"Lynx. We will here leave our horses and our guns; and let us see if
Circassian steel is not better than Russian lead."
Another shout proclaimed the approbation of the band to this proposal.
The most renowned and most active were then divided into four parties,
of about one hundred and fifty men each, who, throwing aside all
incumbrances, retained only their swords and long broad daggers. The
Hadji put himself at the head of one band, and his son Alp led the most
daring and active of the Dehli Khans, who willingly followed him in
consideration of his father's renown. Arslan Gherrei led a third party
of the bravest warriors, with whom Ivan was about to volunteer, when he
was unanimously elected to lead the fourth band. A few were destined
for the less glorious, but necessary, service of guarding the horses and
such arms as had been laid aside; and the remainder, under Achmet Beg,
were to form a cordon round the fort, to cut off any stragglers of the
enemy who should attempt to escape.
The scouts, who had been sent to watch the vessel, brought word that she
had just arrived in the bay, and that troops had been landing from her;
but this did not damp the ardour of the mountaineers, though Ivan
remained in a state of alarm, lest his friend might be ordered out for
execution before they could attack the fort.
The night had been far spent before all the arrangements were made; and,
at a signal given by their leader, the army advanced cautiously and in
deep silence towards the fort. A storm with terrific fury now broke
over their heads, when the Hadji proposed to delay no longer; but (their
footsteps being unheard amid the tempest) to rush on at once to the
assault. The plan was, however, over-ruled by the advice of Achmet Beg.
"Stay, my brother," he said; "though the foe hear not the sound of our
footsteps, the flashes of lightning would betray our approach." And as
they arrived at the skirts of the forest nearest the sea, with the fort
below them, he added: "See the lightning plays round the bayonets of the
sentinels at their posts. Wait, till they grow weary of the storm, and
then perchance they may endeavour to seek shelter beneath their walls,
and their eyes may not be turned this way."
"Your advice is good," answered the Hadji. "Let it be so."
Attentive to their chief leader, all the bands therefore halted;
watching, in eager expectation, for the order to advance again.
While our hero was waiting for the command to proceed, he fancied that
he observed a small light figure, which now advanced, moving among the
dark masses of human beings surrounding him. He looked earnestly
through the obscurity to catch a glimpse of the object as the lightning
flashed brightest. All was again obscure, when he heard a low sigh near
him. He turned: his page Conrin stood by his side.
He spoke rather angrily. "How is this, boy? I left you under the Lady
Ina's care. Do you thus so soon disobey my orders?"
A low sob was the answer. At length the boy found words to speak. "And
do you thus so soon forget your promise, Sir? Did you not say that I
might follow you through all dangers and hardships? and am I to be left
at home in safety, while you are thus exposed to peril? Let me now
accompany you, and no harm can happen to me. My life is charmed when
near you."
Before Ivan had time to answer, the rain poured down in torrents from
the dark clouds, and the lightning ceased.
"Now is our time to advance," cried the Hadji to the leaders assembled
around him. "To you, my son Alp, with your fiery Dehli Khans, shall be
given in charge to scale the steep rocks which form the side of the fort
to the right. Do you, Uzden Arslan Gherrei, form your band on my left,
and we will rush up the smooth ground in front. We have often fought
side by side, and can best face danger together, while our armour will
protect us in the most exposed situation. You, stranger, with your
light-clad followers, must storm on the left, and as far round towards
the sea as they can reach over the rough and rocky ground; while do you,
my brother, be ready to strengthen any of us who may require aid. And
now, chiefs, in the name of Allah! lead on your followers."
The leaders hastened to the head of their bands, and, amidst the loud
roaring of the tempest, and the dashing of the rain, they stole in deep
darkness close beneath the walls of the doomed fort.
The sentinels at their posts, with their heads muffled in their cloaks,
did not suspect the danger that surrounded them; or, when they looked
beyond the walls, were blinded by the rain, and saw nothing besides the
dark veil which shrouded them.
Our hero, with a guide, whom he kept close to him, reached the very
trench of the fort, on the south-western angle, at the very moment that
the other bands gained their destined posts. Then crouching down, they
could scarcely have been distinguished from the rocks and coarse herbage
which covered the ground, even had the clouds cleared off, and allowed
the stars to give their light.
