somewhat in consequence of the investigation. The small casket was produced by Solomon voluntarily and held openly in his hand. No weapons or correspondence was discovered. The box was ordered opened to reveal concealed poison,if any there should be. “What are these papers?” inquired Don Abraham, looking at the ancient parchment fragments. “No physician travels without the mysteries of his art,” replied the Jew gravely. The investigation of Pietro produced only the ivory cross, and Don Abraham professed to hold that symbol in sufficient veneration to accept it as testimony of the harmlessness of his prisoners. These details were inscribed in due form, and Don Abraham subscribed them with a flourish, complex and intricate, and then his full name underneath,—“Don Abraham Abouyacoub,” in Latin characters, that partook of as close similarity to Arabic in formation as the simpler Latin could well assume. “You are dismissed for the present,” he said, “but without orders you are not permitted to quit this camp.” The attendants then retired and Don Abraham, quickly turning towards the strangers, signified by an emphatic gesture his request that Solomon and Pietro remain where they were. They accordingly seated themselves and waited. At this moment the camp was quiet. Only the lone flame of a few scattered fires gave any light above the somber gloom of the forest. Within a very brief time a quiet figure arrayed in a dark robe thrown over his armor quickly approached. A few words in Arabic in a ow tone speedily announced Don Abraham himself.
