The party whom they had left to protect their fair charge, seemed not to

attract the hostility of their foes, for among that band none had

fallen; but, at the moment they were again about to join, a strong troop

of Cossacks were seen advancing at full gallop, with loud shouts, to

attack them.

"There has been treachery at work, oh! men of Atteghei! or we should

never have been caught in this toil; but, my gallant friends, we must

cut our way through them, or die, wreaking due vengeance on their heads.

Let us now remember that we fight for the fair ones we are bound to

protect. On, my brave followers--on, men of Atteghei, and shew our

dastard foes that we fear not a host such as they. We will hew a way

for ourselves through their crowded ranks, and pass the guns of their

fort, leaving those who may survive our charge to follow if they will.

On, gallant warriors, on!" shouted their noble leader.

Hearing these words, the band again raised their terrific war-cry,

overpowering the rattling sound of the musketry, and rushed impetuously

to meet the charge which the advancing troops of fierce Cossacks seemed

about to make.

On both parties rushed, shrieking in their eagerness; their eyes

starting from their sockets; their sabres clenched firmly in their

hands; the hoofs of their steeds spurning the soil, and foam flying from

their nostrils. The meeting crash of the hostile cavalry was terrific;

but many of the first ranks of the Cossacks were overthrown by the

superior agility of the Circassian warriors, their active steeds well

seconding their riders, as their swords whirled rapidly round their

heads, and descended with tremendous force on the unguarded bodies of

their foes, whose sabres were shivered against their steel breast-plates

and helmets.

So fierce was the onslaught of the mountaineers, that the sturdy

horsemen of the plain recoiled at first before their desperate charge.

They might have succeeded in cutting their way through the ranks of

their opponents, had they not been already weakened, and their numbers

thinned by the deadly fire of the infantry, who continued to harass

their rear from a distance; part only as yet having reached the spot to

which the combat had been removed. These were kept at bay by a few

horsemen who wheeled rapidly again and again when they ventured to

approach; caring but little for the infantry, whom they despised now

that their guns were destroyed; yet the force of the Cossacks was almost

overpowering, so that nothing but the most determined and desperate

bravery would have excited the Circassians to persist in the unequal

combat.

Their movements too were impeded by the women. The young Ina, undaunted

amid the scene of desperate strife, endeavoured to urge her palfrey to

her father's side; and was almost surrounded by the enemy, when the

chieftain hewed his way towards her, and cleared a passage for her

escape. Yet, notwithstanding the most heroic and desperate fighting,

the Circassians were at length driven back towards the river, when

nothing seemed to remain for them but to sell their lives dearly, or to

yield themselves as prisoners to their detested foes. The courage of

the chieftain, even then, quailed not before the danger; but he thought

of his loved Ina, and what her fate might be should he fall.

Again shouting their war-cry, his clansmen rallied round him, having

retreated a short space to renew the charge. On they rushed with a

furious shock; but it was only to find the hopelessness of their

attempt.

The attacks of the foes seemed principally directed against the

chieftain Arslan Gherrei himself, as he was easily distinguished by his

lofty plume, his jewelled poniard, his rich shining armour, his

impetuous valour, and his noble bearing. The Cossacks pressed round

him, though many of their comrades bit the dust beneath his horse's

feet. A spell seemed thrown over himself and his charger, for the shot

fell harmlessly around them. The noble animal was equally energetic in

the combat, rushing onward, and trampling down his foes, or seizing the

advancing horses with his mouth, trying to overthrow them. [A

well-known fact. The Arab horses constantly fight in this way, with or

without riders.]

Ina, amid the fierce slaughter and loud din of the combat, thought only

of her father, following him with her eyes whenever the tide of battle

carried him from her. Towards her, also, many desperate attacks were

made by the enemy in the attempt apparently to possess themselves of so

lovely a prize; but too many gallant hearts were yet beating with life,

to allow her assailants to succeed while they could yet wield their

weapons.

Among their opponents was one who frequently led the attack, charging

impetuously towards Ina, whenever she was separated from her father; but

it appeared that he, at all times, avoided meeting the chieftain hand to

hand; and once, when he had almost reached Ina, Arslan Gherrei again

returned to her side; and the Cossack officer, as he seemed, turned the

tide of war in another direction. He was a person of great strength and

height, dressed in the Cossack uniform, except that a cap shrouded his

face; but in the skirmish, his vest flying open, discovered a coat of

chain armour, and his cap at the same moment falling off, exhibited the

fierce features of the young Khan Besin Kaloret. A shout of execration

arose from the band of his adopted countrymen, as they discovered the

traitor, and many an arm sought to cut him down; but, conscious of his

shame, he seemed to avoid the strife. Seeing the effect that his

conduct had on the Cossacks, and that he might, after all, lose his

prize, he again desperately joined the combat, which had become fiercer

than ever.

The children of the mountains were still undaunted. Placing the women

in the centre, they determined to succeed in cutting their way, or to

perish in the attempt. Their war-cry was answered from above their

heads; and looking up, they perceived a band of warriors amid the trees

on the mountain's brow, dashing furiously down with headlong speed to

join them.

Scarcely had the Russian infantry, posted in the path, time to perceive

their danger, when the fresh band of Circassian warriors were upon them,

cutting down some with their sharp sabres, trampling over others, and

hurling the rest over the precipices, till none remained to impede their

furious course.

As the gallant men reached the strand, they were met by a strong party

of Russian infantry formed into a hollow square, bristling with

bayonets. But, like a wild mountain torrent, broken loose from some

Alpine lake, nothing could withstand their overwhelming fury.

Concentrating their voices into one loud rending shout, of the most

dreadful sound, they galloped with uplifted sabres at the steel formed

wall.

The Russian front ranks trembled, wavered, and gave way before their

desperate charge, which seemed more like a torrent of wild spirits, than

of men, like themselves; unnerving their arms, and causing their blood

to run cold. The fierce horsemen who rushed over their prostrate

bodies, to succour their hard-pressed countrymen, were led on by a noble

looking cavalier, without defensive armour of any sort, and in the

simple costume of the country; but whose sword dealt dreadful havoc amid

the foe, as he cut his way through their broken ranks.

Among this newly-arrived troop of Circassians, were several chiefs in

armour, some of whom joined the young leader, and others with their

retainers, turned to follow up their success over the infantry, and

prevent their rallying.

Onward flew the young hero, like a flash of lightning, followed by his

squire, and by a youthful page, who kept close to his side, with a

gallant array of horsemen. They shouted loudly to give their countrymen

notice of the succour close at hand, and dashed furiously against the

Cossacks with so tremendous a shock, as to drive them bodily back for an

instant, and to give Arslan Gherrei, and his followers, breathing time

to recover from their exertions.

But the Cossacks, to revenge themselves for the check given to their

nearly-won victory, soon recovering from the effects of the last charge,

gathered in overwhelming numbers round the chieftain Arslan Gherrei,

attacking his followers so furiously, as to separate him from them, and

to hem him in completely. His gallant steed wheeled and pranced high,

attentive to the rein, till receiving a wound in his neck, he became

weak from loss of blood, and began to falter in his movements. Hard

pressed by numbers, the chief was nearly overpowered, when the young

leader we have spoken of, saw his peril, and galloped to his rescue.

At the same moment, Besin Khan, with a strong body of Cossacks, wheeling

round, made a furious charge at the spot, where Ina had been forced by

the press of the combatants to move, when separated from her father,

with a few Circassians only around her. Seizing her horse's rein, after

a desperate defence by her guards, he was on the point of carrying her

off, when the young stranger leader, followed by a small party, rushed

towards him, and cutting down all who opposed him, pressed the Khan so

hard, that he was obliged to quit his hold, in order to defend himself.

The lady Ina, thus restored to momentary safety among the women, and

some of her father's retainers, again hastened to join the combatants.

The traitor Khan, who had recovered from his repulse, now seeing the

stranger without armour, singled him out in hopes of making him fall an

easy prey. Their swords met: a furious conflict ensued between them:

one backed by his adherents, the other by the Cossacks. Victory seemed

doubtful, but Besin Khan's strength prevailed, and the young hero's

sword being beaten down, the weapon of his opponent was about to fall on

his unguarded head, when ere it could descend, a shot from the pistol of

the youthful page struck the breast of the traitor. He reeled in his

saddle. For a moment, he attempted to keep his seat, but in vain. His

weapon dropped powerlessly by his side; his knees refused to press his

horse's sides; and his eyes rolling wildly, he fell heavily to the

ground, where his body lay trampled on by the prancing steeds of the

combatants.

A piercing cry of joy escaped the boy's lips, as his master was saved;

and Arslan Gherrei, at that moment joining him, the two leaders fought

side by side, heading their followers in many desperate onslaughts, till

the Cossacks, despairing of victory, endeavoured to save themselves by

flight. As they galloped off, however, they loaded their short guns,

and turned to discharge them at their eager pursuers.

The Chieftain loudly called on his clansmen to desist, for they had

still many opponents. Those who heard him, obeyed; but others followed

their foes to within range of the guns of fort Ghelendjik.

To complete their victory, the Circassians had still a powerful force of

infantry to conquer, who had kept up a galling fire on the horsemen,

during the whole time of the combat.

The Circassian chiefs, collecting all their followers, again charged the

enemy in a strong body, breaking through their ranks, cutting them down,

driving them into the sea, and carrying away as prisoners many who threw

down their arms and begged for quarter. A few of the leading ranks of

the Russians succeeded in escaping; and those only by a strong force

from the fort, with some artillery, sallying out to succour them.

Content with their victory, the Circassian leaders assembled their

followers. Some were occupied in collecting their wounded and dead

countrymen, and placing them on their horses; others, in collecting the

Russian arms and ammunition, most valuable to them at that time; and

others, in dragging away the prisoners whom they had captured.

