Meanwhile the Vekeel had become aware of what was going forward on the platform; he leaped in fury from his seat to restore order, intending to seize Orion whom he fancied he had seen, or, if necessary to cut him down with his own hand.

But a vast multitude stopped his progress, for a fearful horde of released prisoners with Orion at their head had come rushing down to the scene of the festival yelling:  “Fire! the prison is burning, the town is in flames!”

Every one who could run fled at once to Memphis to save his house, his possessions and those dear to him.  Like a flock of doves scared by the scream of a hawk, like autumn leaves driven before the wind, the multitude dispersed.  They hurried back to the town in wild tumult and inextricable confusion, jumping into the festal cars, cutting loose the horses from that of the goddess of health, to mount them and ride home, overthrowing everything that stood in their way and dragging back the Vekeel who was striving, sword in hand, to get to the pontoon.

The smoke and flames of the city were rising every moment, and acted like magic in spurring the flying crowd to reach their homes in time.  But, before Obada had succeeded in his efforts, the pushing throng were once more brought to a standstill; horses were heard approaching.  Dense masses of dust hid them and their riders; but it was certainly an armed troop that was coming clattering onwards, for flashing gleams were seen here and there through the dull clouds that shrouded them, the reflection of the sun’s bright rays from polished and glittering helmets, breast-plates, and sabres.

Now they were visible even where the Vekeel was.  Foremost rode the Kadi, and just as he came up with Obada he sprang from the saddle on to the wooden structure, and with a loud cry of:  “Free-saved!” in which all the joy of his heart found utterance, he stretched out both his hands to Paula, who was advancing towards the shore clinging closely to Orion.

Othman did not observe the Vekeel, who was but a few paces distant.  The words “Free!” “Saved!” from the supreme judge, gave the negro to understand that a pardon must have arrived for his youthful foe, and this of course implied the condemnation of his own proceedings.  All his hopes were wrecked, for this meant that Omar still ruled and that the attempt on the Khaliff’s life had failed.  Dismissal, punishment or death must be his doom, when Amru should return.  Still, he would not succumb till the instrument of his ruin had preceded him to the grave.  Taking the Kadi by surprise he thrust him aside, and prepared to deal a fearful blow that should fell Orion before he himself should fall.  But the captain of the body-guard, who had followed Othman, had watched his movements:  Swift as lightning he rose in his saddle and swung his cimeter, which cut deep into the Vekeel’s neck.  With a hideous curse Obada let his arm drop, and fell struggling for his last breath at the feet of the newly united couple.