his troops had rested, and he had formed his new recruits into some
order, which, with their willing spirits, did not demand many days,
Iskander set out from Croia, at the head of twelve thousand men, and
marched against the strong city of Petrella, meeting in his way the
remainder of the garrison of Croia on their return, who surrendered
themselves to him at discretion. Petrella was only one day's march
from Croia, and when Iskander arrived there he requested a conference
with the governor, and told his tale so well, representing the late
overthrow of the Turks by Hunniades, and the incapacity of Amurath at
present to relieve him, that the Turkish commander agreed to deliver up
the place, and leave the country with his troops, particularly as the
alternative of Iskander to these easy terms was ever conquest without
quarter. And thus, by a happy mixture of audacity and adroitness, the
march of Iskander throughout Epirus was rather like a triumph than a
campaign, the Turkish garrisons imitating, without any exception, the
conduct of their comrades at Petrella, and dreading the fate of their
comrades at the capital. In less than a month Iskander returned to
Epirus, having delivered the whole country from the Moslemin yoke.

Hitherto Iskander had heard nothing either of Hunniades or Nicaeus. He
learnt, therefore, with great interest, as he passed through the gates
of the city, that the Prince of Athens had arrived at Croia the
preceding eve, and also that his messenger had returned from the
Hungarian camp. Amid the acclamations of an enthusiastic people,
Iskander once more ascended the citadel of Croia. Nicaeus received him
at the gate. Iskander sprang from his horse, and embraced his friend.
Hand in hand, and followed by their respective trains, they entered the
fortress palace.

"Dear friend," said Iskander, when they were once more alone, "you see