e archers. What say you, Kasana?"

"Certainly," replied the young widow. And she was about to say more, but
the regular tramp of approaching troops was heard on the other side
of the garden-wall. A slight flush crimsoned Kasana's cheeks, her eyes
sparkled with a light that startled Ephraim and, regardless of her
father or her guest, she darted past the pond, across paths and
flower-beds, to a grassy bank beside the wall, whence she gazed eagerly
toward the road and the armed host which soon marched by.

Hosea, in full armor, headed his men. As he passed Hornecht's garden
he turned his grave head, and seeing Kasana lowered his battle-axe in
friendly salutation.

Ephraim had followed the captain of the archers, who pointed out the
youth's uncle, saying: "Shining armor would become you also, and when
drums are beating, pipes squeaking shrilly, and banners waving, a man
marches as lightly as if he had wings. To-day the martial music is
hushed by the terrible woe brought upon us by that Hebrew villain. True,
Hosea is one of his race yet, though I cannot forget that fact, I must
admit that he is a genuine soldier, a model for the rising generation.
Tell him what I think of him on this score. Now bid farewell to Kasana
quickly and follow the men; the little side-door in the wall is open."
He turned towards the house as he spoke, and Ephraim held out his hand
to bid the young widow farewell.

She clasped it, but hurriedly withdrew her own, exclaiming anxiously:
"How burning hot your hand is! You have a fever!"

"No, no," faltered the youth, but even while speaking he fell upon his
knees and the veil of unconsciousness descended upon the sufferer's
soul, which had been the prey of so many conflicting emotions.

Kasana was alarmed, but speedily regained her composure and began to
cool his brow and head by bathing them with water from the neighboring
pond. Yes, in his boyhood the man she loved must have resembled this
youth. Her heart throbbed more quickly and, while supporting his head in
her hands, she gently kissed him.

She supposed him to be unconscious, but the refreshing water had already
dispelled the brief swoon, and he felt the caress with a thrill of
rapture. But he kept his eyes closed, and would gladly have lain for a
life-time with his head pillowed on her breast in the hope that her lips
might once more meet his. But instead of kissing him a second time she
called loudly for aid. He raised himself, gave one w