Among the dead, was found the body of the traitor Besin Khan; and every

warrior, as he passed, cast a stone at it, with a low, muttered curse,

leaving it to rot among the carcases of the hated Urus, or to be

devoured by the wild beasts of the forest, and the birds of the air; the

greatest indignity they could shew it.

The Russian prisoners willingly followed their new masters, glad to

escape the confinement and danger of the camp, for the safety and free

range of the country; preferring, to the iron tyranny of the Imperial

army, a servitude under the kind-hearted Circassians.

No sooner was the fight over, than Arslan Gherrei hastened to the spot

where Ina and her women had been stationed, anxious to learn if either

she or her attendants had suffered from the fire of the retreating

infantry. All were unhurt; and his lovely daughter, though still pale,

had begun to recover from the terror into which his danger had thrown

her. Great was her admiration and her gratitude, when she saw the

gallant stranger rush so heroically to his aid; and she longed, with

feminine eagerness, to express to him her deep thanks; but as she looked

round to discover him, he was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh, my father!" exclaimed Ina, as the chieftain rode up, "Heaven be

praised, that you have escaped unharmed from this dreadful combat; and

that I again see you after the terrible perils to which you have been

exposed! I thought never more to have been pressed in your arms!"

"Allah, by the means of that noble young stranger, protected me, my

child," replied the chieftain: "but we must stay no longer here; let us

hasten from this scene of death."

"Gladly will I go," said Ina. "But first let us thank our gallant

preserver; for know you, my father, that when you were separated from

me, I was surrounded by those terrible Cossacks, when he came, like a

protecting angel, with the speed of lightning, and saved me from the

power of that traitorous Khan. Oh! my father, I have much to thank him

for!"

"I will seek him, my Ina," replied the chieftain. "Oh! had heaven but

spared me such a son as he, to delight my heart with his noble deeds, I

should have been content: but the will of Allah be done--he is great!"

Ordering some of his band to escort Ina and her women up the mountain,

he rode round to seek the chiefs of the party who had brought him such

timely assistance. He first recognised the aged warrior, Uzden Achmet

Beg, and, throwing himself from his horse, he hastened to thank him.

The two chiefs warmly grasped each other's hands; a few manly words

sufficing to show the gratitude of one whom the other well knew would

have acted in the same way towards him. As he turned, his eye fell on

the Hadji Guz Beg, who was advancing to meet him, though he at first

scarcely recognised him after his long absence, disfigured as he was

with the dust and smoke of the conflict.

"Is it indeed you, my father, my friend?" he exclaimed. "Most welcome,

are you to our native land, and well have you shown this day that, among

the effeminate nations in whose lands you have journeyed, you have not

forgotten the use of your sharp sword. Thanks, brave Hadji, for your

timely succour."

"Oh! it is nothing," replied the Hadji, laughing; "I will soon show the

Urus that I love them not better than of yore. And you, Uzden, glad I

am to see you, and to have lost no time in wetting my blade in the blood

of the cursed Urus for your sake."

"Thanks, many thanks, my father," answered the chief. "But where is

that gallant young warrior, who rushed so bravely to my aid when hard

pressed by the Cossacks?"

"He is my friend, my adopted son," replied the Hadji; "a true son of the

Atteghei, as he has this day shown himself to be; but he gives not his

name, nor know I even whence he comes. He will first do some deed to

win a name for himself, and to show himself worthy of his father and his

tribe; and happy will be the father who can own him."

"Happy will he be, indeed," replied Arslan Gherrei, sighing; "for he is

well worthy to be the son of the bravest of our chiefs. Whither has he

gone? Let me hasten to thank him."

"I saw him last," replied the Hadji, "closely pursuing the flying

troops; I thought he had returned. Perhaps he and his followers have

already gone up the mountain's side."

"Allah forbid that the brave youth should have been laid low by the fire

of the enemy, or fallen into their cursed power; for little mercy would

they show him."

Search was made in every direction for the gallant stranger, but he

could nowhere be found; and the chieftains, at length summoning the

remainder of their warriors, hastened to overtake the party who had

preceded them.

Volume 2, Chapter XII.

As our hero was attacking the retiring troops of the Russians, he

observed a young officer endeavouring to form his men into squares, and

to keep them in close order to repel the desperate charges of the wild

mountain cavalry.

Again and again were they broken; and at one time, by a furious charge,

Ivan succeeded in riding close up to the officer, in hope of taking him

prisoner; when, to his sorrow, he recognised in his opponent his former

friend, Thaddeus Stanisloff. Before he had time to summon him to

surrender, one of the Circassian horsemen was on the point of cutting

him down, when, throwing himself forward, he interposed his own sword,

and saved his friend from destruction. A shot directly after killed the

Circassian; and Ivan, calling upon Thaddeus by name, entreated him to

surrender. But at the moment the young Pole recognised him, the

Russians rushed forward with desperation to rescue their officer, and

Ivan was himself obliged to retreat with his followers. He had no

further opportunity of getting near enough to Thaddeus to speak to him;

for the retreat of the defeated infantry was soon after covered by the

arrival of a strong body of troops from Ghelendjik; and the Circassian

warriors were obliged to quit the pursuit of their prey.

Like the last heavy cloud of a thunder-storm, the mountaineers made a

tremendous charge on the remnant of the retreating Russians, almost

overwhelming them in their fury; and then, like a whirlwind, they swept

by before the arrival of the fresh troops, and galloped off to overtake

their companions.

As Ivan was passing the prisoners, he heard a voice calling to him by

name. He started, and turned to see whence it came; for he fancied he

recognised the tone; and in a miserable object, his dress torn and

covered with blood, he saw his former attendant, the faithful Karl, in

the hands of a mountaineer, who, on a promise of a slight recompense,

consented to give up his prize to his young leader.

As soon as poor Karl was liberated, he rushed to Ivan's side to express

his gratitude. "My honest, my kind friend," said our hero, "it makes my

heart beat quickly to see your old familiar face. Banish all fears, for

no one here will ill-treat you. You shall be at liberty to go where you

like, or to return to your countrymen in the castle of Ghelendjik."

"Oh, my dear master," replied Karl; "don't, for mercy's sake, talk of

sending me back; for that is the very last place that I know of in the

world, that I should wish to return to. Let me be your servant and

slave as before, for I would not give a glass of quass for the freedom

we gain, by becoming soldiers. Let me follow you wherever you go."

"Well, my good friend," replied Ivan; "you shall do as you wish; but we

have no time to lose, or we may all fall again into the hands of the

Russians. Keep, therefore by my side, till we get beyond the reach of

the enemy."

Saying which, Ivan rode on with his companions, Karl holding by his

stirrup.

During the whole of the combat and skirmishing we have described, young

Conrin and Javis were by Ivan's side, charging into the thickest of the

enemy; and many a blow did the page ward off from his master, while the

squire was as much occupied in protecting him, for he seemed scarcely to

think of himself. The boy's eye burned with an almost unnatural lustre,

and his lips were closely pressed, as with sword in hand, he rushed amid

the fierce melee; but he seemed to bear a charmed life, for neither

steel or bullet touched him.

While our hero was proceeding at a fast pace along the sea shore,

followed by his two attendants, and a body of mountaineers, who had no

little difficulty in dragging on some of their captives, and were

besides, heavily laden with arms taken from the enemy, a loud shout made

them turn their heads, when they perceived a large body of Cossacks

fresh from the fort, coming at full gallop towards them. The horses of

all the party were already fatigued with the fight and pursuit; they had

small chance of escape by flight, and they were too far outnumbered by

the foe, to hope to gain the victory in a second engagement. Yet, what

was to be done? It was better to die fighting bravely with their faces

to the enemy, than to be cut down in an ignominious flight; and at all

hazards, Ivan ordered his men to wheel round, and receive the charge of

the coming cavalry, though the odds were dreadfully against them, when

one of the Circassian horsemen, calling to his companions to follow, led

the way through a steep narrow ravine, thickly overhung with trees.

Here, at all events, they could fight at an advantage, if the Cossacks

attempted to follow; but most of the party had enough of fighting for

the day. They eagerly followed their guide up the mountain, which

appeared almost insurmountable for the animals. Karl, in greater haste

than any of the party to escape from his late masters, scrambled up the

rocks with the utmost agility, scarcely looking behind, to see if Ivan

followed; who, finding; the uselessness of further fighting, rode after

the rest; and they had already gained a considerable height, when the

Cossacks arrived at the base of the mountain.

Their horses, though fleet, were unable to compete with the goat-like

nimbleness of the Circassian steeds; and, as they rode about seeking for

a practicable way to follow, many of their number fell beneath the

unerring aim of the mountaineers. Vainly returning the shots which told

so fearfully among their ranks, they rode up the mountain in

desperation; and at last, finding the pathway by which the Circassians

had escaped, and attempting to ride up it, they were still more at the

mercy of their enemy; till at length, despairing of overtaking them, and

having lost many of their number, their officers called them off, and

they galloped back to the fort, leaving our hero and his band to pursue

their route unmolested.

From the spot they had now reached, it was much more easy to mount than

to descend. Continuing, therefore, their upward course among broken

crags and stumps of trees, leaping and climbing from rock to rock, after

infinite labour, they at last reached the flat ground, which crowned the

summit of the mountain; when, striking across the country, they

perceived the bands of Arslan Gherrei, and the Hadji, with the

chieftain's daughter and her women.

