s of the law as
though they were punishments in reality. Now, to me and to Almah these
so-called punishments seemed rewards.

It was impossible for me to avoid feeling a very strong regard for
this enthusiastic and beautiful girl; all the more, indeed, because
she evinced such an undisguised admiration for me. She evidently
considered me some superior being, from some superior race; and
although my broken and faulty way of speaking the language was
something of a trial, still she seemed to consider every word I
uttered as a maxim of the highest wisdom. The tritest of truths, the
commonest of platitudes, the most familiar of proverbs or old saws
current among us were eagerly seized by Layelah, and accepted as
truths almost divine--as new doctrines for the guidance of the human
race. These she would discuss with me; she would put them into better
and more striking language, and ask for my opinion. Then she would
write them down.

For the Kosekin knew the art of writing. They had an alphabet of their
own, which was at once simple and very scientific. There were no
vowels, but only consonant sounds, the vowels being supplied in
reading, just as if one should write the words fthr or dghtr, and
read them father and daughter. Their letters were as follows: P, K, T,
B, G, D, F, Ch, Th, M, L, N, S, H, R. There were also three others,
which have no equivalents in English.

It soon became evident to me that Layelah had a complete ascendancy
over her father; that she was not only the Malca of the amir, but
the presiding spirit and the chief administrative genius of the whole
nation of the Kosekin. She seemed to be a new Semiramis--one who might
revolutionize an empire and introduce a new order of things. Such,
indeed, was her high ambition, and she plainly avowed it to me; but
what was more, she frankly informed me that she regarded me as a
Heaven-sent teacher--as one who in this darkness could tell her of the
nations of light--who could instruct her in the wisdom of other and
greater races, and help her to accomplish her grand designs.

As for Almah, she seemed quite beneath the notice of the aspiring
Layelah. She never noticed her, she never spoke of her, and she always
made her visits to me after Almah had gone.

CHAPTER XX

THE DARK MAIDEN LAYELAH

Layelah at length began to make pointed remarks about Almah.

"She loves you," said she, "and you love her. How is it that you do
not give each other up?"

"I woul