selves but tools in the hands of Satan, to harass this solitary young believer, exulted in the supposition that fear for what they were about to inflict on him was the source of those gathering tears; and impatiently they awaited the result of their chief's lengthened conference with the volunteer interpreter.

He was an Englishman; an adventurer who had entered the service of Mahommed Ali, and for the promotion of his worldly advantage had exchanged his nominal Christianity for equally nominal Islamism. His rank in the infidel army was not high, nor did he seek an elevation that would have surrounded him with envious rivals; but the actual influence obtained by ajudicious application of much worldly, scientific, professional, and political knowledge, stood him in more stead than comparative rank would have done. So far was he from seeking notoriety, that few were aware of his history. He was a favorite with those in power; who by craving nothing for himself, and being ready to do a good-natured thing for others, escaped much jealousy, and enjoyed a fair measure of popular good-will. He had taken a liking to Alick Cohen, before he knew more of him than that he was a prisoner, accused by one of the darkest, most malignant of the officials; and the discovery of his English birth, following as it did on an avowal so exceedingly honest and fearless, respecting his race and his religion, altogether completely engaged Ali Mustapha's interest on his behalf.

The conversation ended by an order being given to conduct the prisoner wheresoever this renegade might direct; he making himself accountable for his safe custody till the charge should be settled, established, or disproved.

Alick was, therefore, again hurried away, and to his dismay found that he was not returning to his former prison; earnestly he implored to be allowed, if but for a moment's time, to revisit his wounded friend it was useless: and when he found himself lodged in a comparatively comfortable room, with a stool, a table, and a rude camp-bed, he looked with dissatisfaction on the contrast, and earnestly desired he could transport every indulgence to the narrow, dull, damp prison of Da Costa. When the person whom he could not but regard as his deliverer visited him, he followed up his expressions of gratitude by an earnest intercession for his friend. He too is English,' he said, ‘and equally innocent with myself in this matter. He is wounded, suffering greatly, ignorant of where we are, and will be miserable under the apprehension that my continued absence will occasion; I beseech you, let me be with him.' 'Is he older than yourself?'

'Yes-a dozen years I should say, at least. 'Then he probably misled you. How came you under the guardianship of that worthy Abdalla?'

Alick told him, suppressing all particulars concerning the precise object of their journey; and Mustapha remarked, He certainly must have known the character of the Bedouin, and now he must take the consequences of what he has brought upon himself and you, by this senseless disguise. But what induced you to make such a singular statement of your religion? Did you imagine that in Jerusalem the name of Jew would have helped your case? The very last to do so.'

'But I am a Jew; no drop of Gentile blood is in

termingled with that of my race; and would you have me deny or conceal that fact?'

'Well; grant that you felt bound to declare it, surely the other and contradictory assertion of being also a Christian, was, at least, ill-judged.'

'Do you then doubt the reality of my belief in the Messiah of Israel, who here suffered for our sins, and shall here return in great glory for our deliverance and ultimate triumph? Are you not yourself, as a Christian, rejoicing in that hope, and will you not receive, as a returning brother, a penitent, believing son of Abraham ?'

He held out his hand to the renegade, who, taking it, good-humouredly, though with some embarrassment, said, 'Jew or Christian, Mussulman or Brahmin, each man is, or calls himself, what best suits his own mind, whether from habit, or from finding that he may advantageously depart from his accustomed path. I hold no man in greater or less respect for what he calls himself. If you are returning (supposing we get you out of this awkward position) to England, no doubt your prospects will be much advanced by embracing the ascendant form; but have you any particular tie there? A fine field of enterprise lies open here in the East-opportunities worth grasping at; fame, distinction, emolument, in prospect and possession a vast deal more than the cold, dull routine of English life holds out. I have had the luck so far to be useful to you, for I verily believe they would have put you to death, or inflicted some horrible punishment upon you, without giving you time or opportunity to apprize any person of your doom; and now I can guarantee your safety, I think, if your incli

nation turns to the path I have pointed out; otherwise it is doubtful.'

'Do you mean the Egyptian service?' asked Alick, in surprise.

"Yes: as an officer, with every prospect of rapid advancement.'

'A Jewish officer in command of Egyptian Musselmans! Surely that would be a strange anomaly,' said Alick, smiling at the wildness of the proposal.'

'You are no longer a Jew; you have renounced that form for the religion of England; and by an easier transition, cancelling that, you might assimilate yourself to the predominant faith of the East.'

Alick answered not; he was utterly confounded by what wore so much the aspect of a jest or an insult, that he knew not how to regard it. He fixed a look on his companion, the intentness of which made him shrink a little, but he preserved his composure, and proceeded: To turn Christian, sounds very proper in European ears; to turn Turk far otherwise: but with us the reverse prevails; you must divest yourself of all early prejudices-as indeed you have done in one instance, and by the same process you may overcome a different set of prejudices. I had some trouble in it, therefore I do not expect you to enter all at once into my views for your advantage.'

'Have you, sir, renounced Christianity for Islamism?' asked Alick, still regarding him with the same fixed look.

'I have, sir,' answered the other, eyeing him sternly. 'And do you really believe in Mahomet as the inspired prophet of God?'

Believe! what I believe is no man's business: I

profess myself his obedient servant, as I should profess myself your's, sir, if I was addressing you by letter; but what measure of obedient service I might choose to render to him or to you remains at my own option. The language is every thing you or he can require. But come, time is short, and yours may be particularly so, if I don't take better care of your interests than you seem disposed to do. I shall leave you now to consider, first giving you a short summary of the good things into present possession of which, as a devout young Mussulman, you may forthwith enter, and take a full swing, in the gay sunshine of youth. First

'Don't begin numbering your thirty pieces of silver,' interrupted Alick, whose disgust and indignation could no longer be restrained. There was one Jew found sufficiently infamous to sell his Lord; there may have been others-I hope not-but if the whole world conspired to sell Him, I will be no party to the sacrilegious compact. What are all the joys of earth to the joy my heart has known since it hailed him its King and God! Tempt me no more; a thousand deaths would be preferable to such foul apostacy.'

Boy!' said the other, 'I will not chastise you for this. Nay, more; knowing as I do the horrors of the fate that awaits you, I will even pass it over as the raving of a mind overheated by excitement, and unnerved by fatigue. Here I leave you, to refresh yourself by proper food and rest; which is all I could gain liberty to do for you. It is well for you that I am not the fanatic you are, or feign to be.' He turned abruptly and left him.

His departure was a great relief to Alick, who felt