The Eremite shook his head, and leaning on his staff, returned to the
cavern. Iduna remained, seated on a mossy rock, listening to the
awakening birds, and musing over the fate of Iskander. While she was
indulging in this reverie, her name was called. She looked up with a
blush, and beheld Nicaeus.
"How fares my gentle comrade?" inquired the Prince of Athens.
"As well as I hope you are, dear Nicaeus. We have been indeed fortunate
in finding so kind a host."
"I think I may now congratulate you on your safety," said the Prince.
"This unfrequented pass will lead us in two days to Epirus, nor do I
indeed now fear pursuit."
"Acts and not words must express in future how much we owe to you,"
said Iduna. "My joy would be complete if my father only knew of our
safety, and if our late companion were here to share it."
"Fear not for my friend," replied Nicaeus. "I have faith in the fortune
of Iskander."
"If any one could succeed under such circumstances, be doubtless is the
man," rejoined Iduna; "but it was indeed an awful crisis in his fate.
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