The King's Talisman — page 108: what you’re looking at

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

THE KINGS TALISMAN. | 99 and as she spoke, Miriam stepped forward, and held out the small dagger which she still kept in her possession, Selina’s tearful eye grew brighter as she saw the gleam- ing weapon, and while her features grew calm and com- posed, she took the dagger, and unloosed the lacing of her silken vest. ‘‘Go on, Noureddin,” she said, with a potent calmness— ‘and when I see you fall, Selina and Miriam will remain not long behind you.” A tremor shook the young man’s frame, as he saw the significant movement, ‘and averting his gaze from the fatal weapon, he said: ‘* Be sure that I am dead, ere you strike; but if I fall to rise no more, then God direct your hand.” Noureddin seized the fair hand that had been laid upon his arm, and imprinting upon it a warm kiss, he turned his horse’s head away. ‘There was a strange misgiving in his heart as he saw the powerful force that came sweeping down upon him, for he could see no possible way of escape; but he would not let the eunuchs see his thoughts, and assum- ing a confident air and tone, he ordered the pavilion to be moved as far in the rear as possible, and then turning to- ward the still trembling Egyptians, he said: ‘Now, my brave followers, we have got. to fight. I know that the enemy outnumber us, but let us trust in Heaven for aid. Do not shrink nor quail, but strike home with all your might. You all know that good fighting alone can save you, for to submit is but to be instantly murdered. Now, my men, which death will you choose? Will you have your throats cut like dogs, or will you die like the brave men you have already proved yourselves?” The eunuchs gazed upon the calm features of their noble leader; they saw at once how they were situated—that escape was impossible, and that quiet submission would be naught but sure death—and as one man they unslung their lances Gomicbooks (E(e)