A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

149
I thought that perhaps it would be well to know what might be
Layelah's plan of escape, for I might then make use of it to save
Almah. I determined to find out all about it on the following
jom--to question her as to the lands of the Gojin, to learn all her
purpose. It might be that I could make use of that very plan to save
Almah; but if not, why then I was resolved to remain and meet my fate
with her. If Layelah could be induced to take both of us, I was of
course resolved to go, trusting to chance as to the claims of Layelah
upon me, and determined at all hazards to be faithful to Almah; but if
she should positively refuse to save Almah, then I thought it possible
that I might be able to find in Layelah's plan of escape something of
which I might avail myself. I could not imagine what it was, but it
seemed to me that it might be something quite feasible, especially for
a desperate man. The only thought I had was of escape by means of some
boat over the seas. In a boat I would be at home. I could make use of
a sail so as to elude pursuit, and could guide myself by the stars.
The only thing that I wanted to know was the situation of the lands of
the Gojin.
On the following jom the Kohen Gadol and Layelah came quite early
and spent much time. I was surprised to see the Kohen Gadol devoting
himself in an absurd fashion to Almah. It at once occurred to me that
Layelah had obtained her father's co-operation in her scheme, and that
the old villain actually imagined that he could win the hand of Almah.
To Almah herself I had said nothing whatever about the proposal of
Layelah, so that she was quite ignorant of the intentions of her
companion; but it was excessively annoying to me to see such
proceedings going on under my own eyes. At the same time I felt that
it would be both unwise and uncivil to interfere; and I was also quite
sure that Almah's affections were not to be diverted from me by
anyone, much less by such an elderly party as the Kohen Gadol. It was
very trying, however, and, in spite of my confidence in Almah, my
jealousy was excited, and I began to think that the party of
philosophical Radicals were not so agreeable as the orthodox cannibals
whom I first met. As for Layelah, she seemed quite unconscious of any
disturbance in my mind. She was as amiable, as sprightly, as
inquisitive, and as affectionate as ever. She even outdid herself, and
devoted herself to me with an abandon that was quite irresistible.
After Almah had left me, Layelah came again, and this time she was
alone.