the
spells of which she was a victim, but from which, by the power of Allah
and the Prophet, she is now released.'

Alroy started!

'Advance, royal Princess,' said the Cadi, 'and, if the deposition thou
hast heard be indeed true, condescend to hold up the imperial hand that
adorned it with thy signature.'

A band of eunuchs near the throne gave way; a female figure veiled to
her feet appeared. She held up her hand amid the breathless agitation of
the whole assembly; the ranks of the eunuchs again closed; a shriek was
heard, and the veiled figure disappeared.

'I am ready for thy tortures, King,' said Alroy, in a tone of deep
depression. His firmness appeared to have deserted him. His eyes were
cast upon the ground. Apparently he was buried in profound thought, or
had delivered himself up to despair.

'Prepare the stakes,' said Alp Arslan.

An involuntary, but universal, shudder might be distinguished through
the whole assembly.

A slave advanced and offered Alroy a scroll. He recognised the Nubian
who belonged to Honain. His former minister informed him that he was
at hand, that the terms he offered in the dungeon might even yet be
granted; that if Alroy would, as he doubted not, as he entreated him,
accept them, he was to place the scroll in his bosom, but that if
he were still inexorable, still madly determined on a horrible and
ignominious end, he was to tear the scroll and throw it in to the arena.
Instantly Alroy took the scroll, and with great energy tore it into a
thousand pieces. A puff of wind carried the fragments far and wide.
The mob fought for these last memorials of David