Quitting the citadel, Iskander now proceeded through the whole town,
and in the afternoon reviewed the Turkish garrison in the great square.
As the late governor was very anxious to quit Croia that very day,
Iskander insisted on a considerable portion of the garrison
accompanying him as a guard of honour, and returning the next morning.
The rest he divided in several quarters, and placed the gates in charge
of his own companions.
At midnight the Epirots, faithful to their orders, arrived and united
beneath the walls of the city, and after inter-changing the signals
agreed upon, the gates were opened. A large body instantly marched and
secured the citadel. The rest, conducted by appointed leaders,
surrounded the Turks in their quarters. And suddenly, in the noon of
night, in that great city, arose a clang so dreadful that people leapt
up from their sleep and stared with stupor. Instantly the terrace of
every house blazed with torches, and it became as light as day. Troops
of armed men were charging down the streets, brandishing their
scimitars and yataghans, and exclaiming, "The Cross, the Cross!"
"Liberty!" "Greece!" "Iskander and Epirus!" The townsmen recognised
their countrymen by their language and their dress.
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