Are none of our messengers returned yet ?" "Yes, the little Nabathaean is come," replied her nurse with some hesitation, "and he indeed--but for God's sake, child, form no vain hopes! Hiram came to me soon after sun-down..." "Betta!" screamed the girl, clinging to her nurse's arm.

"What has he heard, what news does he bring ?" "Nothing, nothing! How you rush at conclusions! What he found out is next to nothing.

I had only a minute to speak to Hiram.

To-morrow morning he is to bring the man to me.

The only thing he told me..." "By Christ's Wounds! What was it ?" "He said that the messenger had heard of an elderly recluse, who had formerly been a great warrior." "My father, my father!" cried Paula.