There the hardy mountaineers waited, scarcely daring to breathe, for the
Hadji's preconcerted signal to commence the attack. Silent, as tenants
of the grave, they watched, while not a human being within the fort
perceived the thick clustering foe, or dreamed that danger was nigh.
The rain had ceased, and the tempest had passed away, when the pale cold
light of dawn began, by imperceptible degrees, to appear; yet, before it
had thrown a gleam of brightness on the scene, the deep sonorous voice
of the Hadji, uttering the cry of "Allah! Allah!" broke the stillness
of the air, and was taken up on all sides by the eager warriors, as they
rushed impetuously to the assault. They had gained the summit of the
ramparts, before the sentinels could recover from their panic. Vain was
the slight resistance they could offer, as they sunk beneath the
powerful arms of their assailants.
Wherever the Russian soldiers turned, as they rushed in disordered
affright from their huts, they found themselves surrounded by foes.
Even on the side they considered impracticable, Alp Beg, with his
youthful and active followers, assaulted them; while on the sea-side,
Ivan and his band had sprung over the entrenchments, and had driven
those who attempted to withstand him from the walls. A few of the most
determined of the garrison made a desperate rush towards the guns, which
vomited forth a shower of grape; but in a few minutes, the men who fired
them were cut down by the mountaineers.
On every side arose those tremendous cries which quailed the stoutest
hearts. Innumerable foes seemed to be hurled from out of the obscurity
of the sky among the Russians, as the Circassians leaped over the
trenches. Arslan Gherrei and the Hadji had met with the greatest
opposition in front; but the latter, fighting his way, had joined his
son Alp, on the right, while the brave commander of the fortress,
rallying a strong body of troops, met the former chieftain in his
victorious course. The Russians opened a tremendous fire, beneath which
many of their assailants fell, as encouraged by their officer's example,
they advanced to meet them, the Circassians rushing to their very
bayonets' points.
So bravely did the former fight, that many of the Circassians were for a
time driven back; and Arslan Gherrei found himself surrounded by
Russians. Many of the most daring advanced to seize him, but his sword
kept them at bay; yet they seemed determined to overwhelm him: when our
hero, on seeing so large a body of defenders still keeping together, led
on some of his men, and fought his way towards the spot. There was just
sufficient daylight to distinguish objects at no great distance; when,
catching sight of the heroic Arslan Gherrei, hard pressed, and defending
himself singly against a host of foes, he shouted loudly his name, and
strained every nerve to reach him. He almost shrieked with eagerness,
as he fell, like a tiger, on the intervening combatants, till he hewed a
way to the rescue of the noble chieftain. And, once again, those two
brave warriors fought side by side, their foes giving way before them:
none could withstand their arms. Then as their followers united, the
enemy retreated to a building in their rear, into which some found
entrance, and opened a heavy fire on the assailants, while the rest
remained without, fighting with their backs to the walls.
The firing lasted but a few minutes; when a terrific explosion took
place. The earth shook with violence; and the combatants, interrupted
in their deadly strife, were covered with the falling ruins, and
obscured by smoke and dust.
Ivan looked around. Arslan Gherrei stood unharmed near him. Around
them, and amid the fallen building, lay strewed the bodies of their late
opponents, and of many of their own party, killed by the descending
ruins.
Wherever Ivan moved, the daring young page was by his side, fearless of
the strife. Unharmed by the swords of the foe, and the falling ruins,
he pursued his way, fighting as bravely as the boldest warrior, and
regarding only his master's safety.
By the light of the burning rafters, which blazed furiously, Ivan
eagerly hastened in search of his friend; and as the smoke and dust
cleared off, he caught sight of a human being, endeavouring to extricate
himself from the ruins of a small building. He leaped over the smoking
ruins, towards the spot, followed by some of his men. In a few minutes
he had the happiness of lifting his friend Stanisloff in his arms, and
seeing his fetters knocked off, while loud shouts proclaimed the
satisfaction of his liberators.
