CHAPTERX。
Withnootherguidethanthesunbyday，andbynightthehostofstars，thetwocaptainssoonlostsightofeachother，andallthesooner，asFadriqueavoidedintentionallytheobjectofhisaversion。
Heimbert，ontheotherhand，hadnothoughtbuttheattainmentofhisaim；and，fullofjoyfulconfidenceinGod’sassistance，hepursuedhiscourseinasoutherlydirection。
Manynightsandmanydayshadpassed，whenoneevening，asthetwilightwascomingon，Heimbertwasstandingaloneintheendlessdesert，unabletodescryasingleobjectallroundonwhichhiseyecouldrest。Hislightflaskwasempty，andtheeveningbroughtwithit，insteadorthehoped-forcoolness，asuffocatingwhirlwindofsand，sothattheexhaustedwandererwasobligedtopresshisburningfacetotheburningsoilinordertoescapeinsomemeasurethefatalcloud。Nowandthenheheardsomethingpassinghim，orrustlingoverhimaswiththesoundofasweepingmantle，andhewouldraisehimselfinanxioushaste；butheonlysawwhathehadalreadytoooftenseeninthedaylime——thewildbeastsofthewildernessroamingatlibertythroughthedesertwaste。Sometimesitwasanuglycamel，thenitwasalong-neckedanddisproportionedgiraffe，andthenagainalong-leggedostrichhasteningawaywithitswingsoutspread。Theyallappearedtoscornhim，andhehadalreadytakenhisresolvetoopenhiseyesnomore，andtogivehimselfuptohisfate，withoutallowingthesehorribleandstrangecreaturestodisturbhismindinthehourofdeath。
Presentlyitseemedtohimasifheheardthehoofsandneighingofahorse，andsuddenlysomethinghaltedclosebesidehim，andhethoughthecaughtthesoundofaman’svoice。Halfunwilling，hecouldnotresistraisinghimselfwearily，andhesawbeforehimariderinanArab’sdressmountedonaslenderArabianhorse。Overcomewithjoyatfindinghimselfwithinreachofhumanhelp，heexclaimed，\"Welcome，oh，man，inthisfearfulsolitude！Ifthoucanst，succorme，thyfellow-man，whomustotherwiseperishwiththirst！\"ThenrememberingthatthetonesofhisdearGermanmothertonguewerenotintelligibleinthisjoylessregion，herepeatedthesamewordsinthemixeddialect，generallycalledtheLinguaRomana，universallyusedbyheathens，Mohammedans，andChristiansinthosepartsoftheworldwheretheyhavemostintercoursewitheachother。
TheArabstillremainedsilent，andlookedasifscornfullylaughingathisstrangediscovery。Atlengthhereplied，inthesamedialect，\"IwasalsoinBarbarossa’sfight；andif，SirKnight，ouroverthrowbitterlyenragedmethen，Ifindnosmallcompensationforitinthefactofseeingoneoftheconquerorslyingsopitifullybeforeme。\"
\"Pitifully！\"exclaimedHeimbertangrily，andhiswoundedsenseofhonorgivinghimbackforamomentallhisstrength，heseizedhisswordandstoodreadyforanencounter。\"Oho！\"laughedtheArab，\"doestheChristianviperstillhisssostrongly？Thenitonlybehoovesmetoputspurstomyhorseandleavetheetoperishhere，thoulostcreepingworm！\"\"Ridetothedevil，thoudogofaheathen！\"retortedHeimbert；\"ratherthanentreatacrumboftheeI
willdiehere，unlessthegoodGodsendsmemannainthewilderness。\"
AndtheArabspurredforwardhisswiftsteedandgallopedawayacoupleofhundredpaces，laughingwithscorn。Thenhepaused，andlookingroundtoHeimberthetrottedbackandsaid，\"Thouseemesttoogood，methinks，toperishhereofhungerandthirst。Beware！mygoodsabreshalltouchthee。\"
Heimbert，whohadagainstretchedhimselfhopelesslyontheburningsand，wasquicklyrousedtohisfeetbythesewords，andseizedhissword；andsuddenaswasthespringwithwhichtheArab’shorseflewtowardhim，thestoutGermanwarriorstoodreadytoparrytheblow，andthethrustwhichtheArabaimedathimintheMohammedanmannerhewardedoffwithcertaintyandskill。
AgainandagaintheArabsprung；similarlyhereandthere，vainlyhopingtogivehisantagonistadeath-blow。Atlast，overcomebyimpatience，heapproachedsoboldlythatHeimbert，wardingoffthethreateningweapon，hadtimetoseizetheArabbythegirdleanddraghimfromthefast-gallopinghorse。TheviolenceofthemovementthrewHeimbertalsoontheground，buthelayabovehisopponent，andholdingclosebeforehiseyesadagger，whichhehaddexterouslydrawnfromhisgirdle，heexclaimed，\"Wiltthouhavemercyordeath？\"
TheArab，trembling，castdownhiseyesbeforethegleamingandmurderousweapon，andsaid，\"Showmercytome，mightywarrior；I
surrendertothee。\"Heimbertthenorderedhimtothrowawaythesabrehestillheldinhisrighthand。Hedidso，andbothcombatantsrose，andagainsunkdownuponthesand，forthevictorwasfarmorewearythanthevanquished。
TheArab’sgoodhorsemeanwhilehadtrottedtowardthem，accordingtothehabitofthosenobleanimals，whoneverforsaketheirfallenmaster。Itnowstoodbehindthetwomen，stretchingoutitslongslenderneckaffectionatelytowardthem。\"Arab，\"saidHeimbertwithexhaustedvoice，\"takefromthyhorsewhatprovisionthouhastwiththeeandplaceitbeforeme。\"Thevanquishedmanhumblydidashewascommanded，nowjustasmuchsubmittingtothewilloftheconquerorashehadbeforeexhibitedhisanimosityinangerandrevenge。Afterafewdraughtsofpalm-winefromtheskin，Heimbertlookedattheyouthunderanewaspect；hethenpartookofsomefruits，drankmoreofthepalm-wine，andatlengthsaid，\"Youaregoingtoridestillfartherto-night，youngman？\"\"Yes，indeed，\"
