Bey may be mistaken. He deems that a battle is not to be won by
loitering under a shadowy tree. Now I differ with him, and I even mean
to win this day by such a piece of truancy. However, it may certainly
now be time for more active work. You smile encouragement, good Mousa.
Giorgio, Demetrius, to your duty!"

At these words, two stout Epirots advanced to the unfortunate
secretary, seized and bound him, and placed him on horseback before one
of their comrades.

"Now all who love their country follow me!" exclaimed Iskander. So
saying, and at the head of five thousand horsemen, Iskander quitted the
field at a rapid pace.



CHAPTER 6


With incredible celerity Iskander and his cavalry dashed over the
plains of Roumelia, and never halted, except for short and hurried
intervals of rest and repose, until they had entered the mountainous
borders of Epirus, and were within fifty miles of its capital, Croia.
On the eve of entering the kingdom of his fathers, Iskander ordered his
guards to produce the chief secretary of Karam Bey. Exhausted with
fatigue, vexation, and terror, the disconsolate Mousa was led forward.

"Cheer up, worthy Mousa!" said Iskander, lying his length on the green
turf. "We have had a sharp ride; but I doubt not we shall soon find
ourselves, by the blessing of God, in good quarters. There is a city