delivered to Iskander. Reverently touching the hand of his chieftain,
the messenger then kissed his own and withdrew. Iskander broke the
seal, and drew forth a letter from the silken cover.

"So! this is well!" exclaimed the prince, with great animation, as he
threw his quick eye over the letter. "As I hoped and deemed, a most
complete victory. Karam Bey himself a prisoner, baggage, standards,
great guns, treasure. Brave soldier of the Cross! (may I prove so!)
Your perfectly-devised movement, (poh, poh!) Hah! what is this?"
exclaimed Iskander, turning pale; his lip quivered, his eye looked dim.
He walked to an arched window. His companion, who supposed that he was
reading, did not disturb him.

"Poor, poor Hunniades!" at length exclaimed Iskander, shaking his.
head.

"What of him?" inquired Nicaeus, quickly.

"The sharpest accident of war!" replied Iskander. "It quite clouds my
spirit. We must forget these things, we must forget. Epirus! he is
not a patriot who can spare a thought from thee. And yet, so young, so
beautiful, so gifted, so worthy of a hero! when I saw her by her great
father's side, sharing his toils, aiding his councils, supplying his
necessities, methought I gazed upon a ministering angel! upon -- "

"Stop, stop in mercy's name, Iskander!" exclaimed Nicaeus, in a
very agitated tone. "What is all this? Surely no, surely not, surely
Iduna-- "

"'Tis she!"