No sooner did Ivan and his small band appear at the summit of the hill,

than the keen eye of the Hadji caught sight of him; and spurring on his

steed, he came to meet him, almost lifting him from his horse, as he

rode up to his side to embrace him; at the same time, exclaiming with

accents of delight: "Welcome to my arms, my son! I feared one of the

future heroes of the Atteghei might have been slain by those rascal

Cossacks, as you could nowhere be found after the fight. But my heart

leaps with joy, to see you alive; for well have you fought this day, and

full worthy are you to be called a son of the Atteghei! My eye was on

you, when you first charged the Cossack horse, and I was then confident

you would prove no disgrace to your country; for bravely you fell upon

them; and one of the noblest of our Uzdens says, that you gallantly came

to his aid, when hard pressed by our foes. His fair daughter seeks to

shew you her gratitude, for rescuing her from the hands of Besin Khan,

that vile traitor. So, my son, you have lost no time in becoming known

as a gallant warrior, and the praise of the chief, whom you rescued, is

alone the proudest meed you could gain."

"Happy, indeed am I, to have won his praise then," replied Ivan; "and

not the less your's, my kind friend. But I hope, with your guidance,

ere long to win more laurels in my country's cause."

They waited till Arslan Gherrei and his band came up; when the

chieftain, leaping from his horse, Ivan doing the same, advanced to meet

him.

"My gallant young hero!" he exclaimed, embracing him, "though a

stranger, as I hear, in our land, you have this day shewn yourself as

valiant as the bravest of our chiefs; and a deep debt do I owe you, not

only for saving my life, but in rescuing my only child from the hands of

our enemy. Think not, that if I am wanting in the power of expressing

my feelings, my heart thanks you the less. My child too longs to throw

herself at your feet, to express her gratitude."

"Speak not thus noble chieftain, for you owe me nothing," cried Ivan.

"I acted but the duty of a warrior, nor deserve thanks for so doing; and

tell your fair daughter, that to have been of service to her, is my

greatest happiness. The gratitude of all is, however, due to my father,

the Hadji Guz Beg; for he it was, who shewed us the way into action."

"Do not thank me, my friends," exclaimed the Hadji; "for I have not been

so happy for years. Inshallah! we left not a few of our foes on the

field. But we must not delay here, my friends; the day is far spent,

and if we lose more time, we shall not reach our konag before dark."

Mounting their horses, therefore, they overtook the rest of the party,

passing the Armenian pedlar and his pack horses. He had remained on the

summit of the hill when the Hadji's band galloped down to join the

fight--a distant hearer of the combat, though not venturing to approach

near enough to the edge of the cliffs, to see what was going forward

below.

"Ah, man of trade!" exclaimed the Hadji, laughingly, as he rode up; "you

look fresh and well. As a spectator of our combat, you have managed to

keep yourself cleaner than we have done. How think you, your friends

the Russians like it? But you will make a rich harvest; for there are

few of our followers who have not something to exchange for your goods."

Ina gazed earnestly at our hero, as he rode past her; for an

unaccountable feeling of bashfulness prevented his addressing her,

though, bending low to his saddle bow, he respectfully saluted her, and

went on to take his place by the Hadji's side. Not so, however, his

page the young Conrin, who gained a situation near her, earnestly

stealing glances at her beautiful features, as her veil was occasionally

blown aside; but they seemed not to give him that pleasure, which they

so highly merited; for a slight frown and a look of dissatisfaction sat

on the boy's countenance, though he seemed so fascinated that he could

not withdraw his eyes from her.

The warlike party now gained another height, close above the bay of

Ghelendjik, when the report of musketry was heard. Looking down upon

the fort, a wreath of smoke ascended to the sky, and they observed a

company of the Russian soldiers drawn up, and a man in the dress of the

country fall beneath their fire. A feeling of rage and indignation

agitated their breasts, as they fancied some friend might have been thus

cruelly murdered; and brandishing their weapons they uttered a loud

shout of defiance, and a promise of revenge. They were, however,

obliged to retreat behind shelter, for their appearance was a signal for

the discharge of all the guns in the fort.

"Bismillah! I wish we had some of their powder and shot, if they can

afford to expend it in this way upon the rocks and trees," exclaimed the

Hadji. "But whom have the cowards dared thus to murder before our

eyes?"

A young mountaineer, who had been stationed as a scout close to the

fort, now made his appearance.

"Yonder died the traitor squire of Besin Khan, who this morning deceived

us all by false reports," said the youth; "and now he has paid the

penalty of his deceit, for the Russians have vented their rage at their

own defeat on him."

"It is well," exclaimed the Hadji. "They have saved us a task, for

which they are more fitted."

As it was found impossible to reach the place at which they had

originally intended to stop before night, a nearer konag was fixed upon,

and a messenger sent forward to warn the host of their near approach.

The shades of evening were fast coming on, as they caught sight of a

smiling village, sequestered in a dell amid the mountains, and shaded by

lofty trees. The chimneys with their curling wreaths of smoke, and the

shepherds driving home their flocks, afforded a scene of rural beauty

and peace, in welcome contrast to that in which they had lately been

engaged. As our wayfarers reached the dwelling of the chief of the

hamlet, the moon rose above the mountains, throwing her pale golden hue

on their summits, and shedding her rays in a silvery stream amid the

forest glades, and deep into the recesses of the dale. Numerous

domestic slaves ran out to take the horses of the chiefs, who were

ushered into the guest-house, by the squire of the lord of the mansion;

he himself being absent, mounting guard in the passes from Ghelendjik,

above which they had lately passed. Ina and her attendants were

delivered over to the care of the wife and daughters of the host.

As Ivan was dismounting, he observed the Armenian merchant regarding the

Russian prisoners with an uneasy look, which was increased when he saw

Karl in close attendance on himself. Javis also regarded the pedlar

with a scrutinising glance.

"There is something in that man's look that I like not," said he,

addressing Ivan. "I will watch him closely, for if I mistake not, he

will be found no true friend to Circassia."

As the man, unsuspicious of what was said of him, moved onward with his

pack horses to take up his abode with one of the inhabitants of the

village, of equal rank to himself, Karl came up to Ivan who was standing

under the verandah of the guest-house admiring the scene of loveliness

before him.

"Hist! sir, hist!" he said. "Did you observe yonder travelling

merchant? Where did he come from? I am surprised to see him in such

worshipful company; for if my eyes deceive me not, I saw him a few

nights ago, as I was on guard near the Baron's quarters, pass by me

twice, and each time a light fell upon his features, so that I think I

cannot be mistaken. He remained closeted with the governor for an hour,

and then took his way towards the mountains."

"Is it, indeed, so?" said Ivan. "The man must be closely watched; for

it will not be advisable to let a spy go at large. Here, Javis, I give

it to your charge to watch the pedlar's movements. My friends seem to

have no suspicion of him; but I will speak to the Hadji, and persuade

him to send some shrewd person to assist you, and act as your guide if

requisite."

As he spoke the Hadji himself appeared, and Ivan lost no time in

mentioning the suspicions which had been raised about the Armenian's

honesty.

"A spy do you think he is?" he replied; "I suspected the fellow was a

knave when he tried to persuade the Prince of Pchad that there was no

use in contending with Russia. No use, forsooth! We shewed them as

much to-day. But this fellow shall be watched, and he shall pay dearly

if he proves treacherous."

"You are silent, my son; of what are you thinking?"

"I am thinking of a dear friend I once had who is in the ranks of the

enemy," replied Ivan. "He is a noble Pole, who, did he know the true

state of this country, would, I feel confident, be ready to shed his

best blood in our cause instead of against us. I saved his life to-day;

and I long to find means to see him and to bring him over to our party.

Say, my father, how I can accomplish it?"

"I scarcely know," replied the Hadji. "We might send some one on some

pretext into the fort; but these Russian rascals are grown suspicious of

late, and our young men cannot now play them the tricks they were wont

to do. It was a bad system; and our elders put a stop to it. It was at

one time a common custom for the young men to go to the Urus, and

pretend to be great friends, and then to carry off all the presents they

could get, and laugh at their beards. You must now, however, bide your

time, and perhaps something may happen, before long, to favour your

wishes."

Their conversation was interrupted by the announcement that the evening

meal was served, and at the same time their host arrived from his guard.

Throwing off his large dark-coloured watch cloak as he entered, he

offered his welcome to all his guests, and congratulations on the

success of their recent exploit.

Volume 2, Chapter XIII.

The rage and fury of the Baron Galetzoff was ungovernable when, instead

of his troops returning with a number of prisoners, the Tchernemorskoi

Cossacks first arrived in disorder and dismay at the fort, giving news

of the entire defeat of his well-laid plan to entrap the chief Arslan

Gherrei and his followers, and of the dangerous situation in which the

fugitives had left the infantry. He lost no time in ordering out fresh

troops to cover their retreat, and he smiled with grim satisfaction when

he heard that the instigator of the plan had fallen. He determined to

wreak his vengeance on the hostage who remained, as having forfeited his

life by the failure of the enterprise.

The traitor Kiru, suspecting that something had gone wrong from the

bustle and excitement around, made a desperate and nearly successful

attempt to escape, when he was dragged back by the soldiers, manacled,

and chained to a stake, with a strong guard placed over him. No sooner

did the governor return from succouring his defeated troops than the

prisoner was summoned before him.

"Traitor! you have deceived me!" he exclaimed. "Instead of capturing

one of your chiefs, my troops have been defeated; and before another

hour has passed you shall die."

The Tartar looked at him fearlessly.

"If I die," he said, "my master and my tribe will amply revenge me; you

dare not slay me."

"Do you speak, barbarian, of your master?" said the governor. "Your

traitorous master now is a rotting corpse among the bodies of my brave

fellows whom he betrayed! Expect not help from him."

The traitor started at these words, and his courage seemed to give way.

"Russian, speak you the words of truth? Has my master indeed fallen?"

demanded the prisoner.

"I tell you the truth," replied the general. "Your master has received

the reward of his treachery; and you shall soon follow his fate. I give

you ten minutes to prepare; after that you die. Lead him away!" he

cried to the guards who held the prisoner.

