prospect over the plain. Iskander halted and threw an anxious glance
around him.

"There are some horsemen in the distance whom I do not like," said the
physician.

"I see them," said Nicaeus; "travellers like ourselves."

"Let us die sooner than be taken," said Iduna.

"Move on," said the, physician, "and let me observe these horsemen
alone. I would there were some forest at hand. In two hours we may
gain the mountains."

The daughter of Hunniades and the Prince of Athens descended the rising
ground. Before them, but at a considerable distance was a broad and
rapid river, crossed by a ruinous Roman bridge. The opposite bank of
the river was the termination of a narrow plain, which led immediately
to the mountains.

"Fair Iduna, you are safe," said the Prince of Athens.

"Dear Nicaeus," replied his companion, "imagine what I feel."

"It is too wild a moment to express my gratitude."

"I trust that Iduna will never express her gratitude to Nicaeus,"
answered the prince; "it is not, I assure you, a favourite word with
him."