Iskander lit a fire and prepared their rough meal, unharnessed the
horses, and turned them out to their pasture. Nicaeus made Iduna a
couch of fern and supported her head, while, in deference to his
entreaties she endeavoured in vain to sleep. Before midnight they were
again on their way, and proceeded at a rapid pace towards the
mountains, until a few hours before noon, when their horses began to
sink under the united influence of their previous exertions and the
increasing heat of the day. Iskander looked serious, and often threw a
backward glance in the direction of Adrianople.
"We must be beyond pursuit," said Nicaeus. "I dare say poor Kaflis is
still gagged and bound."
"Could we but reach the mountains," replied his companion, "I should
have little fear, but I counted upon our steeds carrying us there
without faltering. We cannot reckon upon more than three hours' start,
prince. Our friend Kaflis is too important a personage to be long
missed."
"The Holy Virgin befriend us!" said the Lady Iduna. "I ca urge my poor
horse no more.
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