The maiden looked fixedly at the young soldier, and seemed considering with what words to address him, while he, after his long search and now unexpected success, was equally at a loss.

At last she said in Spanish, "Thou wonderful enigma, I have been witness of all that has passed between thee and the Arab; and these affairs confuse my head like a whirlwind.

Speak, therefore, plainly, that I may know whether thou art a madman or an angel ?" "I am neither, dear lady," replied Heimbert, with his wonted friendliness.

"I am only a poor wanderer, who has just been putting into practice one of the commands of his Master, Jesus Christ." "Sit down," said Zelinda, "and tell me of thy Master; he must be himself unprecedented to have such a servant.

The night is cool and still, and at my side thou hast no cause to fear the dangers of the desert." "Lady," replied Heimbert, smiling, "I am not of a fearful nature, and when I am speaking of my dear Saviour my mind is perfectly free from all alarm." Thus saying, they both sat down on the now cooled sand and began a wondrous conversation, while the full moon shone upon them from the deep-blue heavens above like a magic lamp.
Heimbert's words, full of divine love, truth, and simplicity sank like soft sunbeams, gently and surely, into Zelinda's, heart, driving away the mysterious magic power which dwelt there, and wrestling for the dominion of the noble territory of her soul.