like a truly brave man, he had himself been silent. The great
Hunniades scarcely knew which rather to do, to lavish his affection on
his beloved child, or his gratitude upon Iskander. Thus they went on
conversing for some time, Iskander placing his own cloak around Iduna,
and almost unconsciously winding his arm around her unresisting form.

Just as they were preparing to return to the Christian camp, a great
noise was heard in the grove, and presently, in the direction whence
Iduna had arrived, there came a band of men bearing torches and
examining the grove in all directions in great agitation. Iskander and
Hunniades stood upon their guard, but soon perceived they were Greeks.
Their leader, seeing a group near the fountain, advanced to make
inquiries respecting the object of his search, but when he indeed
recognised the persons who formed the group, the torch fell from his
grasp, and he turned away his head and hid his face in his hands.

Iduna clung to her father; Iskander stood with his eyes fixed upon the
ground, but Hunniades, stern and terrible, disembarrassing himself of
the grasp of his daughter, advanced and laid his hand upon the
stranger.

"Young man," said the noble father, "were it contrition instead of
shame that inspired this attitude, it might be better. I have often
warned you of the fatal consequences of a reckless indulgence of the
passions. More than once I have predicted to you, that however great
might be your confidence in your ingenuity and your resources, the hour
would arrive when such a career would place you in a position as
despicable as it was shameful. That hour has arrived, and that
position is now filled by the Prince of Athens. You stand before the
three individuals in this world whom you have most injured, and whom