repliedtheArabsadly；\"onadistantoasistheredwellsmyagedfatherandmybloomingbride。Now——evenifyousetmeatfullliberty——Imustperishintheheatofthisbarrendesert，forwantofsustenance，beforeIcanreachmylovelyhome。\"
\"Isit，perhaps，\"askedHeimbert，\"theoasisonwhichthemightyenchantress，Zelinda，dwells？\"
\"Allahprotectme！\"criedtheArab，claspinghishands。\"Zelinda’swondrousisleoffersnohospitablesheltertoanybutmagicians。
Itliesfarawayinthescorchingsouth，whileourfriendlyoasisistowardthecoolerwest。\"
\"Ionlyaskedincasewemightbetravellingcompanions，\"saidHeimbertcourteously。\"Ifthatcannotbe，wemustcertainlydividetheprovisions；forIwouldnothavesobraveawarriorasyouperish，withhungerandthirst。\"
Sosaying，theyoungcaptainbegantoarrangetheprovisionsintwoportions，placingthelargeronhisleftandthesmallerathisright；hethendesiredtheArabtotaketheformer，andadded，tohisastonishedcompanion，\"See，goodsir，IhaveeithernotmuchfarthertotravelorIshallperishinthedesert；Ifeelthatitwillbeso。
Besides，Icannotcarryhalfsomuchonfootasyoucanonhorse-
back。\"
\"Knight！victoriousknight！\"criedtheamazedMussulman，\"amIthentokeepmyhorse？\"
\"Itwereasinandshameindeed，\"saidHeimbert，smiling，\"toseparatesuchafaithfulsteedfromsuchaskilfulrider。Rideon，inGod’sname，andgetsafelytoyourpeople。\"
Hethenhelpedhimtomount，andtheArabwasonthepointofutteringafewwordsofgratitude，whenhesuddenlyexclaimed，\"Themagicmaiden！\"and，swiftasthewind，heflewoverthedustyplain。
Heimbert，however，turninground，sawclosebesidehiminthenowbrightmoonlightashiningfigure，whichheatonceperceivedtobeZelinda。
CHAPTERXI。
Themaidenlookedfixedlyattheyoungsoldier，andseemedconsideringwithwhatwordstoaddresshim，whilehe，afterhislongsearchandnowunexpectedsuccess，wasequallyataloss。AtlastshesaidinSpanish，\"Thouwonderfulenigma，IhavebeenwitnessofallthathaspassedbetweentheeandtheArab；andtheseaffairsconfusemyheadlikeawhirlwind。Speak，therefore，plainly，thatImayknowwhetherthouartamadmanoranangel？\"
\"Iamneither，dearlady，\"repliedHeimbert，withhiswontedfriendliness。\"Iamonlyapoorwanderer，whohasjustbeenputtingintopracticeoneofthecommandsofhisMaster，JesusChrist。\"
\"Sitdown，\"saidZelinda，\"andtellmeofthyMaster；hemustbehimselfunprecedentedtohavesuchaservant。Thenightiscoolandstill，andatmysidethouhastnocausetofearthedangersofthedesert。\"
\"Lady，\"repliedHeimbert，smiling，\"Iamnotofafearfulnature，andwhenIamspeakingofmydearSaviourmymindisperfectlyfreefromallalarm。\"
Thussaying，theybothsatdownonthenowcooledsandandbeganawondrousconversation，whilethefullmoonshoneuponthemfromthedeep-blueheavensabovelikeamagiclamp。
Heimbert’swords，fullofdivinelove，truth，andsimplicitysanklikesoftsunbeams，gentlyandsurely，intoZelinda’s，heart，drivingawaythemysteriousmagicpowerwhichdweltthere，andwrestlingforthedominionofthenobleterritoryofhersoul。Whenmorningbegantodawnshesaid，\"Thouwouldstnotbecalledanangellastevening，butthouarttrulyone。ForwhatelseareangelsthanmessengersoftheMostHighGod？\"\"Inthatsense，\"rejoinedHeimbert，\"Iamwellsatisfiedwiththename，forIcertainlyhopethatIamthebearerofmyMaster’smessage。Yes，ifhebestowsonmefurthergraceandstrength，itmayevenbethatyoualsomaybecomemycompanioninthepiouswork。\"\"Itisnotimpossible，\"saidZelindathoughtfully。
\"Thoumust，however，comewithmetomyisland，andtherethoushaltberegaledasisbefittingsuchanambassador，farbetterthanhereonthedesolatesand，withthemiserablepalm-winethatthouhastsolaboriouslyobtained。\"
\"Pardonme，\"repliedHeimbert；\"itisdifficulttometorefusetherequestofalady，butonthisoccasionitcannotbeotherwise。Inyourislandmanygloriousthingshavebeenconjuredtogetherbyyourforbiddenart，andmanylovelyformswhichthegoodGodhascreatedhavebeentransformed。Thesemightdazzlemysenses，andatlastdeludethem。Ifyouwill，therefore，hearthebestandpurestthingswhichIcanrelatetoyou，youmustrathercomeouttomeonthisdesertsand。Thepalm-wineandthedatesoftheArabwillsufficeformeformanyadaytocome。\"\"Youwoulddobettertocomewithme，\"saidZelinda，shakingherheadwithsomewhatofascornfulsmile。\"Youwerecertainlyneitherbornnorbroughtuptobeahermit，andthereisnothingonmyoasissodestructiveasyouimagine。Whatistheremorethanshrubsandflowersandbeastsgatheredtogetherfromdifferentquartersoftheworld，perhapsalittlestrangelyinterwoven；each，thatistosay，partakingofthenatureoftheother，inasimilarmannertothatwhichyoumusthaveseeninourArabiancarving！Amovingflower，abirdgrowingonabranch，afountaingleamingwithfierysparks，asingingtwig——thesearetrulynohatefulthings！\"\"Hemustavoidtemptationwhodoesnotwishtobeovercomebyit，\"saidHeimbertverygravely；\"Iamforthedesert。Willitpleaseyoutocomeouttovisitmeagain？\"Zelindalookeddownsomewhatdispleased。Thensuddenlybendingherheadstilllowershereplied，\"Yes；towardeveningIshallbehereagain。\"
