"I would go to my master, wherever he may be, lady," answered Conrin. "I fear some danger threatens him; I know not what, but dark forebodings steal across my soul. I cannot look upon the future as I used to do, hoping for days of brightness and joy; my heart no longer bounds as it was wont, with thoughts of happiness. Oh let me seek my master, that I may guard him from the threatened harm, if still I may! I would too, gaze upon his loved features once again before I die, for too surely do I feel the troubled inward spirit preparing for its flight to quit this world. I feel that nothing can avert my death, come how it may." "Boy, you speak of strange, mysterious things," exclaimed Ina, in an alarmed tone. "Why think you danger threatens my dear brother? and why these sad forebodings of your own fate?" "Lady, I come of a race who oft see things hidden from duller eyes; and once, it is said, our ancestors could foretell either the death of mortals, or their destiny; but the power has passed away, as we have mixed our blood with other tribes. Yet, even now, we often see the shadow of a coming evil; and it is a curse upon our race, that we cannot guard against it when it threatens ourselves. For others yet we may, and thus I would attempt to guard my master." "Conrin, you persuade me strongly to let you go; and for my dear brother's sake I will, though I should be loath to part from you. Oh, shield him, if you can, from danger, and may Allah bless you!" "Thanks, lady, thanks! Even now my spirits lighten of their load," exclaimed Conrin. "I would set off this day; another may be too late." "You cannot journey alone, on that road, dear page," said Ina; "you shall accompany the first band of warriors who set forward for the camp." "Oh, I would find my way alone, through every obstacle, to meet your noble brother," said the boy, eagerly. "Conrin, that cannot be; you know not half the dangers which would beset you on the road. To-morrow, perhaps, some warriors may go forth. You said you had a secret that you would not tell; but let me hear it; for much do I love you, for the affection which you bear my brother; and much it pains my heart to think that yours must bleed without a sympathising friend, to soothe your pain. Ah! how blind I have been! a thought has opened now my eyes. Come hither; let me whisper to your ear." The gentle Ina bent over her page's head. A deep blush suffused the boy's cheeks; his eyes filled with tears. "Ah! it is so? Let me weep with you," she cried. "But, be of good hope, all may yet be well. Such love as yours cannot go unrequited." Old Kahija was certain to intrude when she was least wanted; and at that instant she made her appearance, hobbling in, for she was somewhat unwieldy in her gait. Her cheeks almost burst with impatience to communicate some important information.