Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAP. XX.--THE CAVERNS OF THE DAHRA. SMALL party of five, mounted on Arab horses, whose distended nostrils, heaving flanks, and drooping ears indicated their exhausted condition, was slowly winding its way up the gorges and ravines lying on the south side of the Lesser Atlas. But few words were spoken by any of the cavalcade, for fatigue had well-nigh worn them out, and each was occupied with the thoughts which thronged tumultuously through his brain. A handsome young man, in the dress of an Arab chieftain, who had been riding in the rear of the party, and reining up from time to time to cast a searching glance towards the south, now pushed forward and spoke a few words of encouragement to a girl bending forward in the saddle with fatigue, although her eyes, flashing forth brightly and undauntedly, showed the unsubdued spirit that reigned within her breast. "Bear up, Zara, my sister," said the young warrior; "another hour will take us to the summit of the range; then we shall be amongst the Ouled-Riah, and shall obtain the refreshment and rest we so sorely need." "Can the Ouled-Riah give me back the mother whom the Roumis slaughtered in yonder oasis, or can they restore life to the father who perished in her defence? Repose may bring comfort to these aching limbs, but the Black Angel alone can heal a heart stricken by so many wounds. Where are my people? Gone, all--all gone, save Azir only. Where are my tribe? Slain, or scattered over the face of the wilderness. What is left for me but a prayer to the Almighty to still my heart and let me be at rest?" and the moisture called up by these sad reflections suffused the eyes of the desert maiden. "Your grief is only too natural, my own sister," exclaimed the young man, casting a glance of...
