Occupied with the most frightful anxiety (for his inconsistent heart could not recover from its first shock,) he scarcely saw the reverend dervise who was folding him to his breast and saving; him his benediction; an observation from Tefza roused him, and faultering out a few grateful words, he sat down opposite to the chamber he longed to penetrate. His eyes now searched those of Abensallah, but extreme earnestness blunted his perception, for he knew not whether it was comfort or commiseration he read in that gently-expressive face: his own looks were only too distinct a transcript of his disturbed soul: the alternate flushings and mortal paleness of his cheeks, could not escape the notice of Tefza, he believed that they were occasioned by the workings of a mind which began to feel the true religion. In fact the Hadgé was now diffusely detailing his errand to Benzeroel, and calling upon Abensallah to assist the great work he had humbly taken in hand: Abensallah bestowed many sincere encomiums upon his pious intention of visiting Mecca, but required to hear the Christian’s sentiments ere he could properly pronounce his own opinion. “Speak to him alone if thou wilt; said the triumphant Tefza, I will yield him every advantage, he shall confess at least, that I am solely actuated by affection for his soul.” At this acceptable proposal, Ismael was called to lead the Hadgé up a flight of steps cut in the rock which led to another cell where lay the Koran and other holy books, and which the dervise denominated his mosque. Sebastian started up on their departure, and stood trembling with repressed eagerness, till the echo of their feet above, was no longer distinct, he then grasped Abensallah’s arm with one hand, while he stretched out the other towards the spring of the secret door.--“She is here? my father?” he said, in a voice that half-demined and half asked the question. “No my son, she is not: prepare thy spirit for still further trials: she is with the servants of the Basha, on the road to Syria.” Abensallah’s first words were sufficient for Sebastian; his soul, already enfeebled by an extreme indulgence of delightful anticipations, had not strength to bear this shock, he staggered a few paces, and fell apparently lifeless against the wall of the cell. On loosening his unhappy friend’s vest, Abensallah perceived Babec, whom he hastily shut into a basket, then returned to the King, and sprinkled his face with water: he revived at length; but with every breath he drew, repeated sighs seemed rending life a second time away.