'
'I almost wish I had been a Jew,' exclaimed Scherirah, musing. 'My
mother was a good woman.' 'The Jews are very rich,' said the third
robber. 'When you get to Jerusalem, David, you will see the Christians,'
continued Scherirah.
'The accursed Giaours,' exclaimed Kisloch, 'we are all against them.'
'With their white faces,' exclaimed the negro. 'And their blue eyes,'
said the Indian. 'What can you expect of men who live in a country
without a sun?' observed the Guebre.
Alroy awoke about two hours after midnight. His companions were in deep
slumber. The moon had set, the fire had died away, a few red embers
alone remaining; dark masses of shadow hung about the amphitheatre. He
arose and cautiously stepped over the sleeping bandits. He was not
in strictness a prisoner; but who could trust to the caprice of these
lawless men? To-morrow might find him their slave, or their companion in
some marauding expedition, which might make him almost retrace his steps
to the Caucasus, or to Hamadan. The temptation to ensure his freedom
was irresistible. He clambered up the ruined wall, descended into the
intricate windings that led to the Ionic fane, that served him as a
beacon, hurried through the silent and starry streets, gained the great
portal, and rushed once more into the desert.
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