CHAPTER 5


The intelligence of the breaking up of the Christian camp, and the
retreat of the Christian army, soon reached the Divan of Karam Bey, who
immediately summoned Iskander to consult on the necessary operations.
The chieftains agreed that instant pursuit was indispensable, and soon
the savage Haemus poured forth from its green bosom swarms of that light
cavalry which was perhaps even a more fatal arm of the Turkish power
than the famous Janissaries themselves. They hovered on the rear of
the retreating Christians, charged the wavering, captured the unwary.
It was impossible to resist their sudden and impetuous movements, which
rendered their escape as secure as their onset was overwhelming.
Wearied at length by the repeated assaults, Hunniades, who, attended by
some chosen knights, had himself repaired to the rear, gave orders for
the army to halt and offer battle.

Their pursuers instantly withdrew to a distance, and gradually forming
into two divisions, awaited the arrival of the advancing army of the
Turks. The Moslemin came forward in fierce array, and with the
sanguine courage inspired by expected triumph. Very conspicuous was
Iskander bounding in his crimson vest upon his ebon steed and waving
his gleaming scimitar.

The Janissaries charged, calling upon Allah! with an awful shout. The
Christian knights, invoking the Christian saints, received the Turks at
the points of their lances. But many a noble lance was shivered that
morn, and many a bold rider and worthy steed bit the dust of that
field, borne down by the irresistible numbers of their fierce