And，turningaway，sheatoncedisappearedintherisingwhirlwindofthedesert。
CHAPTERXII。
Withtheeveningtwilightthelovelyladyreturnedandspentthenightinconversewiththepiousyouth，leavinghiminthemorningwithhermindmorehumble，pure，anddevout；andthusmatterswentonformanydays。\"Thypalm-wineandthydatesmustbecomingtoanend，\"saidZelindaoneeveningasshepresentedtheyouthwithaflaskofrichwineandsomecostlyfruits。He，however，gentlyputasidethegiftandsaid，\"Noblelady，Iwouldacceptyourgiftgladly，butIfearsomeofyourmagicartsmayperhapscleavetoit。
OrcouldyouassuremetothecontrarybyHimwhomyouarenowbeginningtoknow？\"Zelindacastdownhereyesinsilentconfusionandtookherpresentsback。Onthefollowingevening，however，shebroughtsimilargifts，and，smilingconfidently，gavethedesiredassurance。Heimbertthenpartookofthemwithouthesitation，andfromhenceforththedisciplecarefullyprovidedforthesustenanceofherteacherinthewilderness。
Andso，astheblessedknowledgeofthetruthsankmoreandmoredeeplyintoZelinda’ssoul，sothatshewasoftensittingtilldawnbeforetheyouth，withcheeksglowingandhairdishevelled，hereyesgleamingwithdelightandherhandsfolded，unabletowithdrawherselffromhiswords，he，onhispart，endeavoredtomakehersensibleatalltimesthatitwasonlyFadrique’sloveforherwhichhadurgedhim，hisfriend，intothisfataldesert，andthatitwasthissamelovethathadthusbecomethemeansfortheattainmentofherhighestspiritualgood。Shestillwellrememberedthehandsomeandterriblecaptainwhohadstormedtheheightthathemightclaspherinhisarms；andsherelatedtoherfriendhowthesameherohadafterwardsavedherintheburninglibrary。HeimberttoohadmanypleasantthingstotellofFadrique——ofhishighknightlycourage，ofhisgraveandnoblemanners，andofhislovetoZelinda，whichinthenightafterthebattleofTuniswasnolongerconcealedwithinhispassionatebreast，butwasbetrayedtotheyoungGermaninathousandunconsciousexpressionsbetweensleepingandwaking。DivinetruthandtheimageofherlovingherobothatoncesankdeepwithinZelinda’sheart，andstruckroottherewithtenderbutindestructiblepower。Heimbert’spresenceandthealmostadoringadmirationwithwhichhispupilregardedhimdidnotdisturbthesefeelings，forfromthefirstmomenthisappearancehadsomethinginitsopureandheavenlythatnothoughtsofearthlyloveintruded。WhenHeimbertwasalonehewouldoftensmilehappilywithinhimself，sayinginhisownbelovedGermantongue，\"ItisindeeddelightfulthatIamnowableconsciouslytodothesameserviceforFadriqueashedidforme，unconsciously，withhisangelicsister。\"AndthenhewouldsingsomeGermansongofClara’sgraceandbeauty，thesoundofwhichrangwithstrangesweetnessthroughthedesert，whileithappilybeguiledhissolitaryhours。
OncewhenZelindacameintheeveningtwilight，gracefullybearingonherbeautifulheadabasketofprovisionsforHeimbert，hesmiledatherandshookhishead，saying，\"Itisinconceivabletome，sweetmaiden，whyyouevergiveyourselfthetroubleofcomingtomeouthereinthedesert。Youcanindeednolongerfindpleasureinmagicarts，sincethespiritoftruthandlovedwellswithinyou。IfyouwouldonlytransformtheoasisintothenaturalforminwhichthegoodGodcreatedit，Iwouldgotherewithyou，andweshouldhavefarmoretimeforholyconverse。\"\"Sir，\"repliedZelinda，\"youspeaktruly。Itoohavethoughtforsomedaysofdoingsoandthematterwouldhavebeenalreadysetonfoot，butastrangevisitorfettersmypower。TheDervishwhomyousawinTunisiswithme，andasinformertimeswehavepractisedmanymagictrickswitheachother，hewouldlikeagaintoplaytheoldgame。Heperceivesthechangeinme，andonthataccounturgesmeallthemorevehementlyanddangerously。\"
\"Hemusteitherbedrivenawayorconverted，\"saidHeimbert，girdingonhisshoulder-beltmorefirmly，andtakinguphisshieldfromtheground。\"Havethegoodness，dearmaiden，\"hecontinued，\"toleadmetoyourenchantedisle。\"
\"Youavoideditsobefore，\"saidtheastonishedZeiinda，\"anditisstillunchangedinitsfantasticform。\"
\"Formerlyitwouldhavebeenonlyinconsideratecuriositytohaveventuredthere，\"repliedHeimbert。\"Youcametoooutheretome，andthatwasbetterforusboth。ButnowtheoldenemymightlaysnaresfortheruinofallthattheLordhasbeenworkinginyou，andsoitisaknightlydutytogo。InGod’sname，then，tothework！\"
Andtheyhastenedforwardtogether，throughtheever-increasingdarknessoftheplain，ontheirwaytothebloomingisland。
CHAPTERXIII。
