[9] Suspended
from the walls were a shield, some bows and arrows, and other arms.
As the Prince of the Captivity knelt down and kissed the vacant couch, a
figure advanced from the extremity of the cavern into the light. He
was a man of middle age, considerably above the common height, with
a remarkably athletic frame, and a strongly-marked but majestic
countenance. His black beard descended to his waist, over a dark red
robe, encircled by a black girdle embroidered with yellow characters,
like those sculptured on the brazen table. Black also was his turban,
and black his large and luminous eye.
The stranger advanced so softly, that Alroy did not perceive him, until
the Prince again rose.
'Jabaster!' exclaimed the Prince.
'Sacred seed of David,' answered the Cabalist,[10] 'thou art expected. I
read of thee in the stars last night. They spoke of trouble.'
'Trouble or triumph, Time must prove which it is, great master. At
present I am a fugitive and exhausted. The bloodhounds track me, but
methinks I have baffled them now. I have slain an Ishmaelite.'
CHAPTER III
_The Hope of Israel_
IT WAS midnight. Alroy slept upon the couch: his sleep was troubled.
Jabaster stood by his side motionless, and gazing intently upon his
slumbering guest.
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