immediate invasion of Epirus, and the return of Iskander to his country
became each hour more urgent. Everything being prepared, the
adventurers determined on the fourth morning to attempt the rescue.
They repaired as usual to the Serail, and were attended by Kaflis to
the chamber of the tower, who congratulated Iskander on their way on
the rapid convalescence of the captive. When they had fairly entered
the chamber, the physician being somewhat in advance, Nicaeus, who was
behind, commenced proceedings by knocking down the eunuch, and Iskander
instantly turning round to his assistance, they succeeded in gagging
and binding the alarmed and astonished Kaflis. Iduna then exhibited
herself in a costume exactly similar to that worn by Nicaeus, and which
her friends had brought to her in their big. Iskander and Iduna then
immediately quitted the Serail without notice or suspicion, and hurried
to the khan, where they mounted their horses, that were in readiness,
and hastened without a moment's loss of time to a fountain without the
gates, where they awaited the arrival of Nicaeus with anxiety. After
remaining a few minutes in the chamber of the tower, the Prince of
Athens stole out, taking care to secure the door upon Kaflis, he
descended the staircase, and escaped through the Serail without meeting
any one, and had nearly reached the gate of the gardens, when he was
challenged by some of the eunuch guard at a little distance.

"Hilloa!" exclaimed one; "I thought you passed just now?"

"So I did," replied Nicaeus, with nervous effrontery; "but I came back
for my bag, which I left behind," and, giving them no time to reflect,
he pushed his way through the gate with all the impudence of a page.
He rushed through the burial-ground, hurried through the streets,
mounted his horse, and galloped through the gates. Iskander and Iduna
were in sight, he waved his hand for them at once to proceed, and in a