He was awakened by the opening of the door of his dungeon, and the entry of priests--grim, silent men who seized and blindfolded him.

Then they led him away up many stairs, and along paths so steep that from time to time they paused to rest, till at length he knew, by the sound of voices, that he had reached some place where people were assembled.

Here the bandage was removed from his eyes.

He stepped backwards, recoiling involuntarily at the glare of light that poured upon him from the setting sun, whereon, uttering an exclamation, those who stood near seized and held him.

Presently he saw the reason.