Acharmingbreezebegantocooltheheatedbrowsofthetravellers，andthetwinklingstarlightrevealedinthedistanceagrove，wavingtoandfrowiththegentlemotionoftheair。Heimbertcasthiseyestothegroundandsaid，\"Gobeforeme，sweetmaiden，andguidemypathtothespotwhereIshallfindthisthreateningDervish。Idonotwishunnecessarilytoseeanythingoftheseensnaringenchantments。\"
Zelindadidashedesired，andtherelationofthetwowasforamomentchanged；themaidenhadbecometheguide，andHeimbert，fullofconfidence，allowedhimselftobeledupontheunknownpath。
Brancheswereevennowtouchinghischeeks，halfcaressinglyandplayfully；wonderfulbirds，growingoutofbushes，sangjoyfulsongs；
overthevelvetturf，uponwhichHeimberteverkepthiseyesfixed，thereglidedgleamingserpentsofgreenandgold，withlittlegoldencrowns，andbrilliantstonesglitteredonthemossycarpet。Whentheserpentstouchedthejewels，theygaveforthasilverysound。ButHeimbertlettheserpentscreepandthegemssparkle，withouttroublinghimselfaboutthem，intentaloneonfollowingthefootstepsofhisguide。
\"Wearethere！\"saidshewithsuppressedvoice；andlookinguphesawashininggrottoofshells，withinwhichheperceivedamanasleepcladingoldenscale-armoroftheoldNumidianfashion。\"Isthatalsoaphantom，thereyonderinthegoldenscales？\"inquiredHeimbert，smiling；butZelindalookedverygraveandreplied，\"Oh，no！thatistheDervishhimself，andhishavingputonthiscoat-of-
mail，whichhasbeenrenderedinvulnerablebydragon’sblood，isaproofthatbyhismagichehasbecomeawareofourintention。\"\"Whatdoesthatsignify？\"saidHeimbert；\"hewouldhavetoknowitatlast。\"Andhebeganatoncetocallout，withacheerfulvoice，\"Wakeup，oldsir，wakeup！Hereisanacquaintanceofyours，whohasmattersuponwhichhemustspeaktoyou。\"
AndastheDervishopenedhislargerollingeyes，everythinginthemagicgrovebegantomove，thewaterbegantodance，andthebranchestointertwineinwildemulation，andatthesametimethepreciousstonesandtheshellsandcoralsemittedstrangeandconfusingmelodies。
\"Rollandturn，thunderandplayasyoulike！\"exclaimedHeimbert，lookingfixedlyatthemazearoundhim；\"youshallnotdivertmefrommyowngoodpath，andAlmightyGodhasgivenmeagoodfar-soundingsoldier’svoicewhichcanmakeitselfheardaboveallthistumult。\"
ThenturningtotheDervishhesaid，\"Itappears，oldman，thatyoualreadyknoweverythingwhichhaspassedbetweenZelindaandme。Incase，however，thatitisnotso，IwilltellyoubrieflythatsheisalreadyasgoodasaChristian，andthatsheisthebetrothedofanobleSpanishknight。Placenothinginthewayofhergoodintention；Iadviseyouforyourownsake。ButstillbetterforyourownsakewoulditbeifyouwouldbecomeaChristianyourself。
Discussthematterwithme，andfirstbidallthismaddevilishshowtocease，forourreligion，dearsir，speaksoffartootenderanddivinethingstobetalkedofwithviolenceorwiththeloudvoicenecessaryonthefieldofwar。\"
ButtheDervish，burningwithhatredtotheChristians，hadnotwaitedtoheartheknight’slastwordswhenherushedathimwithhisdrawnscimitar。Heimbertmerelyparriedhisthrust，saying，\"Takecareofyourself，sir！Ihaveheardsomethingofyourweaponsbeingcharmed，butthatwillavailbutlittlebeforemysword。Ithasbeenconsecratedinholyplaces。\"
TheDervishsprangwildlybackbeforethesword，butequallywildlydidhespringtotheothersideofhisadversary，whoonlywithdifficultycaughttheterriblecutsofhisweaponuponhisshield。
Likeagold-scaleddragontheMohammedanswunghimselfroundhisantagonistwithanagilitywhich，withhislongflowingwhitebeard，wasghostlyandhorribletowitness。Heimbertwaspreparedtomeethimonallsides，everkeepingawatchfuleyeforsomeopeninginthescalesmadebytheviolenceofhismovements。Atlastithappenedashedesired；betweenthearmandbreastontheleftsidethedarkgarmentsoftheDervishbecamevisible，andquickaslightningtheGermanmadeadeadlythrust。Theoldmanexclaimedaloud，\"Allah！
Allah！\"andfellforward，fearfuleveninhisfall，asenselesscorpse。
\"Ipityhim！\"sighedHeimbert，leaningonhisswordandlookingdownonhisfallenfoe。\"Hehasfoughtnobly，andevenindeathhecalleduponhisAllah，whomhelookeduponasthetrueGod。Hemustnotlackhonorableburial。\"Hethendugagravewiththebroadscimitarofhisadversary，laidthecorpsewithinit，covereditoverwithturf，andkneltonthespotinsilentheartfeltprayerforthesoulofthedeparted。
CHAPTERXIV。
Heimbertrosefromhispiousduty，andhisfirstglancefellonZelinda，whostoodsmilingbyhisside，andhisseconduponthewhollychangedscenearound。Therockycavernandgrottohaddisappeared，thedistortedformsoftreesandbeasts，halfterribleandhalfcharmingastheywere，hadvanishedalso；agentlegrassyhillslopeddownoneverysideofthepointwherehestood，towardthesandywaste；springsgushedouthereandthereinrefreshingbeauty；date-treesbentoverthelittlepaths——everything，indeed，inthenowopeningdaywasfullofsweetandsimplepeace。
