talian warrior to measure weapons
with him. The Christian chieftain understood not the words which the
sultan uttered, but full well did he comprehend the anxiety of that
great monarch to do battle with him; and the curved scimiter and the
straight, cross-handled sword clashed together in a moment. The young
warrior knew that his opponent was the sultan, whose imperial rank was
denoted by the turban which he wore; and the hope of inflicting
chastisement on the author of all the bloodshed which had taken place on
the walls of Rhodes inspired the youth with a courage perfectly
irresistible.

Not many minutes had this combat lasted, before Solyman was thrown down
in the breach, and the cross-handled sword of his conqueror was about to
drink his heart's blood, when the renegade Ibrahim dashed forward from
amidst the confused masses of those who were fighting around, and by a
desperate effort hurled the young Italian warrior backward.

"I owe thee my life, Ibrahim," said the sultan, springing upon his feet.
"But hurt not him who has combated so gallantly: we must respect the
brave!"

The Italian chieftain had been completely stunned by his fall; he was,
therefore, easily made prisoner and carried off to Ibrahim's tent.

Almost at the same moment a messenger from Ahmed Pasha presented to the
sultan a letter, in which was stated that the grand master, Villiers of
Isle Adam, anxious to put a stop to the fearful slaughter that was
progressing, had offered to capitulate on honorable terms. This
proposition was immediately agreed to by the sultan, and a suspension of
hostilities was proclaimed around the walls. The Ottomans retired to
their camp, having lost upward of thirty thousand men during the deadly
strife of a few hours; and the Christians had now leisure to ascertain
the extent of their own disasters, which were proportionately appalling.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

THE PRISONER.

In the meantime Ibrahim had ordered his prisoner, the young Italian
chieftain, to be conveyed to his tent; and when the renegade's slaves
had disencumbered the Christian of his armor, he began to revive. As
Ibrahim bent over him, administering restoratives, a suspicion, which
had already struck him the moment he first beheld his face, grew
stronger and stronger; and the apostate at length became convinced that
he had seen that countenance on some former occasion.

Ordering his slaves to withdraw, Ibrahim remained alone with his
prisoner,