Aziek saw that to conquer his natural infirmity would cost Sebastian infinite trouble,--and to her, it would have been no visible blemish, since she loved him with a tenderness that veiled his very faults;--but she felt that his faults made himself unhappy: how then could they continue a matter of indifference?--with such impatience and imprudence he must ever carry in his own mind the seeds of sorrow and remorse. Unconscious of his hazardous purpose, she was daily advancing towards the object he desired: her father never left her without bearing away with him some argument in favor of the Christians, and particularly of Sebastian: not daring to ask at once for his liberation, she was gradually softening and preparing El Hader’s mind for such a request. Meanwhile time rolled on, and Sebastian completed his laborious task. When he first caught a gleam of the moon-lighted river shining through the important aperture, it seemed as if that sight alone had released him from his bonds; he kissed his bosom cross in a rapture of gratitude, and emotion for awhile prevented him from thinking of his indiscretion in suffering the chasm to remain uncovered; he filled it up immediately, at both extremities, for the night was just closing. On returning to his chamber he found it impossible to sleep; his heart was too full of anxiety for the event of his enterprize, and for the effect it might have upon Gaspar: to disclose the secret to him, Sebastian believed absolutely necessary, as that would soften the pain of being apparently deserted, and yet could not justly subject him to the vengeance of El Hader.--Gaspar might conscientiously swear that he had in no way contributed to the escape of his countryman. Agreeable to these reflections, Sebastian seized an opportunity the next morning, and detailed his project: for awhile the affectionate soldier stood aghast, but quickly recovering, he faltered out a mixed expression of joy and sorrow: he then ventured to solicit his sovereign’s bounty for his mother and sister, praying him to relieve their poverty, and to remember that he was left behind in slavery. The poor youth was frequently on the point of asking to accompany his King, but as often the conviction of his infirm health checked the selfish request. Sebastian saw only liberty before him, and succour for those he left behind; yet he grieved to part his destiny from that of Gaspar, and at thought of the gentle Aziek, he felt the most piercing regret: her rare goodness and refinement was worthy a nobler fate than that to which she seemed born: she was not adapted to share with a Harem the capricious favor of an ignorant Mussulman, she was calculated to win and to deserve a heart polished by culture.