\"ThankGod！\"saidHeimbert，turningtohiscompanion，\"youcannowsurelyfeelhowinfinitelymorelovely，grand，andbeautifuliseverythingasourdearFatherhascreateditthanitcanbewhentransformedbythehighesthumanart。TheHeavenlyGardenerhasindeedpermittedus，hisbelovedchildren，inhisabundantmercy，tohelpforwardhisgraciousworks，thatwemaythusbecomehappierandbetter；butwemusttakecarethatwechangenothingtosuitourownrashwilfulfancies；elseitisasifwewereexpellingourselvesasecondtimefromParadise。\"\"Itshallnothappenagain，\"saidZelindahumbly。\"Butmayyouinthissolitaryregion，wherewearenotlikelytomeetwithanypriestofourfaith，mayyounotbestowonme，asonebornanew，theblessingofHolyBaptism？\"
Heimbert，aftersomeconsideration，replied，\"IhopeImaydoso。
AndifIamwrong，Godwillpardonme。Itissurelydoneinthedesiretobringtohimsoworthyasoulassoonaspossible。\"
Sotheywalkedtogether，silentlyprayingandfullofsmilinghappiness，downtooneofthepleasantspringsoftheoasis，andjustastheyreachedtheedgeandpreparedthemselvesfortheholyworkthesunrosebeforethemasiftoconfirmandstrengthentheirpurpose，andthetwobeamingcountenanceslookedateachotherwithjoyandconfidence。HeimberthadnotthoughtoftheChristiannameheshouldbestowonhisdisciple，butashescoopedupthewater，andthedesertlayaroundhimsosolemnintherosyglowofmorning，herememberedthepioushermitAntonyinhisEgyptiansolitude，andhebaptizedthelovelyconvert，Antonia。
Theyspentthedayinholyconversation，andAntoniashowedherfriendalittlecave，inwhichshehadconcealedallsortsofstoreforhersustenancewhenshefirstdweltontheoasis。\"For，\"saidshe，\"thegoodGodismywitnessthatIcamehitheronlythatI
might，insolitude，becomebetteracquaintedwithhimandhiscreatedworks，withoutknowingatthattimeintheleastofanymagicexpedients。SubsequentlytheDervishcame，temptingme，andthehorrorsofthedesertjoinedinafearfulleaguewithhisterriblepower，andthenbydegreesfollowedallthatalluringspiritsshowedmeeitherindreamsorawake。\"
Heimberthadnoscrupletotakewithhimforthejourneyanyofthewineandfruitsthatwerestillfitforuse，andAntoniaassuredhimthatbythedirectway，wellknowntoher，theywouldreachthefruitfulshoreofthiswaterlessoceaninafewdays。Sowiththeapproachofeveningcoolnesstheysetoutontheirjourney。
CHAPTERXV。
Thetravellershadalmosttraversedthepathlessplainwhenonedaytheysawafigurewanderinginthedistance，forinthedesolateSaharaeveryobjectisvisibletotheveryhorizonifthewhirlwindofdustdoesnotconcealitfromview。Thewandererseemeddoubtfulofhiscourse，sometimestakingthis，sometimesthatdirection，andAntonia’seasternfalconeyecoulddiscernthatitwasnoArab，butamaninknightlygarb。
\"Oh，dearsister，\"exclaimedHeimbert，fullofanxiousjoy，\"thenitisourpoorFadrique，whoisinsearchofthee。Forpity’ssake，letashastenbeforehelosesus，andperhapsatlasthisownlifealso，inthisimmeasurablewaste。\"Theystrainedeveryefforttoreachthedistantobject，butitwasnowmiddayandthesunshoneburninglyuponthem，Antoniacouldnotlongendurethisrapidprogress；addedtowhichthefearfulwhirlwindsoonarose，andthefigurethathadbeenscarcelyvisiblebeforefadedfromtheireyes，likesomephantomofthemistinautumn。
Withtherisingmoontheybegananewtohastenforward，callingloudlyupontheunfortunatewanderer，andflutteringwhitehandkerchiefstiedtotheirwalking-staffs，assignalflags，hutitwasallinvain。Theobjectthathaddisappearedremainedlosttoview。Onlyafewgiraffessprangshylypastthem，andtheostrichesquickenedtheirspeed。
Atlength，asmorningdawned，Antoniapausedandsaid，\"Thoucanstnotleaveme，brother，inthissolitude，andIcannotgoasinglestepfarther。GodwillprotectthenobleFadrique。Howcouldafatherforsakesuchamodelofknightlyexcellence？\"\"Thediscipleshamestheteacher，\"repliedHeimbert，hissadfacebrighteningintoasmile。\"Wehavedoneourpart，andwemayconfidentlyhopethatGodwillcometotheaidofourfailingpowersanddowhatisnecessary。\"Ashespokehespreadhismantleonthesand，thatAntoniamightrestmorecomfortably。Suddenlylookingup，heexclaimed，\"Oh，God！yonderliesaman，completelyburiedinthesand。Oh，thathemaynotbealreadydead！\"
Heimmediatelybegantosprinklewine，fromtheflaskhecarried，onthebrowofthefaintingtraveller，andtochafehistempleswithit。
Themanatlastslowlyopenedhiseyesandsaid，\"Ihadhopedthemorningdewwouldnotagainhavefallenonme，butthatunknownandunlamentedImighthaveperishedhereinthedesert，asmustbethecaseintheend。\"Sosayingheclosedhiseyesagain，likeoneintoxicatedwithsleep，butHeimbertcontinuedhisrestorativesunwearyingly，andatlengththerefreshedwandererhalfraisedhimselffromthesandwithanexclamationofastonishment。
