me melancholy strains. At length the Kohen came in. His
mild, benevolent face never exhibited more gentle and affectionate
sympathy than now. He seated himself, and with eyes half closed, as
usual, talked much; and yet, with a native delicacy which always
distinguished this extraordinary man, he made no allusion to the
awful Mista Kosek. For my own part, I could not speak. I was
absent-minded, overwhelmed with gloom and despair, and at the same
time full of aversion toward him and all his race. One question,
however, I had to put.

"Who were the victims of the Mista Kosek?"

"They?" said he, with an agreeable smile. "Oh, they were the victims
of the sacrifice."

I sank back in my seat, and said no more. The Kohen then took Almah's
lute, played and sang in a very sweet voice, and at length, with his
usual consideration, seeing that I looked weary, he retired.

CHAPTER XIV

I LEARN MY DOOM

Horror is a feeling that cannot last long; human nature is
incapable of supporting it. Sadness, whether from bereavement, or
disappointment, or misfortune of any kind, may linger on through life.
In my case, however, the milder and more enduring feeling of sadness
had no sufficient cause for existence. The sights which I had seen
inspired horror, and horror only. But when the first rush of this
feeling had passed there came a reaction. Calmness followed, and then
all the circumstances of my life here conspired to perpetuate that
calm. For here all on the surface was pleasant and beautiful; all the
people were amiable and courteous and most generous. I had light and
luxury and amusements. Around me there were thousands of faces, all
greeting me with cordial affection, and thousands of hands all ready
to perform my slightest wish. Above all, there was Almah. Everything
combined to make her most dear to me. My life had been such that I
never before had seen anyone whom I loved; and here Almah was the one
congenial associate in a whole world of aliens: she was beautiful
and gentle and sympathetic, and I loved her dearly, even before I
understood what my feelings were. One day I learned all, and found
that she was more precious to me than all the world.

It was one jom when she did not make her appearance as usual. On
asking after her I learned that she was ill. At this intelligence
there came over me a feeling of sickening anxiety and fear. Almah ill!
What if it should prove serious? Could I endure life here without her
swe