The stream lay before them like a broad belt of black and silver brocade.

The waxing moon was mirrored in the almost unruffled surface and where a ripple curled it the tiny crest glittered like white flame.

Bats swooped to and fro in the gloom from the city of the dead to the river, and flitted above it like shadows blown about by the wind.

A few lateen sails moved like pale, gigantic birds over the dark waters; but now from the north--and from the city--a larger mass came towards the palm-grove with bright, gleaming eyes of light.
"A fine boat,--the governor's no doubt," said the merchant, as it slowly came towards the grove from the middle of the stream.

At the same time the clatter of hoofs became audible from the road behind the inn.
Haschim turned round and was aware of torchbearers running ahead of a chariot.
"The sick man has come so far by water," said the Arab, "and now, he is to be driven home .-- Strange! this is the second time to-day that I have met his much-talked-of son!" The governor's pleasure-barge was nearing the palm-grove.