In the mean time, the venerable Hadji and his gallant son had cleared
the fort of all who opposed them. Young Alp drove the Russians to the
water's edge, so that at the time the magazine blew up, all opposition
had ceased. As the victors hurried through the fort, the sound of
cannon from the ship of war in the harbour, proclaimed that some of
their enemies had reached the shore, and were being protected in their
embarkation. A party, therefore, hurried off to assist Alp in capturing
the remainder of their defeated foes, or in utterly destroying them.
As the sun rose in majestic splendour over the mountains, what a scene
of havoc and destruction it revealed! On every side were the bodies of
the slaughtered Russians, ghastly with the terrific wounds of the broad
bladed cama, which had pierced home to the breasts of the victims, doing
its work surely. Their countenances were livid, and their limbs
distorted into every frightful attitude. Among them, near the walls,
lay many bodies of the mountaineers, their sabres firmly clasped in
their clenched hands, scarcely shewing the small death wound caused by
the bullet. Some lay pierced by the bayonets of the defenders of the
castle, as they leaped from the parapet among them.
Farther in the centre, amid their slain husbands and fathers, were the
bodies of several women and children, who, rushing from their huts, at
the first terrific sound of the onslaught, had been, in the darkness and
confusion, overthrown, unknowingly slain, and trampled upon, by the
fierce combatants of either side. Round the smoking ruins of the
magazine which had exploded, were the blackened remains of the gallant
commander of the fort, and of the few faithful soldiers who had taken
refuge with him in the building attached to it; and, crushed amid the
heaps of earth and stones, were the bodies of several of the fierce
mountaineers who were attacking it.
Some of the store-houses and barracks had likewise caught fire, and were
blazing up furiously, to add to the destruction and confusion. Parties
of the victors were hurrying over the fort, some ransacking the quarters
of the officers, others piling the arms of the conquered, and others
collecting the prisoners who had lain down their arms. The cannonading
soon ceased, and the brig of war was seen standing out of the harbour,
carrying away the poor remains of the garrison, who had first escaped to
the shore, though the greater part had either been slain, or made
prisoners.
None of the chiefs of note had fallen, they being well protected for
this species of fighting, by the coats of chain armour they wore under
their dress; but it was a dearly-bought victory to their followers,
three score of whom had perished by the bullets of the Russians, and by
the explosion of the magazine.
Achmet Beg, notwithstanding his advanced age, had not been able to
restrain his ardour; but with somewhat of the fiery valour of his
brother the Hadji, when the shouts of the combatants arose, had quitted
his post outside, and, scaling the ramparts, with many of his followers,
joined in the fray. Overcome with fatigue he stood like the statue of
an aged Mars, leaning on his sword reeking with the blood of his foes,
and covered with the dust and smoke of the combat.
Alp Beg now returned from the pursuit of the enemy, whom he had almost
cut to pieces before the remnant succeeded in escaping to the boats of
the brig. Among the latter, was probably the Count Erintoff; as when
Ivan and Thaddeus went in search of his corpse, it was no where to be
found. The chieftains then assembled in the centre of the fort; when
our hero led forth his rescued friend, who was received with warm and
sincere congratulations by his gallant liberators. Few words passed
between them; for there was still much to be done, and all were anxious
to return to give assurance to their friends of their success.
By Ivan's side stood young Conrin, amid the fierce and bearded warriors;
one bright and glowing spot alone remained on his otherwise pale cheek,
and his eyes burned with the same unearthly lustre which they had shewn
after the former combat. His lip at times quivered, and his arm still
trembled with the exertion he had undergone, as his hand grasped a
weapon marked with many a red stain. Alas! that one so young, and
seemingly of so gentle a nature, should engage in scenes of bloodshed
like this! The boy gazed up in his master's face with a look expressive
of such satisfaction and joy, that he had escaped the dangers of the
attack, that Ivan relented from the displeasure he had felt at the
youth's rashness, and, placing his hand on his shoulder, said:
"It was for your safety, my brave, but rash, Conrin, that I forbade you
to accompany me on this expedition; and for my own sake also. For my
grief would have been, indeed, great, and I should never have ceased
blaming myself, had you fallen, or received any injury. Therefore, if
you love me, venture not again into such danger."
