They passed over various rocks, and were obliged to wade through some small brooks or rivulets which fell from the tops of the mountains, till at length they arrived at a spacious cavern, which was formed by two pendent rocks.
Here the Vizier entered, and, lifting up his chains, knocked against a small door at the extremity of the cavern. In a moment it opened, and four slaves came forward with flambeaux in their hands.
The slaves, seeing their master and the Sultan, fell prostrate: and Horam inquired whether all was safe.
"Yes, my lord," answered the slaves. "We have not been disturbed since my lord first brought us to this gloomy cavern."
"Where is Camul?" said the Vizier.
"He watches," replied the slaves, "with the axe in his hand."
"What hour of the night is it?" said Horam to his slaves.
"The third watch of the night is past," answered the slaves.
"Then enter, my Sultan," said Horam, "and see thine enemies perish from before thee."
"What enemies? and what mysterious place is this?" said the Sultan. "Who is Camul? and what axe doth he bear in his hand? Lead me, Horam, not into danger, and remember that the sabre of my captain hangeth over thy head."