A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

196
"Well," said Featherstone, "suppose we continue our reading? I believe
it is my turn now. I sha'n't be able to hold out so long as you did,
Oxenden, but I'll do what I can."
Saying this, Featherstone took the manuscript and went on to read.
CHAPTER XXVIII
IN PRISON
It was with hearts full of the gloomiest forebodings that we returned
to the amir, and these we soon found to be fully justified. The
athalebs descended at that point from which they had risen--namely, on
the terrace immediately in front of the cavern where they had been
confined. We then dismounted, and Layelah with the Kosekin guards
accompanied us to our former chambers. There she left us, saying that
a communication would be sent to us.
We were now left to our own conjectures.
"I wonder what they will do to us?" said I.
"It is impossible to tell," said Almah.
"I suppose," said I, "they will punish us in some way; but then
punishment among the Kosekin is what seems honor and reward to me.
Perhaps they will spare our lives, for that in their eyes ought to be
the severest punishment and the deepest disgrace imaginable."
Almah sighed.
"The Kosekin do not always act in this matter as one would suppose,"
said she. "It is quite likely that they may dread our escaping, and
may conclude to sacrifice us at once."
On the next jom I had a visit from the Kohen Gadol. He informed me
that the paupers had held a Council of State, in which they had made a
special examination of our late flight. He and Layelah had both been
examined, as well as the Kosekin who had gone after us; but Layelah's
testimony was by far the most important.