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。
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