"Since my master has fallen, what have I more to do with life? I spit

at you--I laugh at your threats. Do with me as you will, but I will yet

be revenged." And with herculean strength, throwing aside the soldiers

who held him, he had nearly reached the throat of the governor when he

was felled to the ground. He was again manacled and led off, using

every epithet of abuse, to shew his scorn of his executioners.

At the lapse of the specified time, he was led outside the ramparts of

the fort, where he was again chained to a stake to prevent any chance of

his escape. His shallow grave was dug beneath his feet. His courage

was indeed worthy of a better fate and better cause, for he quailed not

during the preparations.

A company of soldiers advanced; and as they presented their muskets he

shook his manacled and clenched hands at them in an attitude of

defiance, and uttering, with a dreadful shriek, the war-cry of his

tribe, his body was pierced with innumerable wounds. Ere the yet warm

clay had ceased to vibrate with the pulse of life, the corpse was thrown

into the shallow hole prepared for it, and instantly covered up; so that

in a few minutes from the time a human being had stood there with all

the energy and strength of life, he was for ever hidden from the sight

of men, and a little new turned up earth alone marked the spot of the

tragedy.

None can pity the fate of Kim, which he so richly deserved, though not

at the hands of his executioners. But it would be fortunate for the

Russian name if it were not stained with atrocities of a much darker

hue. The garrison of the fort remained all the rest of the day in a

state of watchfulness and alarm, in expectation of an attack from the

mountaineers, whom they thought their weakened state might tempt to come

down upon them, if a sufficient force could be assembled in the

neighbourhood; their fears however were groundless, for the day passed

away without any further appearance of the enemy.

Some hours after dark, a figure was perceived by the outer picket

stealing cautiously from beneath the shadow of the cliffs towards his

post. The person, on being challenged, gave the sign and countersign,

and was allowed to pass to the gate of the fort, where, the like caution

being employed, he was admitted, and conducted to the quarters of the

governor. The Baron looked up on seeing him enter, with an expression

of satisfaction.

"Ah! my faithful Armenian," he exclaimed, "I rejoice to see you return

here in safety. What news do you bring me from the enemy's country? Do

the barbarians think of attacking us?"

"I bring you some news which may please you, noble General, though not

much of general importance," replied the seeming Armenian, in very good

Russian.

"Let me hear it quickly then; for I require some good news to put me in

spirits after the disaster of the morning:" said the governor. "And how

came you not to give me warning that so large a body of Circassians were

on the move?"

"I knew not of it myself till the moment I saw the troops engaged,"

answered the spy.

"Well, well, I believe you: but your news now," said the General.

"In the first place the barbarians are meditating some exploit--though I

yet know not what, but will discover to-morrow--under the guidance of

that old rebel Guz Beg, who has just returned from a pilgrimage to

Mecca, and has lost no time in inciting his countrymen to fresh outrages

against you, their rightful masters. He nearly cut my throat when he

heard me trying to persuade old Mahmood, the Prince of Pchad, to send in

his allegiance to the Emperor. I was obliged to hold my tongue to save

my neck. The Hadji, as he is now called, touched at some place in the

north of Turkey, Varna I believe, and there picked up a young Russian,

as he seems, though he speaks the Circassian language, and two

followers, who act as his squire and page. They at all events are

Russian, for I heard them conversing together, and I have my strong

suspicions that their master is an officer of the Emperor who has

deserted, for I heard him speaking to one of the prisoners, whom he took

to-day, as an old acquaintance, calling the man Karl."

"It is he!" almost shouted the General. "I guessed it from the moment

you spoke of him. May curses rest on the traitor's head! One whom I

had adopted as my son! But I will punish him for his vile ingratitude.

That knave, who was taken prisoner, or rather deserted, was once in

attendance on him, and a slave of mine. Now mark me. I will give a

handsome reward to any who delivers them into my power. Are you ready

to gain it?"

"I would do any thing to please you, General, much more to gain a

reward," answered the spy. "But I know not how to manage it."

"It must be done," said the Baron. "Entice him near the fort, when he

may be taken prisoner, or watch his movements, and perchance he may be

found sleeping in the neighbourhood, when I will send a strong body to

capture him. But mark me, I must have him brought before me a prisoner,

and my orders are not to be disobeyed. Follow what plan you will; I

would rather have his head than that of a thousand Circassians."

"Your orders shall be obeyed, General," answered the spy. "And I will

set my wits to work for the purpose."

"Remember your reward shall be great if you succeed. You may now

return, or you may be missed by the barbarians, and fail not to come

to-morrow night with the report of your proceedings."

"I will obey your orders, Baron, without fail," replied the spy, as,

bowing, he retired out of the fort, and returned to the village he had

left, without the slightest suspicion that his movements had been

observed.

We must now follow the steps of our hero's faithful squire, Javis, who

was keeping a strict watch on the house in which the Armenian merchant

had taken up his abode, in company with an active, clever youth, whom

the Hadji had sent to act as his guide. They had not long to wait

before they saw the Armenian issue from the house, telling his host that

he must, before night was over, pay a visit to the chief of the village,

to settle about some goods he had sold him, as he might be obliged to

start early on his way. To deceive his host he first took the path to

the chiefs house of whom he had spoken; then, turning abruptly, he

hastened in the direction of the fort of Ghelendjik. Following him at

the same speed, over hill and dale, through brake and stream, Javis and

his guide traced him till he arrived in the neighbourhood of the fort.

Fortunately for their design, the moon was now obscured by some dark

clouds; and, leaving the lad under shelter of some rocks, the Gipsy

crept cautiously forward, till he arrived close to the picquet, where he

heard the password given, and the Armenian, who addressed a few words to

the guard in Russian, was instantly allowed to proceed. Remaining

cautiously concealed, Javis waited till he again saw the spy pass from

the fort, and heard the officer on guard give him the password for the

following night--"The Eagle of Russia"--when the man set off rapidly

towards the interior. Dodging his steps, Javis traced him to the house

he had left.

Outside the house of the chief, Javis found the Hadji and Ivan anxiously

waiting his return, to whom he related what he had seen.

"Let the knave rest to-night," said the former, "to-morrow we will give

him a surprise he little dreams of. He can do us but little harm now."

"I have thought of a plan," said Javis, "by which you can communicate

with Lieutenant Stanisloff, without danger either to him or to yourself.

I heard the password given for to-morrow night, and I propose to

personate the treacherous Armenian, and gain admittance to the fort,

where I will trust to my own wits to find out your friend, and give him

your message, and to escape without seeing the governor, who would

probably discover me. What say you, Sir, to my plan? Shall I attempt

it?"

"Though I long to see my friend, I would not that you should run so

great a risk; for were you discovered, your death would be certain,"

said Ivan.

"O fear not for me, Sir," replied Javis, "my life is of but little value

to any one, and the danger is not so great as it appears; for those

thick-headed Russians are not likely to distinguish me at night from the

Armenian. I shall also, I have no doubt, be able to gain some further

information from the man to-morrow."

The next morning the Armenian appeared with his packs on his horses'

backs, as if prepared for a journey. He smilingly saluted the chiefs

who were assembled in front of the guest-house; but alarm took the place

of his smiles, when he observed the stern looks which met him on every

side; and more so when he found himself surrounded by a number of their

armed followers.

"Whither go you so fast, Armenian?" said the Hadji, sternly. "Are you

hastening to visit your friends the Urus? What, do you turn pale? Drag

the treacherous spy from his horse," he added, turning to his

attendants, "and bring him along. We will judge his case; and if he

prove guilty, he knows the punishment of spies."

The unfortunate pedlar trembled violently as he was dragged along to an

open glade surrounded by trees, at a short distance from the village.

Here the chiefs soon assembled, as well as several rich Tocavs or

yeomen, and other influential men in the neighbourhood, who were

summoned to give the criminal the fairest trial.

The judges seated themselves, with due formality and gravity, in a

semi-circle, on a grassy bank, when the terror-stricken Armenian was

brought before them. The witnesses against him, Javis and his guide,

were also summoned into their presence. Javis first gave his evidence,

which Ivan interpreted, as also did his guide.

"Said you not, Armenian, that you were a man of peace, and a friend to

the Atteghei?" demanded the chief of the village, who acted as

president. "See that you have not spoken lies, and proved that you are

a friend of our enemies. Answer this one question: where went you last

night?"

"Where went I?" tremblingly echoed the Armenian. "I went forth from the

house of my good konag, to cool my brow after the heat of the day.

Surely I went no where beyond the hamlet."

"Oh thou son of the evil one! Think you to elude our vigilance? Answer

truly, or you die on the spot. Why went you to the camp of our

enemies?"

"Oh! spare my life, noble chiefs!" cried the Armenian, falling on his

knees. "I am but a poor trader, and I went but to sell my goods. Oh

slay me not, valiant nobles!"

"Do you not know that it is prohibited to have any dealings with the

enemy?" said the president. "And of what use are such goods as you

carry to the Urus? But you are full of lies. You went without your

goods, secretly, and by night. You know the enemy's password. You were

seen to enter their fort, and shortly after to return. Your own words

condemn you. What say you, Uzdens?" turning to the other judges, "has

the Armenian proved himself to be innocent, or is he guilty?"

The chiefs, all standing up, pronounced the solemn words of the wretch's

doom--

"He is guilty: let him die the death of a spy."

The miserable being had not a word to plead in his own defence; but

loudly crying for mercy, he lifted up his hands in an imploring

attitude; for well he knew the dreadful fate prepared for him. The

stern warriors relaxed not their features as they motioned to the

attendants to lead him away. His crime was of the greatest magnitude,

and no mercy could be granted him; not a voice spoke in his favour; not

an eye turned with pity towards him.

At some distance from the hamlet was a lofty and perpendicular cliff, at

whose base, over a rough rocky bed, roared a foaming and rapid torrent.

