The maiden looked fixedly at the young soldier, and seemed
considering with what words to address him, while he, after his long
search and now unexpected success, was equally at a loss. At last
she said in Spanish, "Thou wonderful enigma, I have been witness of
all that has passed between thee and the Arab; and these affairs
confuse my head like a whirlwind. Speak, therefore, plainly, that
I may know whether thou art a madman or an angel?"

"I am neither, dear lady," replied Heimbert, with his wonted
friendliness. "I am only a poor wanderer, who has just been putting
into practice one of the commands of his Master, Jesus Christ."

"Sit down," said Zelinda, "and tell me of thy Master; he must be
himself unprecedented to have such a servant. The night is cool and
still, and at my side thou hast no cause to fear the dangers of the
desert."

"Lady," replied Heimbert, smiling, "I am not of a fearful nature, and
when I am speaking of my dear Saviour my mind is perfectly free from
all alarm."

Thus saying, they both sat down on the now cooled sand and began a
wondrous conversation, while the full moon shone upon them from the
deep-blue heavens above like a magic lamp.

Heimbert's words, full of divine love, truth, and simplicity sank
like soft sunbeams, gently and surely, into Zelinda's, heart, driving