"
"Indeed!" said Nicaeus, with a thoughtful air. "My letters did not
prepare me for this. 'Tis sudden! Is Amurath himself in the field?"
"No; Karam Bey commands. I have accounted for my delay to the Sultan
by pretended difficulties in our treaty, and have held out the prospect
of a larger tribute."
"When we are plotting that that tribute should be paid no longer!"
added Nicaeus, with a smile.
"Alas! my dear friend," replied the Turkish commander, "my situation
has now become critical. Hitherto my services for the Moslemin have
been confined to acting against nations of their own faith. I am now
suddenly summoned to combat against my secret creed, and the best
allies of what I must yet call my secret country. The movement, it
appears to me, must be made now or never, and I cannot conceal from
myself, that it never could have been prosecuted under less auspicious
circumstances."
"What, you desponding!" exclaimed Nicaeus; "then I must despair. Your
sanguine temper has alone supported me throughout all our dangerous
hopes.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25