The King's Talisman — page 96: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE KING’ S TALISMAN. 87 passed many steps from the apartment where he had re- ceived his death warrant, a new gleam of light broke in upon hismind. ‘This order of Modad’s he thought, was not so suddenly conceived as might at first appear, though per- — haps he had not intended to have executed his purpose so quickly as had now been done. ‘“For those whom the king now sent on his mission to Khaibar, with the exception of his trusty Nubians,” thought Al-Bassa, to himself, ‘‘he has prepared a sure safeguard for their secrecy, in death. Perhaps this old soothsayer is also possessed of his seeret, and hence he would have me put him out of the way. Me he chooses for this _ work, because I alone might know the reason for the old man’s death, and then, I am the only living witness of his perfidy, and my death would be sure to follow! Modad has meditated my death from the first, but has not dared to take it openty. Now I must make an effort to escape from his tyranny.” The eunuchs, obedient to their master’s command, laid hold of the old man to conduct him to the gloomy dungeon. The old counselor moved like one in a dream, and looked round as he passed, hoping for some avenue whereby help might come. As he thus lagged in his movement, the eunuchs took him by the arm to help him along. The counselor’s eyes were fastened upon the wall, from which a window appeared to open to the divan. Every nerve was strained to its utmost, and withvone quick, sudden bound, the prisoner leaped from those who held him. His sword flewefrom its sheath, and almost with the speed of light, he darted toward the great chamber of audtence. The heavy tapestry that guarded its entrance was thrown aside—the window that overlooked the court was gained—the stained glass fell in a thousand fragments upon the pavement be- ~ neath, and in an instant more, untouched by the half petri- fied, pursuing eunuchs, Al-Bassa fell heavily amid the rat- - Eomichbooks EO