The bridge would only permit a single rider to pass abreast. It was
supported by three arches, the centre one of very considerable size,
the others small, and rising out of the shallow water on each side. In
many parts the parapet wall was broken, in some even the pathway was
almost impassable from the masses of fallen stone, and the dangerous
fissures. In the centre of the middle arch was an immense key-stone,
on which was sculptured, in high relief, an enormous helmet, which
indeed gave, among the people of the country, a title to the bridge.
A band of horsemen dashed at full speed, with a loud shout, down the
bill. They checked their horses, when to their astonishment they found
Iskander with his drawn scimitar, prepared to resist their passage.
But they paused only for a moment, and immediately attempted to swim
the river. But their exhausted horses drew back with a strong instinct
from the rushing waters: one of the band alone, mounted on a
magnificent black mare, succeeding in his purpose. The rider was half-
way in the stream, his high-bred steed snorting and struggling in the
strong current.
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