"Bismillah!" exclaimed the Hadji, jumping up. "The very thing for us! We will set forth without delay; and, by the blessing of Allah, we will take that cursed fort before the sun has risen in the heavens." "Thanks, my noble father, for your promptitude," cried Ivan. "No other leader would I rather follow in rescuing my friend. I doubt not of success." "Stay!" said the Hadji's more cautious brother, Achmet Beg. "We must consider the subject. We have scarce men enough for the enterprise, and look at the sky. The light wind that blows comes direct from the place: the vessel will take some time to reach it, and if we arrive before it, our object would be lost." "True," answered Ivan; "you speak well. In my eagerness to rescue my friend, I overlooked that point." "And I too!" added the Hadji. "Mashallah! when there's fighting in the case, I am as forgetful of every thing else as the wildest Dehli Khan among them." "Then," said Achmet Beg, "I propose that we send forward some trusty scouts to watch the vessel along the coast, and give notice when she arrives in the harbour. In the mean time, we will collect as many warriors as possible for the enterprise. What say you, Uzdens?" "The advice is good," said Arslan Gherrei. "And I will gladly lead my few remaining followers to the assault." "Well, then, that point is settled," cried the eager Hadji; and turning to their host: "Now, Uzden, will you send out some of your trusty followers to fasten along the coast to watch the vessel? And you, my brother, despatch some of yours to summon all the warriors they can collect in the neighbourhood. There is no time to be lost on an occasion of this sort." The host hastened to fulfil his part of the arrangement, as did Achmet Beg also. Far and near the messengers hastened, in every direction, on their fleet steeds, giving the word at every hamlet and mountain cot. The news flew like lightning, that Hadji Guz Beg had returned from abroad, and had lost no time in keeping up his old reputation by leading an expedition against the enemy. Wherever the messengers passed, the young men seized their weapons, either rifles or bows, from the walls, girding their swords to their sides, filling their wallets with meal for their provision, and throwing their cloaks over their backs. Thus, fully equipped at a moment's notice, they hastened to the appointed rendezvous. None knew for what exact object the expedition was intended; but it was enough to know, that it was against the detested Urus, and that the renowned Guz Beg was to be the leader. Those nearest to the spot repaired to one of the points of rendezvous fixed on in a deep valley, about two miles distant from the fort to be attacked.