already know everything which has passed between Zelinda and me. In
case, however, that it is not so, I will tell you briefly that she is
already as good as a Christian, and that she is the betrothed of a
noble Spanish knight. Place nothing in the way of her good
intention; I advise you for your own sake. But still better for your
own sake would it be if you would become a Christian yourself.
Discuss the matter with me, and first bid all this mad devilish show
to cease, for our religion, dear sir, speaks of far too tender and
divine things to be talked of with violence or with the loud voice
necessary on the field of war."

But the Dervish, burning with hatred to the Christians, had not
waited to hear the knight's last words when he rushed at him with his
drawn scimitar. Heimbert merely parried his thrust, saying, "Take
care of yourself, sir! I have heard something of your weapons being
charmed, but that will avail but little before my sword. It has been
consecrated in holy places."

The Dervish sprang wildly back before the sword, but equally wildly
did he spring to the other side of his adversary, who only with
difficulty caught the terrible cuts of his weapon upon his shield.
Like a gold-scaled dragon the Mohammedan swung himself round his
antagonist with an agility which, with his long flowing white beard,
was ghostly and horrible to witness. Heimbert was prepared to meet
him on all sides, ever keeping a watchful eye for some opening in the
scales made by the violence of his movements. At last it happened as
he desired; between the arm and breast on the left side the dark
garments of the Dervish became visible, and quick as lightning the
German made a deadly thrust. The old man exclaimed aloud, "Allah!
Allah!" and fell forward, fearful even in his fall, a senseless