The boy burst into tears. "It would be my greatest joy to die at your
feet, if I thought you loved me as I would be loved!" exclaimed he
passionately. "And I am amply rewarded for all the horrors of this
scene, now that the moment has arrived in which I know that you are
safe."
"Boy, you will wear that gallant young spirit out, if you thus exert it
before its time. For my sake, if not for your own, play me not thus
false again," said Ivan. "And, now as a truant, I must return you to
your mistress."
"Am I then forgiven, Sir?" asked the boy.
"Yes, Conrin, yes, you are forgiven; and gladly, as you have not
suffered. But see, the chiefs are moving on, and I must join them."
The chiefs had been holding a consultation, in which it was agreed to
destroy the fort completely. Achmet Beg volunteering to remain with a
party of his followers, to superintend its entire demolition. The rest
quitted the fort, the drawbridge being lowered for their exit. They
were received with shouts of congratulation by the party outside the
walls, each man laden with the arms and other booty which they had found
in the fort, and carefully guarding the few prisoners they had taken.
A more mournful procession followed, conveying on quickly-formed biers,
the bodies of their slain comrades, the bearers changing, at intervals,
the triumphant songs of victory into cries of lamentation for their
early fate. The victorious little army first repaired to the secluded
vale where they had left their horses, their rifles, their cloaks, and
provisions, and where the last sad obsequies were to be performed to the
slain. But it was a consolation to all the true believers in Mahomet,
that, falling in defence of their country, their souls would find a
quick passage to Paradise. Short, consequently, was the burial service
of the brave warriors, though the grief of the survivors was not the
less for the friends who had fallen.
The chieftains, therefore, leaving a party to commit the bodies to their
last resting-place in that quiet spot, hastened back to defend the
passes of Ghelendjik, lest the garrison, taking advantage of the absence
of many of the inhabitants, should attempt to ravage the country.
Volume 2, Chapter XVII.
Scarce a whole day had passed since the band of gallant warriors had
left the neighbourhood of Ghelendjik, when they returned crowned with
victory. One of the detested forts of the foe was levelled to the
ground, and thus one of the first links of the chain, the fana Moscov
were striving to throw around the land was burst asunder at a single
blow. This showed them what they might still do; it raised their
courage; it inflamed their ardour. Again and again they vowed never to
yield while an arm remained to strike.
The noble Hadji was in high spirits at the success of this the first
enterprise he had engaged in since his return to his native land; nor
the less so at the gallantry which his son had displayed. He careered
along, at the head of the party, gay as the most youthful warrior among
them. The heroic Arslan Gherrei, on his magnificent black charger, his
plume towering above the others, rode sedately near him, his features,
except when excited amid the combat, ever wearing the same grave stern
expression.
In each of the small secluded hamlets through which they passed, the
women came forth to welcome them, throwing flowers in their path, and
singing triumphant hymns of praise for their victory. Some made eager
inquiries for husbands, and fathers, or brothers; and sad was the wail
raised in lieu of songs of triumph, when the death of any loved one was
announced to them.
By the side of our hero rode his friend Thaddeus, for whom he had
procured a horse, and who now related the events which had lately
occurred to him, and the attempted revenge of the Count Erintoff.
"You are now then, my dear Thaddeus, surely absolved from all allegiance
to the Emperor?" said Ivan. "And you may join, without scruple of
conscience, the only cause for which a man is justified in fighting,
when not for the protection of his own country, the defence of a gallant
people's dearest liberties, their homes, their families, against the
power of tyrants who would enslave them."
"True, my friend," answered Thaddeus, "such I now feel is a righteous
cause, sanctified by Heaven; such the true cause in which the pure
spirit of chivalry delights to engage; far different from the hireling
service which would place a tyrant or an usurper on the throne, and aid
him in oppressing a people whom it is his office to govern."
"I am rejoiced to hear you speak sentiments so like my own," exclaimed
Ivan, "and of which you, of all men, have just reason to feel the
truth."
"Since we parted, I have thought much on the subject, even though death
was hanging over me," returned the young Pole. "One of the causes,
which then made me refuse to join your party, has been removed. My
father is no more. The thraldom under which his noble spirit groaned,
and grief for his country's overthrow, have at length brought his life
to a close."
