Presently he found him seeking for Issachar in company with his guards.
“Have no fear, Prince,” Metem said, in answer to his eager questions, “he is safe enough, for the soldiers have borne the fool away. Pardon me that I should speak thus of a holy man, but he has put all our lives in danger.”
“I do not pardon you,” answered Aziel hotly, “and I honour Issachar for his act and words. Let us begone from this accursed place whither you entrapped me.”
Before Metem could reply a voice cried, “Close the doors of the sanctuary, so that none can pass in or go out, and let the sacrifice be offered.”
“Listen, Prince,” said Metem, “you must stay here till the ceremony is done.”
“Then I tell you, Phœnician,” answered Aziel, “that rather than suffer that luckless child to be butchered before my eyes I will cut my way to it with my guards, and rescue it alive.”
“To leave yourself dead in place of it,” answered Metem sarcastically; “but, see, a woman desires to speak with you,” and he pointed to a girl in the robe of a priestess, whose face was hidden with a veil, and who, in the tumult and confusion, had worked her way to Aziel.
“Prince,” whispered the veiled form, “I am Elissa. For your life’s sake keep still and silent, or you will be stabbed, for your words have been overheard, and the priests are mad at the insult that has been put upon them.”
“Away with you, woman,” answered Aziel; “what have I to do with a girl of the groves and a murderess of children?”
She winced at his bitter words, but said quietly:—