"
"Where then is the offering. I see none, unless it be those doves that
are tied to the wrists of the women?"
"Nay, Issachar," answered Metem smiling darkly, "the gods ask nobler
blood than that of doves. The offering is within, and it is the
first-born child of a priestess of Baaltis."
"O Lord of Heaven!" said Issachar lifting up his eyes, "how long will
you suffer that this murderous and accursed race should defile the face
of earth?"
"Softly, friend," broke in Metem, "I have read your Scriptures, and is
it not set out in them that your great forefather was commanded to offer
up his first-born in such a sacrifice?"
"Blaspheme not," answered the Jew. "He was commanded indeed, that
his heart might be proved, but his hand was stayed. He Whom I worship
delights not in the blood of children."
Here Issachar broke off, suddenly recognising the lady Elissa among the
white-robed priestesses. Watching her, he noted her glance at the window
of Aziel's chamber, and saw what she could not see, that the prince was
seated there. "This daughter of Satan spreads her nets," he muttered
between his teeth. Then a thought struck him, and he added aloud, "Say,
Metem, is it permitted to strangers to witness the rites in yonder
temple?"
"Surely," answered the Phoenician; "that is, if they guard their tongues,
and do nothing to offend."
"Then I desire to see them, Metem, and so doubtless does the prince
Aziel.
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