HelookedfromHeimberttohiscompanion，andfromheragainatHeimbert，andsuddenlyexclaimed，gnashinghisteeth，\"Ha，wasittohethus！Iwasnoteventobeallowedtodieinthedullhappinessofquietsolitude！Iwastobefirstdoomedtoseemyrival’ssuccessandmysister’sshame！\"AtthesametimehesprangtohisfeetwithaviolenteffortandrushedforwarduponHeimbertwithdrawnsword。ButHeimbertmovedneitherswordnorarm，andmerelysaid，inagentlevoice，\"Weariedout，asyounoware，Icannotpossiblyfightwithyou；besides，Imustfirstplacethisladyinsecurity。\"Antonia，whohadatfirstgazedwithmuchemotionattheangryknight，nowsteppedsuddenlybetweenthetwomenandcriedout，\"Oh，Fadrique，neithermiserynorangercanutterlydisfigureyou。
Butwhathasmynoblebrotherdonetoyou？\"\"Brother？\"saidFadrique，withastonishment。\"Orgodfather，orconfessor，\"
interruptedHeimbert，\"asyouwill。OnlydonotcallherZelinda，forhernameisnowAntonia；sheisaChristian，andwaitstobeyourbride。\"Fadriquestoodfixedwithsurprise，butHeimbert’strue-
heartedwordsandAntonia’slovelyblushessoonrevealedthehappyenigmatohim。Hesankdownbeforethelonged-forformwithasenseofexquisitedelight，andinthemidstoftheinhospitabledeserttheflowersofloveandgratitudeandconfidencesenttheirsweetnessheavenward。
Theexcitementofthishappysurpriseatlastgavewaytobodilyfatigue。Antonia，likesomedroopingblossom，stretchedherfairformontheagainburningsand，andslumberedundertheprotectionofherloverandherchosenbrother。\"Sleepalso，\"saidHeimbertsoftlytoFadrique；\"youmusthavewanderedaboutwildlyandwearily，forexhaustionispressingdownyoureyelidswithleadenweight。Iamquitefresh，andIwillwatchmeanwhile。\"\"Ah，Heimbert，\"sighedthenobleCastilian，\"mysisteristhine，thoumessengerfromHeaven；
thatisanunderstoodthing。Butnowforouraffairofhonor！\"
\"Certainly，\"saidHeimbert，verygravely，\"assoonasweareagaininSpain，youmustgivemesatisfactionforthatover-hastyexpression。
Tillthen，however，Ibegyounottomentionit。Anunfinishedquarrelisnogoodsubjectforconversation。\"
Fadriquelaidhimselfsadlydowntorest，overcomebylong-resistedsleep，andHeimbertkneltdownwithagladheart，thankingthegoodGodforhavinggivenhimsuccess，andforblessing，himwithafuturefullofjoyfulassurance。
CHAPTERXVI。
Thenextdaythethreetravellersreachedtheedgeofthedesert，andrefreshedthemselvesforaweekinanadjacentvillage，which，withitsshadytreesandgreenpastures，seemedlikealittleparadiseincontrasttothejoylessSahara。Fadrique’sconditionespeciallymadethisrestnecessary。Hehadneverleftthedesertduringthewholetime，gaininghissubsistencebyfightingwithwanderingArabs，andoftenalmostexhaustedbytheutterwantofallfoodanddrink。Atlengthhehadbecomesothoroughlyconfusedthatthestarscouldnolongerguidehim，andhehadbeendrivenabout，sadlyandobjectless，likethedustcloudsofthedesert。
Evennow，attimes，whenhewouldfallasleepafterthemiddaymeal，andAntoniaandHeimbertwouldwatchhisslumbersliketwosmilingangels，hewouldsuddenlystartupandgazeroundhimwithaterrifiedair，andthenitwasnottillhehadrefreshedhimselfbylookingatthetwofriendlyfacesthathewouldsinkbackagainintoquietrepose。Whenquestionedonthematter，afterhewasfullyawake，hetoldthemthatinhiswanderingsnothinghadbeenmoreterribletohimthanthedeludingdreamswhichhadtransportedhim，sometimestohisownhome，sometimestothemerrycampofhiscomrades，andsometimesintoZelinda’spresence，andthenleavinghimdoublyhelplessandmiserableinthehorriblesolitudeasthedelusionvanished。Itwasonthisaccountthatevennowwakingwasfearfultohim，andeveninsleepavagueconsciousnessofhispastsufferingswouldoftendisturbhim。\"Youcannotimagineit，\"headded。\"Tobesuddenlytransportedfromwell-knownscenesintotheboundlessdesert！Andinsteadofthelonged-forenchantingfaceofmybeloved，toseeanuglycamel’sheadstretchedovermeinquisitivelywithitslongneck，startingbackasIrosewithstillmoreuglytimidity！\"
This，withallotherpainfulconsequencesofhispastmiseries，soonwhollyvanished，fromFadrique’smind，andtheycheerfullysetoutontheirjourneytoTunis。Theconsciousness，indeed，ofhisinjusticetoHeimbertanditsunavoidableresultsoftenlaylikeaclouduponthenobleSpaniard’sbrow，butitalsosoftenedthenaturalproudseverityofhisnature，andAntoniacouldclingthemoretenderlyandcloselytohimwithherlovingheart。
Tunis，whichhadbeenbeforesoamazedatZelinda’smagicpowerandenthusiastichostilityagainsttheChristians，nowwitnessedAntonia’ssolemnbaptisminanewly-consecratededifice，andsoonafterthethreecompanionstookshipwithafavorablewindforMalaga。
CHAPTERXVII。
BesidethefountainwhereshehadpartedfromHeimbert，DonaClarawassittingoneeveningindeepthought。Theguitaronherkneesgaveforthafewsolitarychords，dreamilydrawnfromit，asitwere，byherdelicatehands，andatlengthformingthemselvesintoamelody，whilethefollowingwordsdroppedsoftlyfromherpartlyopenedlips：
\"Faraway，’foreTunisramparts，WheretheChristianarmylies，PaynimhostarefiercelyfightingWithSpanishtroopsandSpain’sallies。
Whofrombloodstainedliliesthere，Anddeath’srosespaleandfair——
