"Arab," said Heimbert with exhausted voice, "take from thy horse what provision thou hast with thee and place it before me." The vanquished man humbly did as he was commanded, now just as much submitting to the will of the conqueror as he had before exhibited his animosity in anger and revenge.

After a few draughts of palm-wine from the skin, Heimbert looked at the youth under a new aspect; he then partook of some fruits, drank more of the palm-wine, and at length said, "You are going to ride still farther to-night, young man ?" "Yes, indeed," replied the Arab sadly; "on a distant oasis there dwells my aged father and my blooming bride.

Now--even if you set me at full liberty--I must perish in the heat of this barren desert, for want of sustenance, before I can reach my lovely home." "Is it, perhaps," asked Heimbert, "the oasis on which the mighty enchantress, Zelinda, dwells ?" "Allah protect me!" cried the Arab, clasping his hands.

"Zelinda's wondrous isle offers no hospitable shelter to any but magicians.

It lies far away in the scorching south, while our friendly oasis is toward the cooler west." "I only asked in case we might be travelling companions," said Heimbert courteously.