"What do you wish, my young hero ?" said Alba, recognizing him as he appeared.

"I know your smiling, blooming countenance well.

You were but lately sheltering me like a protecting angel.

I am so sure that you make no request but what is honorable and knightly that anything you may possibly desire is granted beforehand." "My great Duke," replied Heimbert, with cheeks glowing with pleasure, "if I may then venture to ask a favor, will you grant me permission to follow the beautiful Zelinda at once in the direction which this wonderful Dervish has pointed out ?" The great general bowed in assent, and added, "So noble an adventure could not be consigned to a more noble knight!" "I do not know that!" said an angry voice from the throng.

"But well do I know that to me above all others this adventure belongs, even were it assigned as a reward for the capture of Tunis.