The offering is within, and it is the first-born child of a priestess of Baaltis." "O Lord of Heaven!" said Issachar lifting up his eyes, "how long will you suffer that this murderous and accursed race should defile the face of earth ?" "Softly, friend," broke in Metem, "I have read your Scriptures, and is it not set out in them that your great forefather was commanded to offer up his first-born in such a sacrifice ?" "Blaspheme not," answered the Jew.

"He was commanded indeed, that his heart might be proved, but his hand was stayed.

He Whom I worship delights not in the blood of children." Here Issachar broke off, suddenly recognising the lady Elissa among the white-robed priestesses.

Watching her, he noted her glance at the window of Aziel's chamber, and saw what she could not see, that the prince was seated there.

"This daughter of Satan spreads her nets," he muttered between his teeth.