"
"My friend, you are a fool," said Iskander, "but time is too precious
to argue any longer." So saying, the Turkish commander dismounted, and
taking up the brawny sentinel in his arms with the greatest ease, threw
him over his shoulder, and threatening the astounded soldier with
instant death if he struggled, covered him with his pelisse, and
entered the camp.
They approached a watch-fire, around which several soldiers were
warming themselves.
"Who goes there?" inquired a second sentinel.
"A friend to Christendom," answered Iskander.
"The word?"
Iskander hesitated.
"The word, or I'll let fly," said the sentinel, elevating his cross
bow.
"The Bridge of Buda," instantly replied the terrified prisoner beneath
the pelisse of Iskander.
"Why did not you answer before, then?" said one of the guards.
"And why do you mock us by changing your voice?" said another. "Come,
get on with you, and no more jokes."
Iskander proceeded through a street of tents, in some of which were
lights, but all of which were silent.
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