I have nothing to plead--no, noble maiden, nothing that can excuse the deed of Abyla.

There--there alone it was the fate of my grey hairs to be ashamed of my fellow-Moslems--believe me, maiden, it was grievous to me.

War, and the memory of many friends slain and of wealth lightly plundered had unchained men's passion; and where passion's pinions wave, whether in the struggle for mine and thine or for other possessions, ever since the days of Cain and Abel, it is always and everywhere the same." Paula, who till now had stood motionless in front of the old man, shook her head and said bitterly: "But all this will not give me back my father and brother.

You yourself look like a kind-hearted man; but for the future--if you are as just as you are kind--find out to whom you are speaking before you talk of the compassion of the Moslems!" She once more bowed good-night and left the room.

Orion followed her; come what might he must see her.