"Then, surely," said Ivan, "you can no longer, with reason, consider
yourself bound to Russia."
"I do not; I consider myself justly absolved from my oath of service to
the Emperor," answered Thaddeus. "But can you blame me, when I hesitate
to turn my sword against my former brothers in arms, many bound to me by
the ties of friendship?"
"That you need never do," answered Ivan; "and henceforth, I shall hail
you as my brother in arms; for Circassia has foes enough without
numbering the few you can claim as friends. The fierce and daring
Cossacks shall be your opponents, and along the banks of the Kouban,
they will afford you abundance of opportunities of gaining credit and
renown among us."
"Press me not further on the subject, my friend," returned the Pole. "I
have scarcely yet learned to consider myself as numbered among the
living, so rapid and stunning has been my delivery from death. I have
much to give me serious reflection."
The two friends relapsed into silence for some time; for Ivan's thoughts
were also deeply occupied with conjectures, vague, uncertain, yet full
of hope, as to who was the brave chieftain, whose name he had heard, and
whose noble bearing, heroic valour, stern and melancholy, yet courteous
deportment had inspired him with feelings of love and admiration, such
as his heart was unaccustomed to accord to others; but he could not yet
bring himself to address him.
As the party approached the beautiful village they had left the previous
day, a group of bright and graceful forms was seen between the trees,
waving garlands of flowers; their sweet voices singing songs of welcome
and congratulation to the victorious warriors. The chiefs, throwing
their reins to the squires, leaped from their steeds, as they reached
the woodland glade, already mentioned as the romantic hall of assembly
for the neighbourhood.
The maidens advanced to meet the warriors, each anxious to welcome the
most beloved of their gallant defenders; and still more lovely than all,
came Ina, rushing with joy into the arms of her father. That one
affectionate embrace of his child, was a full recompense to the heart of
the noble hero, for all the risks and dangers of war. The wife and
daughters of the chief of the hamlet came forward also to welcome him
and his sons; and many a bashful maiden betrayed her hitherto concealed
love for some gallant youth, in her joy at his safe return from battle.
It was a highly interesting scene. Diana-like forms of women, clothed
in coloured and richly ornamented robes, with long white veils floating
gracefully from their heads; the shining and embossed armour, jewelled
weapons, and tall plumes of the noble chiefs; the groups of high-mettled
steeds, and bands of retainers, assembled on the verdant lawn,
surrounded by the bright foliage of lofty trees and canopied by the blue
vault of heaven; formed a picture, such as Titian or Rubens might have
loved to paint. It reminded one of the romantic days of chivalry, now
long since faded from all other lands but that of the heroic Atteghei.
Near Ivan stood Thaddeus, enraptured by the beautiful and noble scene;
but, more than all, by the loveliness of Ina, as his glance first fell
on her, clinging to her father's arm. His very soul became entranced as
he gazed, nor could he withdraw his admiring eyes; never had he seen a
being more lovely, more graceful. It was to him, as if, after arriving
from the dark regions of death, he had entered a glorious paradise.
Scarcely were the first greetings over, when the Hadji advanced towards
Ivan, and taking his hand, led him forward into the midst of the
assembled chiefs, exclaiming, "To you, my noble friend Arslan Gherrei,
and to you, chieftains all, I speak. I have this day a pleasing duty to
perform. Here stands one whom I am proud to call my friend; with me he
came to these, our native shores; but to this moment, I know not his
name. He was under an oath, and none could disapprove it, not to tell
his name or lineage, until he had gained for himself a warlike and noble
title, and proved himself worthy to belong to the pure race of the
Atteghei. I call on you all, who have been spectators of his deeds of
arms; who have seen his heroic bravery, when combating against the foes
of our country; to bear witness, that he is worthy to be called one of
the noblest of the children of the Atteghei; I call on you all, to
declare, if you will welcome him as a brother, the bravest of the brave
among us?"
"We do! we do!" was shouted from all sides; "he is a true son of the
Atteghei. We welcome him as a gallant brother in arms."
Uttering similar expressions, each chieftain advanced to grasp his hand,
in token of approval. The heart of our hero beat quickly, as the blood
tumultuously rushed through his veins, with a glow of noble pride, at
the applause of his countrymen; but more than all, at the hope that the
consummation of his most anxious wishes was about to draw near.
