When the Hadgé found that the stranger had not partaken of any refreshment, he was going to rebuke his slave, when Abensallah turned his wrath into pleasure, by assuring him the young man had done better by attending to his discourse. Concluding that so pious a personage could only have talked upon one topic, Tefza smiled graciously, and leading his guest down to a covered apartment, ordered a dish of kusscason, and dried fruits. During supper, Sebastian discovered that Abensallah had introduced himself in the chief mosque to the Hadgé, and proclaiming himself the hermit of Benzeroel, had immediately received an invitation to rest for the night under his roof: he was to set off again the ensuing day. “A charitable errand brought me to Riffa,” he said, addressing Tefza, “our blessed prophet has allowed me to fulfil it: by sun-rise to-morrow I must return to my mountain, for many unfortunates are now perhaps waiting for me there to ask my feeble prayers,--let this Christian accompany me a little on my way.” Tefza joyfully consented, and they separated for the night.--There was no sleep in the breast of Sebastian, agitated by anxiety to learn more of Aziek’s situation, and thrilling with a multitude of sweet anticipations, he left his bed, and traversed his room: sometimes he stopt and embraced Barémel, thanking him for having preserved a life now unspeakably dear to him; but still oftener he prostrated himself before the cross, and yielded up his whole soul to the delightful duty of gratitude. It was in these moments that the proud spirit which had rebelled against its trials, and dared to question divine justice, became soft and malleable, and melted into penitence: how was he touched and overcome when he reflected, that at the very time he was resisting the almighty hand, that bounteous hand was preparing for him the most miraculous blessing! Struck, penetrated with remorse, he wept his fault; and never was the imperious monarch of Portugal more humble, more impressed with a sense of human dependance, than at this period when happiness seemed to woo his embrace. CHAP. VIII. Day dawned over the high top of Atlas, bringing the hour for Abensallah’s departure; Sebastian was first ready: they set off together, the former seated on a quiet mule, which Tefza kindly forced the dervise to accept; the latter walking by his side. No sooner were they beyond the precincts of Riffa, and passing under the refreshing shade of trees, than Sebastian besought his companion to proceed with his narrative: Abensallah hastened to acquiesce.