The wretched Armenian, without any further delay, was dragged up a steep

pathway to the summit of the cliff, where, by order of the Hadji, he was

stripped of his high Astracan fur cap, his dark robe, and the

appurtenances of his trade, and then led, shrieking, forward, to the

edge of the precipice. As he thus saw his dreadful fate approaching, he

screamed loudly for mercy and pardon; but his cries fell on the ears of

those whom a fierce exterminating war had rendered deaf to pity for

their cruel foes.

As he stood, shivering with terror, on the very edge of the frightful

chasm, in a last fit of desperation, he seized hold of those who stood

near, endeavouring to drag them down with him; but his hands were torn

from their hold; and two powerful slaves, appointed as his executioners,

lifting him from the ground, hurled him, with tremendous exertion, far

over the edge of the cliff. A last shriek of despairing agony alone

escaped him, as he fell headlong into the dark abyss, grasping at the

empty air, and seeking to find some hold to prolong life, even for a few

moments. So deep was the chasm, that not a sound was heard, as he

struck the shallow and rocky bed of the stream; and its waters whirled

the mangled frame far out of sight.

"Thus, let all spies and traitors die!" exclaimed the multitude, as they

retired from the scene of execution.

Volume 2, Chapter XIV.

Reports were abroad in the neighbourhood of Ghelendjik, that the

Russians intended to make some movement from their fortifications; so

that, in the hopes of finding occupation for their swords, the Hadji and

Achmet Beg determined to remain on the spot to assist their friends; and

Ivan gladly availed himself of the opportunity of endeavouring to

communicate with Thaddeus. Arslan Gherrei was also persuaded by the

Hadji to remain, to lend his powerful aid in repelling their foes, and

to give his daughter Ina a longer period to recover from her fatigue.

Ivan anxiously looked forward to the evening, when Javis was to make his

attempt to enter the fort, and he determined to accompany him near the

walls, in the hope of meeting Thaddeus.

Every body was eager for information respecting the movements of the

Russians, some spending the day in anxiously watching the fort, while

others were occupied in deep deliberation as to their future

proceedings. The Dehli Khans, or young men, employed themselves in

those warlike exercises which inure their bodies to fatigue, and make

them hardy warriors.

By the Hadji's direction, the dress of the Armenian was given up to

Javis. When the evening drew on, and he appeared habited in it, the

bystanders started with amazement, thinking that the pedlar had arisen

from the dead, so completely had he disguised himself. As soon as it

was dark, he set forward, led by his former guide, and accompanied by

Ivan, whose anxiety for the safety of his follower, and desire to see

his friend, made him wish to remain as near as possible until the

adventure should be terminated.

As Javis arrived at the outer picquet, he gave the right answer to the

sentry's challenge, and was allowed to pass on, while Ivan remained

concealed among the rocks.

"Who goes there?" cried the sentinel, at the gates of the fort.

"A friend to Russia," he answered. "The word, `The Eagle of Russia.'"

The drawbridge was lowered. The pretended Armenian entered the fort.

The officer of the guard, unsuspicious of any deceit, ordered a soldier

to conduct the spy to the quarters of the governor.

As the adventurer and his guard got beyond hearing of the people at the

gates--

"My friend," said the former, addressing the soldier in Russian, and

slipping some coin into his hand, "I know my way to the governor's

quarters well enough by this time; here, take this to carouse with. You

have a hard life of it here, I suspect. Ah! you thought I could not

speak in your own language. Why, man, I come from your part of the

country, and would ask a favour of you. I am in no hurry to see the

governor, so we will not hasten, as I am before the time appointed, and

he loves not irregularity. Now say, how do you like the life you lead

here?"

"Why, I do not like it at all," answered the man; "for we have nothing

but hard blows, and get no rest from those infernal mountaineers, as we

cannot tell from one moment to another when they may be upon us. If we

wander but a few yards beyond the fort, some of our men are certain to

be picked off by their rifles. Then there is no booty to be gained, nor

amusement of any sort."

"You do not draw a very pleasant picture of your life here, my friend,"

said Javis, "and I suppose that is the reason why so many of your men

desert to the enemy, where they are sure to be well treated, and have

little work to do. Sometimes, too, they marry the beautiful women of

the country; and, as there are plenty of warriors in the land, they are

not obliged to fight against their countrymen. For my part, I wonder

the General can keep any of his soldiers around him; but I would not

breathe such an idea in the camp. Now, my friend, do you know

Lieutenant Stanisloff of the 76th regiment?"

"Do I know Lieutenant Stanisloff? Yes, surely," answered the soldier,

"I am his servant, and a kind master he is to me. This night it is his

turn for picquet duty, so that he will be in his quarters, if he has not

yet started."

"Will you then, my friend, hasten and call him hither," said Javis, as

they arrived near a row of wretched huts appropriated to the junior

officers. "Whisper to him that some one has something of importance to

communicate. Remember to tell no one about the happy lives the

deserters lead among the Circassians. It might be said that I was

persuading you to go over to them, and that would not be acting the part

of a friend to Russia."

Javis retired below the eaves of a storehouse, where, in the dark shade,

he could remain free from observation, while in other parts of the fort

the scene was one of bustle and animation. Groups of soldiers were

seated round their fires, cooking their suppers; others gambling on a

drum head for their scanty allowance of pay. Numbers surrounded the

suttlers' booths and huts where spirits were sold, quaffing, as their

only resource from misery, huge bickers of quass and glasses of vodka.

Here parties were marching and countermarching to relieve guard, their

firm regular tread heard above the din and clatter of the camp.

In a few minutes Thaddeus appeared, wrapped in his cloak, prepared for

his night guard. On seeing Javis he seemed annoyed, as with a tone of

contempt he addressed him.

"What want you with me, Armenian? If you have any of your worthy

communications to make, I should have thought that the governor was the

fittest person to whom a spy should make his report."

"Hist, Sir," said Javis; "draw nearer--you mistake me. I bring a

message from one who loves you, and who will not be happy till he has

seen you again. Do you not remember the night you passed in the Gipsy's

camp near Tver? There you last saw me."

"Do my senses deceive me?" exclaimed Thaddeus; "are you not the Armenian

spy who has for so long brought us information from the enemy?"

"Outwardly you see that I am; but I would not that my soul should be

where his now is. But to my message. Your friend, Ivan Galetzoff, is

now waiting for you close to the fort. He has much to say to you.

Shall I tell him that you will come; you can have no difficulty, as I

can assure you that no attack will be made on the fort to-night."

Thaddeus scarcely hesitated a moment before he answered, "Yes, yes, say

that I will go, at all hazards, to see him. Where shall I find him?"

"Do you remember a peculiar rock jutting out over the sands, its top

overhung by a large tree? Close to that rock I will wait for you, and

conduct you to him."

"Go then, my friend; I will trust to you. But how can you leave the

fort? Are you not afraid the governor will discover you?" said

Thaddeus.

"I have no fear, and may easily deceive him."

"Fortune favour your hazardous adventure, my friend! I must hasten to

my post," said Thaddeus.

Directing his servant to accompany the pretended Armenian to the Baron's

quarters, he hurried off, and Javis followed the soldier's steps.

It was a trying moment for Javis when he entered the Baron's presence;

but his eye quailed not before his fierce imperious glance, as,

imitating the Armenian's manner, he bowed before him.

"You have returned in good time, my faithful messenger," said the Baron.

"Have the barbarians yet formed their plans to attack the fort?"

"They have given up all hopes of doing so with success, noble General,"

replied Javis undauntedly, "and have begun to disperse to their several

homes."

"That is well," replied the General. "And tell me, what plan have you

formed to entrap the young renegade who bears my name? I must have him

in my power by to-morrow night, at furthest."

"I have thought of several plans, General, which I think may succeed;

but I have a difficult game to play, as I fear that I am already

suspected by the barbarians, and I should not have ventured to return

to-night but that you seemed to wish it. I would not be away longer

than possible, so by your leave, General, I will return at once."

"You may go, man," said the Baron: "and let me hear from you to-morrow."

"I will obey your orders without fail," answered Javis, bowing as he

hastened from the hut, at the door of which he found his friend the

soldier waiting to conduct him to the gates.

"If a Russian escapes from the fort to the Circassians, you are certain

that he is well treated by them?" asked the man.

"O yes, my friend, they receive him with open arms," answered Javis.

"But you must not now speak to me. We may meet again soon:--farewell!"

The adventurer was allowed to go through the gates without question, and

passing the picquets, he hastened to the spot he had indicated to

Thaddeus, where, sheltered beneath an overhanging rock, he waited his

coming for some time, till he began to fear that something might have

occurred to prevent his leaving his post. At length his quick ear

caught the sound of footsteps, and to his summons in a low voice,

Thaddeus himself answered.

Javis then led the way up a small ravine overhung by trees, under the

dark shade of which he had left his master. Ivan was anxiously waiting

the coming of his friend, and as he caught sight of him he dashed

forward, and the two friends were in each others arms.

"You knew not," said Ivan, "that I was a Circassian; but I am prouder to

bear that name than to be the highest rank the Emperor of Russia can

bestow. But, Thaddeus, my tried, my earliest friend, it takes away from

the happiness I feel at meeting you again, to see you in the garb of the

enemies of my country, armed against her liberty and her rights."

"Oh do not taunt me thus, my friend," replied Thaddeus, "for, believe

me, I do not now willingly follow the standard of your enemies. But how

could I do otherwise? My father remains an hostage in their hands, and

should I desert from their ranks, they would visit their vengeance upon

him."

"But why draw your sword at all, when against the cause of liberty?"

exclaimed Ivan. "Surely your father himself would rather see you follow

any other pursuit."

"Can you speak thus, Ivan, who are a soldier as well as I am? Would you

persuade me to lead a life of indolent peace?"