"I knew, my friends, that you could have but one opinion," said the
Hadji. "But to you, Arslan Gherrei, I more particularly speak, for
twice have you been witness of the bravery of the stranger warrior;
twice has he rescued from peril, that life so prized by our country."
"Truly do I know how brave and noble he is," answered the chieftain
advancing; "and gladly do I hail him as a son of the Atteghei."
"Young warrior, you hear what has been spoken of you by some of the most
gallant chiefs of Circassia. What more would you have to absolve you
from your oath?" exclaimed the Hadji with animation.
"I am overwhelmed with the proud feelings of my heart," cried our hero.
"No greater praise can I ever hope to gain. I will keep my secret no
longer. The name I bore at my birth was Selem Gherrei!"
"What! speak that name again," cried Arslan Gherrei, springing forward.
Seizing his hand he held it in his grasp, while he gazed earnestly into
his face.
"Noble youth, whence come you? can a blessed spirit rise from the dead?
Speak, ere my heart burst with impatience; say who gave you that name?"
"My mother," answered our hero. "When a child, I was carried away with
her by a Russian commander; she continued to watch over my youth till
death tore her from me."
"It is enough; you are--you are my son, my long mourned son. I need no
more to convince me," cried the chieftain, clasping the youth in his
arms, while manly tears of joy burst from the long dried up fountains of
his eagle eye.
"Am I! am I, noble chief, your son?" cried the youth, no less overcome,
and falling on his knees while returning his new-found father's embrace.
"Has heaven, indeed, granted me so proud a blessing? See, I have borne
this amulet from childhood, and have ever religiously guarded it. This
may prove my birth."
"I need no mark to convince me that you are my son. Nature speaks
loudly for you, though well do I remember that amulet," cried the
chieftain. "You are, indeed, my son, and Allah be praised for his
bounty. I felt it when first I saw you, like a guardian angel, fighting
by my side, and rescuing me from death; I felt it when first I heard the
rich manly tones of your voice inciting your followers to the fight.
Yes, my heart beat with joy that another warrior should be added to the
cause of the Atteghei; and now how proud and grateful I am, let Heaven
witness. See, chiefs, I here present to you my son. Great Heaven has
granted me the only boon I craved," he added, lifting up his son.
"After the witness you have borne of his bravery you all must know how
proud I am of him."
"Have I not a sister, too, my father? Let her also participate in our
joy," cried his son, hastening to embrace Ina, who, trembling with
agitation, had advanced to the spot. "My sister, my sweet sister!"
"Oh, my brother! Allah be praised that I may pronounce that dear name.
Now can my father's heart rejoice that he has found his long-wished-for
son. Already does my heart give some of the love our father once
claimed, to you, my brother," she said with a sweet smile beaming
through her fast falling tears of joy.
The chieftains had courteously retired to some distance, so as not to
restrain the indulgence of Arslan Gherrei's feelings of happiness; but
they gazed with deep interest, as the once stern and gloomy champion of
their country melted into softness, as he looked on his newly-found
gallant son.
The Hadji also was delighted. "I knew, my friend," he cried, "that none
but a noble father could have owned a son brave as my young friend,
Selem Gherrei. Say, warriors, are they not worthy of each other?"
"Yes, yes! may Allah grant a long and prosperous life to our gallant
champion, Arslan Gherrei, and to his brave son, the young Selem," was
shouted by the assembled warriors. "Long live Selem Gherrei!" was
echoed through the grove, as they advanced in gallant and martial array,
each grasping Selem's hand as they passed him and his proud and happy
father; nor could they refrain from giving an admiring but respectful
glance at the fair Ina, as she stood clinging to her newly-found
brother's arm.
