No sooner was he in the open air than an armed figure confronted him.

But Manasseh did not strike down this person, for it was a woman,--Zenobia.

A dirk and a brace of pistols were stuck in her belt.
"Take care!" she cried to Manasseh, and she made as if to shield him from view with her cloak.

"Stay where you are!" But Manasseh seized her by the wrist and shouted hoarsely in her ear: "Where are my wife and sister ?" Zenobia understood his tone and the frenzy with which he grasped her arm.

With a sad smile she made answer: "Calm yourself.