"Then, my dear Thaddeus, quit that hated standard, under which you now

serve, and you will be welcomed, by the noble warriors of this country,

with open arms," exclaimed Ivan. "They love the Poles, for they have

heard of the wrongs of Poland, and feel for her children the affection

of brothers."

"Ivan, my friend, you wring my heart," cried Thaddeus passionately. "I

feel the justice of your cause; but I have become a soldier of the

Emperor. And would you have me, like a traitor, desert my colours? I

was wrong to enter his service; but I sought for military glory,

regardless of the cause for which I fought. Doubly did I feel how wrong

I had been, when yesterday I saw the desperate bravery of your

countrymen driving thrice the numbers of the slavish soldiery of Russia

before them. To you, Ivan, I owe my life; for had not your sword been

raised to shield my head, I should at once have finished my career; and

it was at that moment only I first recognised you. Yet do not think me

ungrateful if I still remain on the side of your enemies."

"Speak not of gratitude, Thaddeus," answered Ivan; "but let me draw you

from the ranks of my foes, and from certain destruction."

"No, Ivan; deeply as I mourn the fate which divides us, I cannot change

it while the Emperor claims the services I once tendered to him. That I

love you, my coming here stealthily and alone shews; for I have already

been guilty of deserting my post; but I did so in the assurance that no

surprise would be attempted on the fort, and that I risked not the lives

of my companions in arms. That a love of quiet does not prompt my

refusal to join you, will be evident from the life we all lead in the

fort; and I in particular am subject to every annoyance which the hatred

and tyranny of Baron Galetzoff can inflict. But I refuse, Ivan,

because, as a soldier, my duty will not allow me to quit my standard,

till I am absolved from my oath of allegiance; and also because I would

not expose my father to persecution on my account."

"Thaddeus, my friend, you have convinced me against my wish," exclaimed

Ivan. "I see your just and disinterested reasons, and have but to mourn

the hard fate which thus places us on opposing sides. Still let us be

joined in heart, and endeavour to mitigate the horrors of this war."

"That I will do as far as lies in my power," said Thaddeus. "But now,

my friend, I must hasten back to my post, or I may be missed. I have

many enemies who would make the utmost of any departure from duty. The

Count Erintoff, who has lately arrived here, and who knows I am your

friend, is my colonel, and would gladly find an excuse for ruining me."

"Ah!" exclaimed Ivan, "I long to meet that man in the field, to punish

him for his atrocities."

"He well deserves punishment; but I must not speak of him; and now,

farewell. I know not when we may meet again; but believe me, my

friendship will ever remain unchanged."

Saying which, Thaddeus warmly clasped his friend's hand, and hastened

back to resume the post he had quitted.

Javis and the guide, who had retired to a short distance during the

conference, now approached; and on their way back to the village, Javis

related to his master his adventures in the fort. As Ivan entered the

guest-house, the Hadji started up from his couch, eager to hear an

account of his adventures, laughing heartily at the success of Javis's

disguise, and of the defeat of the plan to entrap him.

"So the General of the Urus thinks we are prepared to attack him, does

he?" he exclaimed. "Bismillah! we will make his fears come true. I

shall not sleep all night for thinking of some plan to surprise him."

Volume 2, Chapter XV.

How often in our lives have we been obliged to quit some delightful

abode, or some enchanting scene of pleasure, to visit places and persons

we dislike, or to mix in the coarse bustle of the vulgar world! and thus

must we once again lead our readers from the beautiful and romantic

scenery of Circassia, and from its gallant inhabitants, to the detested

castle of Ghelendjik, and into the presence of its fierce governor.

The Baron Galetzoff had just returned from riding round the

fortifications, and was about to throw himself on his couch for the

night, when his servant entered the room to announce Count Erintoff.

Throwing his cloak around him, he angrily arose to receive his guest.

"You come at an unseasonable hour, Count," he said, with a harsh tone.

"Am I to have no rest either from friends or foes? What brings you

here?"

"I come with news which may interest you; but for your private ear,

General," returned the Count, looking at the servant who remained.

"Why stay you here? Begone, sirrah," exclaimed the Baron to the man,

who hastily disappeared. "Now, Count, your news," he continued, turning

to his guest, and relaxing his features a little. "It is late, and I

would try to seek some rest; so pray no delay."

"My news is not of much general importance," returned the Count; "but to

you, Baron, it may afford some satisfaction. At length I have found

that immaculate officer, Lieutenant Stanisloff, tripping, if indeed I do

not succeed in proving him a traitor. As he was to mount one of the

outer guards to-night, it occurred to me that he might perhaps

communicate with that arch-traitor, your once adopted son, whom, as I

told you, I recognised among the horde of the mountain barbarians we

were engaged with yesterday. I, therefore, having gone my rounds,

waited for some time, and returned to his post; but when summoned, he

did not answer: he was nowhere to be found. I, therefore, left my

orderly to watch him, enjoining secrecy, and called others to witness

that he was absent from his post, in the face of the enemy. My orderly

has just come in to say, that after a long absence, he returned from the

direction of the mountains. He is, therefore, entirely in your power;

but I would not seize him without first consulting your wishes."

"Then haste, seize him, and bring him here at once," said the Baron.

"To-morrow he shall die."

The Count hurried off to obey, and during his absence, which lasted some

time, the Baron strode up and down the room in an angry mood.

At length the Count returned with Thaddeus Stanisloff, his prisoner,

strongly guarded.

"So, Lieutenant Stanisloff," said the Baron, glaring fiercely at him,

"you have been absent from your post when before the enemy. You have

held conversation with an arch-traitor to the Emperor, and you are

suspected of an intention to desert your colours."

"Whoever accuses me," exclaimed Thaddeus, returning the Baron's look

firmly, "speaks a foul and slanderous falsehood, if he says that I am,

or ever have been wanting, in my allegiance to the Emperor."

"I accuse you," cried the Count stepping forward. "I myself discovered

that you were absent from your post."

"I grant it," replied Thaddeus firmly; "and I await my punishment; but,

beyond that, whoever was your informer is a vile slanderer."

"Know you not that even for what you acknowledge to have done, your

punishment is death?" said the Baron. "Confess therefore where you

went, or expect no mercy."

"I expect no mercy at your hands," answered Thaddeus. "If I deserve

death, I am prepared to meet it."

"Hear me, obstinate youth," cried the Baron, "you have held some

communication with my once reputed son. You may do so again, but in the

company of some trusty guards; and if I can see him safe within the

walls of this fort, not only shall you go free, and your crime be

overlooked, but your rise shall be rapid in the army, and honours and

distinctions shall await you."

At these words the prisoner seemed to gasp for breath. "Baron

Galetzoff, I am in your power," he exclaimed, "or you should pay dear

for such an insult as you have now offered me. Think you that a son of

my unhappy and enslaved country can be sunk so low as to hear calmly

such vile propositions? No! you have torn us from our homes, you have

taken from us our lands, you have ravaged our fields, you have

overthrown our kingdom, and ruined our once proud families; but you

cannot take from us our honour. I have ever been faithful to your

Emperor, our conqueror. I defy your malice. I will speak no more."

The Baron's own stern eye sunk before the noble indignation of the

prisoner, as standing before him without trembling, he folded his arms

on his breast. "Madman," cried the Baron furiously, "you bring your

doom on your own head. No power in heaven or earth shall save you."

Thaddeus spoke not, but looking towards heaven seemed to implore its

aid.

"Colonel Erintoff," continued the governor, "I commit this prisoner to

your charge, and you will take measures that he does not escape."

"I will strictly obey your orders, General," said the Count with a

significant and sinister look.

Closely guarded, Thaddeus was led out and placed in a miserable hut,

built to serve the purpose of a prison for the fort.

He passed a wretched night, heavily ironed. Indignation at the Baron's

base propositions at first smothered all thoughts of his own impending

fate. He rejoiced that Ivan had escaped; but he longed to warn him of

the danger he ran; and the impossibility of doing so added to the

poignancy of his feelings. By degrees the conviction of his own

miserable destiny crept on him.

"How dark! How wretched is all around me," he cried in the agony of his

spirit. "Do thus end all my hopes of military glory? Must I die with

my once proud name blackened and disgraced; my character as an officer

maligned? My father's last few and sad days hastened by the foul

history of his son's disgrace and untimely death? I cannot bear such

thoughts! Oh that Ivan's unkind sword had rather cut me down on the

field of battle, than saved me for this end! Little does he think that

my anxiety to see him has been the cause of this misery. No! there is

no hope, no glimpse of light left me in the world. Let me prepare then

to meet my inevitable fate like a man, and then my comrades in arms may

at least say, that I died with courage and firmness. And, oh heaven!

give me strength to bear my lot."

He prayed, and ere the morning broke he slept calmly, even on the hard

ground, in sweet forgetfulness of his doom.

He was awakened by the entrance of a soldier with an open letter, sent

by his brutal gaoler, in hopes of adding to his misery. It was from his

father's kind friend announcing the death of his parent, his last words

being blessings on his son.

"Heaven be praised," he cried, falling on his knees, "that misery has

been spared me. The rest will be easy to bear." And with a serene

countenance he prepared to meet whatever might follow.

Count Erintoff soon after made his appearance; he was received by

Thaddeus with the most haughty coldness. "I come to learn," said the

Count, "whether you have thought better of the Governor's propositions,

and are prepared to accede to them, or meet the fate you deserve."

"Were I tied to the stake, I would spurn the vile offer, as I do now,"

replied the prisoner. "I have no more to say."

"If such is your answer, expect no mercy," replied the Count fiercely,

and he quitted the prison, greatly to the occupant's relief.

Thaddeus was left for some hours to his meditations, when, his prison

doors opening, a file of soldiers appeared to conduct him before the

Court Martial assembled to try him.

"I fear that it will go hard with you, Stanisloff," said the officer in

charge of the men, casting a look of pity on the prisoner. "You must be

prepared for the worst."