Whohasbornetheconquerer’sprize？
\"AskDukeAlba，askDukeAlba，Whichtwoknightstheirfamehaveproved，Onewasmyownvaliantbrother，Theotherwasmyheart’sbeloved。
AndIthoughtthatIshouldcrownthem，Doublybrightwithglory’sprize，Andawidow’sveilisfallingDoublyo’ermyweepingeyes，Forthebraveknightsne’eragainWillbefoundmidlivingmen。\"
Themusicpaused，andsoftdew-dropsfellfromherheavenlyeyes。
Heimbert，whowasconcealedundertheneighboringorange-trees，feltsympathetictearsrollingdownhischeeks，andFadrique，whohadledhimandAntoniathere，couldnolongerdelaythejoyofmeeting，butsteppingforwardwithhistwocompanionshepresentedhimselfbeforehissister，likesomeangelicmesssenger。
Suchmomentsofextremeandsuddendelight，theheavenlyblessingslongexpectedandrarelyvouchsafed，arebetterimaginedbyeachafterhisownfashion，anditisdoingbutanillservicetorecountallthatthisonedidandthatonesaid。Pictureitthereforetoyourself，dearreader，afteryourownfancy，asyouarecertainlyfarbetterabletodo，ifthetwolovingpairsinmystoryhavebecomedeartoyouandyouhavegrownintimitewiththem。Ifthat，however，benotthecase，whatistheuseofwastingunnecessarywords？Forthebenefitofthosewhowithheart-feltpleasurecouldhavelingeredoverthismeetingofthesisterwithherbrotherandherlover，I
willproceedwithincreasedconfidence。AlthoughHeimbert，castingasignificantlookatFadrique，wasonthepointofretiringassoonasAntoniahadbeenplacedunderDonaClara’sprotection，thenobleSpaniardwouldnotpermithim。Hedetainedhiscompanion-in-armswithcourteousandbrotherlyrequeststhathewouldremaintilltheeveningrepast，atwhichsomerelativesoftheMendezfamilyjoinedtheparty，andintheirpresenceFadriquedeclaredthebraveHeimbertofWaldhausentobeDonaClara’sfiance，sealingthebetrothalwiththemostsolemnwords，sothatitmightremainindissoluble，whatevermightafterwardoccurwhichshouldseeminimicaltotheirunion。Thewitnessesweresomewhatastonishedatthesestrangeprecautionarymeasures，butatFadrique’sdesiretheyunhesitatinglygavetheirwordthatallshouldbecarriedoutashewished，andtheydidthisthemoreunhesitatinglyastheDukeofAlba，whohadjustbeeninMalagaonsometrivialbusiness，hadfilledthewholecitywiththepraisesofthetwoyoungcaptains。
Astherichestwinewasnowpassingroundthetableinthetallcrystalgoblets，FadriquesteppedbehindHeimbert’schairandwhisperedtohim，\"Ifitpleaseyou，Senor——themoonisjustrisenandisshiningasbrightasday——Iamreadytogiveyousatisfaction。\"Heimbertnoddedinassent，andthetwoyouthsquittedthehall，followedbythesweetsalulationsoftheunsuspectingladies。
Astheypassedthroughthebeautifulgarden，Fadriquesaid，withasigh，\"Wecouldhavewanderedheresohappilytogether，butformyover-rashness！\"\"Yes，indeed，\"saidHeimbert，\"butsoitis，anditcannotbeotherwise，ifwewouldcontinuetolookuponeachotherasasoldierandanobleman。\"\"True！\"repliedFadrique，andtheyhastenedtoreachadistantpartofthegarden，wherethesoundoftheirclashingswordscouldnotreachthegayhallofbetrothaltheyhadleft。
CHAPTERXVIII。
Secretandinclosed，withbloomingshrubsplantedaround，withnotasoundtobeheardofthemerrycompany，noroftheanimatedstreetsofthecity，withthefullmoonshiningoverheadandbrighteningthesolemncirclewithitsclearbrilliancy——suchwasthespot。Thetwocaptainsunsheathedtheirgleamingswordsandstoodoppositeeachother，readyfortheencounter。Butbeforetheybeganthecombatanoblerfeelingdrewthemtoeachother’sarms；theyloweredtheirweaponsandembracedinthemostfraternalmanner。Theythentorethemselvesawayandthefearfulcontestbegan。
Theywerenownolongerbrothers-in-arms，nolongerfriends，nolongerbrothers-in-law，whodirectedtheirsharpsteelsagainsteachother。Withthemostresoluteboldness，butwiththecoolestcollectedness，eachfelluponhisadversary，guardinghisownbreastatthesametime。Afterafewhotanddangerouspassesthecombatantswereobligedtorest，andduringthepausetheyregardedeachotherwithincreasedlove，eachrejoicingtofindhiscomradesovaliantandsohonorable。Andthenthefatalstrifebegananew。
WithhislefthandHeimbertdashedasideFadrique’ssword，whichhadbeenaimedathimwithathrustintierce，sideward，butthekeenedgehadpenetratedhisleathernglove，andtheredbloodgushedout。
\"Hold！\"criedFadrique，andtheysearchedforthewound，butsoonperceivingthatitwasofnoimportance，andbindingitup，theybothbeganthecombatwithundiminishedvigor。
ItwasnotlongbeforeHeimbert’sbladepiercedFadrique’srightshoulder，andtheGerman，feelingthathehadwoundedhisopponent，nowonhissidecalledouttohalt。AtfirstFadriquewouldnotacknowledgetotheinjury，butsoonthebloodbegantotrickledown，andhewasobligedtoaccepthisfriend’scarefulassistance。Stillthiswoundalsoappearedinsignificant，thenobleSpaniardstillfeltpowertowieldhissword，andagainthedeadlycontestwasrenewedwithknightlyardor。