Then arose the song of a wandering minstrel, who, attracted by the fast
flying news of the storming of the fort, had repaired hither to
commemorate the victory with his muse; and here was a theme well worthy
of his martial strains. First tuning his lyre he broke forth into a
loud triumphant hymn of victory; then, changing his theme, he described
the fierce attack of the Russians, when the noble chief Arslan Gherrei
was deprived of his wife and son; then it sunk into a low strain of
grief, worked into rage against the ravishers. He next enumerated the
many bloody combats in which the chief had fought to revenge himself on
his foes, the coming of the youthful stranger, his fighting by his
father's side and rescuing him and his sister from the enemy. Finally,
as he pictured their surprise and joy at meeting, his notes were melting
and pathetic, till, by degrees swelling high to triumphant strains of
joy, he was joined by numerous other minstrels of scarcely less note,
who had followed him to the scene.
A band of maidens then, taking the word from the bard, advanced, and
surrounding the group with their wreaths of flowers, joining their
sweet, rich voices to the melody as the cadence rose and fell with the
subject.
Then the bard changed his theme to the rescue of the Polish stranger;
and as he sang, all eyes were turned towards Thaddeus; and as Ina caught
his gaze drinking in with enraptured delight the beauty of her form and
features, she cast her look on the ground, blushing she knew not why;
while he, the brave soldier, seemed seized with the same bashful
feeling.
The bard had ceased his strains when a party of musicians struck up
light and cheerful airs, and some of the youthful mountaineers, in spite
of the fatigue of the fight and march, led forth the village maidens,
nothing loath, to the dance; the nobles looked on to applaud, until
messengers arrived from the house of the Tocav to say that a banquet was
prepared to welcome the warriors.
Our hero, whom we must in future designate by his true name of Selem
Gherrei, now took the hand of Thaddeus. "My sweet sister," he said, "I
will lose no time in making known to you one, who has been my friend
under various circumstances, and will, I trust, always continue so."
"My brother's friend is welcome to me," she answered in Turkish, a
language Thaddeus was also slightly acquainted with. "But I cannot
perform the courtesies you have been accustomed to in Frangistan. I
have but few words to express my feelings in the tongue in which I now
speak."
"Think not so meanly of yourself, Ina," said Selem. "My friend is one
of those noble Poles, whose country you have doubtless heard the
Russians have treated as they would ours; and yet he hesitates to draw
his sword against such foes. But I must leave him to your soft
persuasions to supply him with excuses for joining us."
"I fear that I could scarce disobey your wishes, sweet lady," said
Thaddeus; "then pray do not bid me act against my conscience."
"I would not do as you fear," answered Ina. "But among the sons of the
Atteghei the claims of friendship are paramount to every other. Surely
you would not quit my brother's side in the battle-field. His foes
should be your foes, and his friends your friends."
"Cease, lady, cease," exclaimed Thaddeus earnestly; "or you will gain
too quick a victory. The sweet tones of your voice alone are too
eloquent to be withstood."
"Silence, my friend," interrupted Selem, in Russian smiling. "You
bring, indeed, the courtly style of St. Petersburg with you, when you
commence by paying compliments. I must assert a brother's privilege to
stop such language, or you may turn my gentle sister's head. Remember
that she is unaccustomed to phrases of flattery."
"Her looks bespeak her to be far too sensible to be influenced by terms
of compliment," answered Thaddeus.
"There breathes no woman of any clime, and but few of the nobler sex
even, who are uninfluenced by flattery," returned Selem. Then speaking
again in his own language, "Pardon me, my sister, for speaking in a
language you understand not. I was but scolding my friend for paying
the empty compliments which the fair ones of the cities of Frangistan
receive as of sterling value."
"Your friend, my brother, would not surely use phrases unbecoming a
mountain girl to hear. He looks too wise, too good," said Ina, blushing
as she spoke.
Another messenger now approached to summon the hero of the day, the
young Circassian Chief, and his Polish friend, to the feast, where the
other chieftains were waiting their arrival. Great however was the
disappointment of both, when they found that the chief ornaments would
be wanting; for though the most chivalrous devotion is paid to the fair
sex, such is the custom of the country, that no woman may be present at
the festive board, except on private occasions when in attendance on
their lords.
Most unwillingly, therefore, Selem was obliged to part from his
newly-found beautiful sister, and many an enraptured glance did the
young Pole cast towards her as she retired with her women and the
daughters of the host; while the two friends followed the gallant chief,
Arslan Gherrei (his heart beating with happiness at the restoration of
his son), as he led the way to the scene of festivity.
------------------------------------------------------------------------