"Fear not for me, my friend," answered Thaddeus; "but I trust that

neither you nor my brother officers will judge me harshly, though I am

fully convinced of the result of my trial."

"Think not that your character will suffer," answered the other. "We

all feel a warm interest in your fate."

"That is already settled," said the prisoner. "I am ready to accompany

you."

When placed before the principal officers of the garrison, his trial

proceeded as was to be expected, when the Governor had determined on his

condemnation. He was clearly convicted of having left the post he had

been placed to guard, by his own colonel as witness; but when there was

some demur as to his having communicated with the enemy, two servants of

Count Erintoff's stepped forward, and swore positively to having seen

him speaking to one of the chiefs of the Circassians, and having

overheard him promise to give them timely notice of any movement among

the Russians.

Though great doubt was thrown on the credibility of the men, who were

known to be bad characters, yet as their own Colonel swore to their

honesty, they were received as witnesses. Notwithstanding the

preponderance of the influence against him there was a strong feeling in

favour of the prisoner, both in the court and throughout the garrison.

So great indeed had the ferment become, when it was reported that he was

condemned to die, (most people being convinced that his sentence was

unjust), that the Count expressed his fears to the Governor that a

general outbreak would be the consequence, if measures were carried to

extremities with the prisoner.

"We shall see," cried the Baron, furiously, "if my authority is not of

more avail; however, I will disappoint their hopes, if they think to

save the prisoner."

After sentence of death had been passed on Thaddeus, he was led back to

prison, there to await his execution, while the Governor summoned the

Count to his private councils.

A fort had been lately erected between Anapa and Ghelendjik, during a

time when the greater part of the patriot forces were engaged in another

part of the country, some occupied in attending a religious festival,

and others in agricultural pursuits, so that the few who remained to

guard the coast, were unable to defeat the object of the Russians when

first landing; and in a day or so, by the time others arrived to their

assistance, the entrenchments had become too strong to attack. The

garrison left in it had lately been much reduced by disease, and had

also lost many men in a party foraging for wood and water, so that the

Baron determined on sending reinforcements thither, and also to despatch

the Count there with the culprit, under the plea of inspecting the

fortifications.

"He is there, a stranger," he added, with a hideous smile. "And while

those here are left in doubt of his fate, you Count, can take the order

for his execution."

"I shall obey your orders, General, and hope to return in a few days,

with an account of their having been fulfilled," replied the Count, as

he left the quarters of the Governor, to make arrangements for his

voyage.

Thaddeus was fully prepared for his coming fate, expecting every moment

to be dragged forth to execution; and was much astonished, therefore, to

find himself at the close of the day, placed on board a brig of war,

without any notice having been given him of his destination. For a

moment, as he was being conducted down to the shore, his faithful

servant found an opportunity of approaching him, for the purpose of

uttering his farewell.

"Do not be down-hearted, Sir," he whispered. "You may be saved ere you

expect it. I have discovered where you are going, and I will aid you,

or die for it."

Thaddeus was then hurried on board with four companies of soldiers,

under the orders of the Count, when the brig instantly made sail to the

northward; but as the winds were light, she made no progress during the

night. As she was standing close in shore the next morning, several

shot from rifles pierced her sails, and a party of horsemen were seen

galloping along the edge of the cliffs. The brig's guns were instantly

discharged, but the balls struck the hard rocks alone, the deep sound

echoing along the shore. The horsemen had disappeared; but several

other shot from various directions, hit the vessel; and the commander

seeing how useless it would be to contend with his scattered and

concealed foes, giving a parting salute, stood further out to sea.

Thaddeus all the time was kept below, in a state of the greatest

suspense; no one being allowed to hold any communication with him. Very

light and variable winds detained them on their voyage; so that it was

not till the end of the day, that they reached their destination, though

the distance was but short.

The fort, to which Thaddeus was conveyed, was built further from the

sea, than that of Ghelendjik, nor could it be so well protected by the

guns of a fleet, as that fortress; but, from the nature of its position,

it was almost equally strong. There was, however, a securely fortified

way from it to the sea, with which a communication could always be kept

up, without fear of interruption from the Circassians.

The scenery round it was barren and savage; huge dark rocks rising on

all sides from the sandy shore, broken into fantastic forms, appearing

like castles towering above the plain. The fortress was built of dark

stones quarried, from the neighbouring rocks, on a ledge rising

gradually from the shore, and running far inland. It stood on the

eastern, or furthest inland point of this ledge; a steep and almost

perpendicular cliff protecting it on one side, while in front, there

being a smooth green surface, and gradual descent on the plain, its

defences depended on its guns, being so placed as to sweep the ground

with showers of grape.

A sandy and barren ground extended for some way in front, and on one

side, a succession of low rugged rocks formed a considerable protection.

The site had been chosen on account of the shelter afforded to the

ships of war by a bay in the neighbourhood.

On reaching the shore, the Count ordered Thaddeus to be conducted to a

strong prison in the fort; while he himself went round to inspect the

fortifications. The reinforcement he had brought with him was gladly

welcomed by the commanding officer, who complained much of the small

garrison, which was left to protect the fort.

The Count then informed him, that the prisoner he had brought with him

was to be shot the next morning at day-break, by command of the Governor

of Ghelendjik; producing the Baron's written order, desiring him to

acquaint Lieutenant Stanisloff of the fate which awaited him.

The Governor looked with pity on Thaddeus, as he gave the Count's

message; but he himself received it unmoved, and thus addressed the

officer:

"I ask you to defend my fame whenever you hear my name blackened; say

then, that I died true to my colours, and to my oath. That is my only

request."

"I will do my utmost to defend your character," said the officer.

"Farewell!" exclaimed Thaddeus, "till to-morrow's dawn. Delay the

execution, if possible, till the sun rises. I would look once more on

that glorious luminary: his beams will aid my strength."

"It shall be as you wish, if I can possibly so arrange it," returned the

officer, as he hastened from the prison, and left Thaddeus again to

meditate in solitude on his impending fate.

The night had at first been serene and beautiful, but towards morning,

sudden gusts of wind howled through the rocks and buildings of the fort.

The thunder broke in loud peals over head, and flashes of lightning

illuminated the gloom of his small and dark prison, through the bars of

the only aperture to give light and air. The tumult of the tempest

awoke Thaddeus from a slumber into which he had fallen. It seemed to

him to rage with greater fury than at first, as he sat up, watching each

bright flash. The wind had increased to a hurricane.

The tempest, however, quickly passed over, and all was again silent,

except the low sullen roar of the ocean, as its waves dashed on the

rocky and caverned shore, or the distant murmur of the passing blast

among the trees of the neighbouring mountain.

The dawn was about to break. Thaddeus, whose spirits were exhausted by

his mental sufferings, had thrown himself on the rough log, which formed

the only seat and couch of his prison, and was falling into a quiet

slumber, when he was startled by a fearful shriek, piercing to the

inmost recesses of the fort. Again and again it arose from all sides,

far louder than the howling of the late tempest, drowning the shouts of

the soldiers, as they rushed to their posts at the walls. Soon the roar

of artillery, and the rattle of musketry seemed endeavouring to

overpower the sound of that war-cry; but it triumphed over all, and

sounded nearer and nearer. Thaddeus felt that he could not be mistaken;

he had heard that tremendous shout but a few days before, when attacked

by the mountain cavalry.

The cannon had ceased its roar, when next arose the shouts of the

Russian soldiery; succeeded by thrilling cries for mercy and agonised

groans of despair, answered by the loud, overwhelming huzzas of "Allah!

Allah!" from all sides. A momentary silence ensued; and then a tramping

of feet, as of men engaged in desperate strife. Even he, from whom the

fear of death had passed away, felt his heart beat quick, and his breath

almost stopped. The cries passed close to him; the bullets rattled

against his prison walls; and the flashes of the guns lighted up the

gloom of the chamber. The strange unearthly noises grew more confused;

the reports of the firing ceased, except a few straggling shots, and the

shouts of the combatants passed on.

Knowing little of the localities of the fort, Thaddeus could not

discover in what direction the combatants had gone, when he again heard

the sound of the rapid steps of a body of men passing close to his

prison. Presently, loud and quick reports of musketry were heard, and

he concluded that a body of Russians, cut off from their retreat to the

shore, had thrown themselves into some strong building, and were making

a last desperate defence. They seemed to be successful, as the firing

increased, when an awful pause ensued, a tremendous deafening explosion

took place, as if an earthquake had rent the earth; the prison walls

were shaken to their foundation; the door flew open, and the roof fell

in, overwhelming the prisoner in its ruins.

Volume 2, Chapter XVI.

We must now relate several circumstances, which had occurred while

Thaddeus was being transported from Ghelendjik to the fort in which we

left him. The words addressed to his servant by Javis, when he visited

the fort in disguise, had sunk deep into the man's mind. His

imagination had been excited by the picture placed before him of rural

happiness, contrasted so greatly with the wretched life he led in the

camp. Like his master, he too was a Pole; though not like him, impeded

by any scruples from deserting. Having heard that his former friend was

among the Circassians, he determined to fly to him for protection, and

to urge him to find some means of rescuing the prisoner; for it was

well-known in the fort whither Thaddeus was to be conveyed.

That night, being on the outer guard, he threw aside his musket and

cloak, and hastily sought his way to the mountains, among which he was

soon seized by some of the many watchful guards placed there.

The Hadji was seated in the guest-house with Ivan, earnestly discussing

various plans for driving their foes from their shores, when their host

arrived with a prisoner. No sooner did the captive soldier hear Ivan

speak to him, than he shouted with joy, and ran to throw himself at his

feet.

