The governor's daughter took advantage of the garrison at this unguarded
moment; and fearing to trust again to the sincerity of her maid,
resolved to proceed herself to Abdurachman's tent. Annis led the way.
The night was serene, and the light of the moon showed the stately
castle of Abydos, dark and majestic. No noise was heard, save the heavy
and uniform step of the sentinels, whose bright arms, as they caught the
moon's rays, sparkled against the gloomy looking building. Little did
the inmates, now as tranquil as the night, dream of being surprised by
an enemy; and little did the brave governor imagine that his own beloved
daughter, at this moment, was treacherously hastening to a merciless
foe, with the intent to conduct him to Abydos! Sophronia reached her
lover's tent weary and faint, for she had walked with great haste. She
sank into the captain's arms, and then, almost inaudibly, informed him
that not a moment was to be lost, and that he must follow her
immediately to the castle.

He obeyed, and having formed a litter for the lady, she was borne on the
shoulders of four stout Turks. When they arrived at the postern gate,
Sophronia told the captain that he, with his men, must first enter the
castle, and then kill the sentinels and wardens, after which he would be
enabled to give admittance to all his friends. The Turks strictly obeyed
the lady, who before the affair began hastened with Annis to her
apartment in order to await the issue of her plot. The Turks entered the
castle by hundreds, killing all they met, and were soon masters of the
place. Meanwhile, Sophronia and Annis, both dreadfully agitated, heard
from their chamber the dying groans of the poor Christians. Sometimes
the clashing of swords was distinguished, as if a number of persons were
engaged in combat; sometimes the loud lamentations of women intervened;
and sometimes the voices of the conquerors were alone heard in
exultation. At length the door of Sophronia's room burst open, and