Presentlythegarden-gateclanked，andthesoundofahorse’sstepwasheardadvancingthroughtheshrubbery。Bothcombatantspausedintheirsternworkandturnedtowardtheunwelcomedisturber。ThenextmomentthroughtheslenderpinesahorsemanwasvisiblewhosedressandbearingproclaimedhimawarriorandFadrique，asmasterofthehouse，atonceaddressedhim。\"Senor，\"saidhe，\"whyyoucomehere，intrudingintoastrangegarden，wewillinquireatanothertime。
ForthepresentIwillonlyrequestyoutoleaveusfreefromfurtherinterruptionbyimmediatelyretiring，andtofavormewithyourname。\"\"RetireIwillnot，\"repliedthestranger，\"butmynameI
willgladlytellyou。IamtheDukeofAlba。\"Andashespoke，byamovementofhischargerabrightmoonbeamfelluponhispalethinface，thedwelling-placeofallthatwasgrandandworthyandterrible。Thetwocaptainsbowedlowanddroppedtheirweapons。
\"Ioughttoknowyou，\"continuedAlba，lookingatthemwithhissparklingeyes。\"Yes，truly，Iknowyouwell，youarethetwoyoungheroesatthebattleofTunis。Godbepraisedthattwosuchbravewarriors，whomIhadgivenupforlost，arestillalive；buttellme，whatisthisaffairofhonorthathasturnedyourgoodswordsagainsteachother？ForIhopeyouwillnothesitatetodeclaretomethecauseofyourknightlycontest。\"
Theycompliedwiththegreatduke’sbehest。Boththenobleyouthsrelatedthewholecircumstances，fromtheeveningprevioustotheirembarkationuptothepresentmoment，whileAlbaremainedbetweenthem，insilentthought，almostmotionless，likesomeequestrianstatue。
CHAPTERXIX。
TheCaptainshadalreadylongfinishedtheirstory，andthedukestillremainedsilentandmotionless，indeepreflection。Atlasthebegantospeak，andaddressedthemasfollows：
\"MayGodandhisholywordhelpme，myyoungknights，whenIsaythatIconsider，aftermybestandmostconscientiousbelief，thatthisaffairofyoursisnowhonorablyatanend。TwicehaveyoumeteachotherincontestonaccountofthoseirritatingwordswhichescapedthelipsofDonFadriqueMendezandifindeedtheslightwoundsyouhavehithertoreceivedarenotsufficientcompensationfortheangryexpression，thereisstillyourcommonfightbeforeTunis，andtherescueinthedesertaffordedbySirHeimbertofWaldhausentoDonFadriqueMendez，afterhehadgainedhisbrideforhim。Fromallthis，IconsiderthattheKnightofWaldhausenisentitledtopardonanyoffenceofanadversarytowhomhehasshownhimselfsowellinclined。OldRomanhistorytellsusoftwocaptainsofthegreatJuliusCaesarwhosettledadisputeandcementedaheartyfriendshipwitheachotherwhenengagedinthesameboldfight，deliveringeachotherinthemidstofaGallicarmy。Iaffirm，however，thatyoutwohavedonemoreforeachother：andthereforeIdeclareyouraffairofhonortobesettled，andatanend。Sheatheyourswords，andembraceeachotherinmypresence。\"
Obedienttothecommandoftheirgeneral，theyoungknightsforthepresentsheathedtheirweapons；butanxiouslesttheslightestpossibleshadowshouldfallontheirhonortheyyetdelayedthereconcilingembrace。
ThegreatAlbalookedatthemwithsomewhatofanindignantair，andsaid，\"Doyouthensuppose，youngknights，thatIcouldwishtosavethelivesoftwoheroesattheexpenseoftheirhonor？Iwouldratheratoncehavestruckyoudead，bothofyouatonce。ButIseeplainlythatwithsuchobstinatemindsonemusthaverecoursetoothermeasures。\"
And，dismountingfromhishorse，hefastenedittoatree，andthensteppedforwardbetweenthetwocaptainswithadrawnswordinhisrighthand，cryingout，\"WhoeverwilldenyinanywisethatthequarrelbetweenSirHeimbertofWaldhausenandDonFadriqueMendezishonorablyandgloriouslysettledmustsettlethematterattheperilofhislifewiththeDukeofAlba；andshouldthepresentknightshaveanyobjectiontoraisetothis，letthemdeclareit。Istandhereaschampionformyownconviction。\"
Theyouthsbowedsubmissivelybeforethegreatumpire，andfellintoeachother’sarms。Theduke，however，embracedthembothwithheartyaffection，whichappearedallthemorecharmingandrefreshingasitrarelyburstforthfromthissterncharacter。Thenheledthereconciledfriendsbacktotheirbetrothed，andwhenthese，afterthefirstjoyfulsurprisewasoveratthepresenceofthehonoredgeneral，startedbackatseeingdropsofbloodonthegarmentsoftheyouths，thedukesaid，smiling，\"Oh，yebrideselectofsoldiers，youmustnotshrinkfromsuchjewelsofhonor。Yourloverscouldbringyounofairerweddinggift。\"
ThegreatAlbawasnotnotbedeprivedofthepleasureofenactingtheofficeoffathertothetwohappybrides，andthefestivaloftheirunionwasfixedforthefollowingday。Fromthattimeforththeylivedinundisturbedandjoyfulconcord；andthoughtheKnightHeimbertwasrecalledsoonafterwardwithhislovelyconsorttothebosomofhisGermanFatherland，heandFadriquekeptupthelinkbetweenthembylettersandmessages；andeveninaftertimesthedescendantsofthelordofWaldhausenboastedoftheirconnectionwiththenoblehouseofMendez，whilethelatterhaveeversacredlypreservedthetraditionofthebraveandmagnanimousHeimbert。