"Oh, Sir," he cried, "it was to find you that I escaped from the

fortress. My poor master, Lieutenant Stanisloff, has been seized, by

the Governor's orders, because it is said he went out to meet you, and

he is now going to be shot; but every body loved him so much in the

camp, that the Governor is afraid to have him executed there, lest there

should be a mutiny, for which many are fully ready; and he has

consequently sent him to a fort a short distance to the north. It is

said not to be a very strong place, so you may probably rescue him, if

you take it in time. I thought this would be the only chance of saving

my poor master's life; and being very wretched at the fort myself, I ran

off to tell you all about it."

"My friend, I am deeply indebted to you," answered Ivan; and he then

explained the man's story to the assembled chiefs.

"Bismillah!" exclaimed the Hadji, jumping up. "The very thing for us!

We will set forth without delay; and, by the blessing of Allah, we will

take that cursed fort before the sun has risen in the heavens."

"Thanks, my noble father, for your promptitude," cried Ivan. "No other

leader would I rather follow in rescuing my friend. I doubt not of

success."

"Stay!" said the Hadji's more cautious brother, Achmet Beg. "We must

consider the subject. We have scarce men enough for the enterprise, and

look at the sky. The light wind that blows comes direct from the place:

the vessel will take some time to reach it, and if we arrive before it,

our object would be lost."

"True," answered Ivan; "you speak well. In my eagerness to rescue my

friend, I overlooked that point."

"And I too!" added the Hadji. "Mashallah! when there's fighting in the

case, I am as forgetful of every thing else as the wildest Dehli Khan

among them."

"Then," said Achmet Beg, "I propose that we send forward some trusty

scouts to watch the vessel along the coast, and give notice when she

arrives in the harbour. In the mean time, we will collect as many

warriors as possible for the enterprise. What say you, Uzdens?"

"The advice is good," said Arslan Gherrei. "And I will gladly lead my

few remaining followers to the assault."

"Well, then, that point is settled," cried the eager Hadji; and turning

to their host: "Now, Uzden, will you send out some of your trusty

followers to fasten along the coast to watch the vessel? And you, my

brother, despatch some of yours to summon all the warriors they can

collect in the neighbourhood. There is no time to be lost on an

occasion of this sort."

The host hastened to fulfil his part of the arrangement, as did Achmet

Beg also.

Far and near the messengers hastened, in every direction, on their fleet

steeds, giving the word at every hamlet and mountain cot. The news flew

like lightning, that Hadji Guz Beg had returned from abroad, and had

lost no time in keeping up his old reputation by leading an expedition

against the enemy. Wherever the messengers passed, the young men seized

their weapons, either rifles or bows, from the walls, girding their

swords to their sides, filling their wallets with meal for their

provision, and throwing their cloaks over their backs. Thus, fully

equipped at a moment's notice, they hastened to the appointed

rendezvous. None knew for what exact object the expedition was

intended; but it was enough to know, that it was against the detested

Urus, and that the renowned Guz Beg was to be the leader.

Those nearest to the spot repaired to one of the points of rendezvous

fixed on in a deep valley, about two miles distant from the fort to be

attacked.

Before the sun had attained its greatest height in the heavens, on the

following morning, the Hadji found full six hundred fighting men

assembled under his standard. Many were chiefs themselves of note,

attracted by the prospect of renown to be gained under the well-known

guidance of so brave a leader. They came clothed in mail, and attended

by a retinue of horsemen. Others were sturdy yeomen of good repute in

arms, also on horseback, (with their serfs on foot) anxious to vie with

the knights themselves in gallant deeds. Some were independent freemen,

coming from their solitary mountain homes, acknowledging no specific

leader, each man fighting for himself, as his inclinations prompted him:

these were armed with rifle, sword and dagger. Whatever was their rank

or calling, they were all animated with one feeling--the deepest hatred

of the common foe.

While they were preparing to march, a loud shout among the multitude

proclaimed a new arrival; and dashing among the trees, a noble young

cavalier appeared, attended by a band of horsemen of his own age. The

youth rode forward, as room was made for him; and leaping from his

horse, he threw himself at the Hadji's feet.

"My son! my son! joy of my heart!" exclaimed the Hadji, folding the

slight form of the youth in his gauntleted arms. "Welcome, thrice

welcome, are you to me at this moment! Alp, my son, you have not

disappointed my hopes; and may you prove yourself as gallant a warrior

as your appearance would promise!"

Then, as if ashamed of giving vent to his feelings before the assembled

warriors, though still holding the young man's hand, and gazing fondly

at him, he added--

"Alp, you have now become a warrior, and these are no times for rest.

Prove, then, to your countrymen, that you are equal to the bravest."

"I have but to follow your steps, my father, and I fear not that I shall

gain renown."

"Now, my friends," cried the Hadji, tearing himself from his son's side;

"let all men on foot advance, under the guidance of the Uzden Achmet

Beg. The cavaliers will quickly follow."

Under shelter of the trees, the maidens of the hamlet had assembled to

witness the departure of the warriors, and to encourage them with their

prayers. Among them was the lovely Ina; her bright eyes regarding not

the youthful cavaliers who careered before her, to win her smiles, but

following her father's lofty crest as he moved about the field.

As he caught sight of his daughter among the women, Arslan Gherrei

sought Ivan's side.

"Young warrior stranger," he said, "I have myself endeavoured to thank

you for your timely rescue, when so hard set by our foes: but my

daughter would do so likewise."

Saying which, he conducted Ivan to the side of Ina; and while they were

speaking, he himself stood for some time entranced, gazing on them

earnestly.

"I would thank you, noble stranger," said Ina, in a faltering voice,

"for the inestimable blessing you afforded me in saving my noble father

from the hands of his foes. To your bravery, I owe also my own safety,

when I was near falling into the power of our invaders. I can only

repay you with prayers to heaven for your safety; these shall be offered

up to Allah."

"Lady," answered Ivan, "prayers from those sweet lips will add courage

to my heart; but I pray you, do not think any gratitude is due to me. I

was but fulfilling a vow I have made to heaven, to strike our foes

wherever I can meet them; and I am yet unworthy to be ranked among the

warriors of Atteghei."

"O yes, surely you are well worthy to be called one of the bravest,"

answered Ina; "for who could have fought more nobly than you did?"

"No, lady, I cannot yet claim that honour; but your prayers will nerve

my arm to gain it," answered our hero. "I must now away; for, see, the

knights are mounting their steeds. Lady, farewell!"

"Farewell!" answered Ina. "And may heaven prosper you and shield you

from danger."

"And may Allah, too, protect my child," added her father, rousing

himself from his trance. "I was thinking, my Ina, how great a blessing

would be such a son as yonder gallant youth; but Allah's will be done!

I, too, must hasten to lead my followers. Farewell, my child."

Leaping on his charger, the chieftain galloped to join the cavalcade,

while his daughter gazed on him with a fond and anxious glance.

As Ivan hastened to mount his steed, Conrin, who had been watching him

anxiously at a distance while conversing with Ina, came forward. A

blush was on the boy's brow, as if he had been discovered in a fault;

and there was an uneasy look in his eye.

"Ah, my faithful Conrin," said Ivan, "I must leave you here for a time;

you are too young to go on so hazardous an expedition. I must not again

expose your life to the dangers of such fierce warfare."

"Oh! do not despise my services, Sir," said the boy, with an imploring

look. "Have I been backward at any time in obeying you? Have I done

anything to displease you, that you would now leave me among strangers

while you are exposed to peril? Did I show fear when you attacked the

Cossack cavalry?"

"No, boy, you did not indeed," answered Ivan, with energy. "That day I

owed my life to you; and I should be ungrateful did I not endeavour to

protect your's; for that reason, I would leave you in safety here."

"But I care not for my life when your's is perilled," answered Conrin.

"Think you, Sir, that I would survive if you were slain?"

"You speak thus almost foolishly, boy," answered Ivan. "I am grateful

for your attachment; but you would find all kind to you, and many to

love and follow. I know that Javis loves you, and would protect you

with his own life, till you grow strong enough to protect yourself."

"Javis loves me!" said the boy, gloomily; "but what is his love to

yours? Let me implore you to allow me to accompany you."

"It cannot be," returned Ivan, soothingly. "I doubt not your courage,

and that you will some day become a gallant warrior; but your arm has

not yet gained sufficient strength to compete with men. If I am

wounded, Javis will attend me; and if I fall, Heaven will find you some

other protector."

"If you fall, I shall not need Heaven's protection in this world,"

returned the page, with a despairing look.

"You speak strangely, boy," said Ivan. "I have thought of your

welfare."

As he spoke, Arslan Gherrei rode up.

"Uzden," said Ivan, addressing him, (for, as it is customary to address

a person by his title alone, Ivan had not yet learned the name of the

chieftain), "I have a faithful page who has followed me from far lands,

and I would not lead him to the dangers of warfare, though he is urgent

in his prayers to be allowed to accompany me. I would bestow him in

safety; and if I fall, will you grant me a boon, and be his protector?"

"I would do all you ask me, my noble friend," answered the chief. "I

will, if it is your pleasure, place him with my daughter."

"He could not have a fairer or kinder mistress," answered Ivan, who,

desiring Conrin to follow, returned with the chieftain to the spot were

the women were still standing.

"I have returned, lady," said Ivan, addressing Ina, "to bring you an

attendant, who would fain be employed in more warlike services. He is a

brave youth, and I owe him much. I leave him, therefore, by your

father's permission, to your gentle care, and he will serve you as

faithfully as he has done me."

"Gladly will I follow your wishes, noble stranger," replied Ina; "for he

is a gallant boy, and I will treat him rather as a brother than as a

servant."

"Thanks, lady, for your kindness," answered Ivan. "Here, Conrin," he

added, calling to the boy, "I leave you, during my absence, to serve

this lady; and you will find it a more pleasing task than following me

to the field. Farewell! may you be as happy under her kind care as you

deserve."