an 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."

They had now ascended a small rising ground, which gave the wide
prospect over the plain. Iskander halted and threw an anxious glance
around him.

"There are some horsemen in the distance whom I do not like," said the
physician.

"I see them," said Nicaeus; "travellers like ourselves."

"Let us die sooner than be taken," said Iduna.

"Move on," said the physician, "and let me observe these horsemen
alone. I would there were some forest at hand. In two hours we may gain
the mountains."

The daughter of Hunniades and the Prince of Athens descended the rising
ground. Before them, but at a considerable distance was a broad and
rapid river, crossed by a ruinous Roman bridge. The opposite bank of the
river was the termination of a narrow plain, which led immediately to
the mountains.

"Fair Iduna, you are safe," said the Prince of Athens.

"Dear Nicaeus," replied his companion, "imagine what I feel."

"It is too wild a moment to express my gratitude."

"I trust that Iduna will never express her gratitude to Nicaeus,"
answered the prince; "it is not, I assure you, a favourite word with
him."

Their companion rejoined them, urging his wearied horse to its utmost
speed.

"Nicaeus!" he called out, "halt."

They stopped their willing horses.

"How now! my friend;" said the prince; "you look grave."

"Lady Iduna!" said the Armenian, "we are pursued."

Hitherto the prospect of success, and the consciousness of the terrible
destiny that awaited failure, had supported Iduna under exertions, which
under any other circumstances must have proved fatal. But to learn, at
the very moment that she was congratulating herself on the felicitous
completion of their daring enterprise, that that dreaded failure was
absolutely impending, demanded too great an exertion of her