In 873, therefore, the victorious forces proceeded both by land and water towards the island; and the pasha having made all preparations for its attack, besieged it with upwards of one hundred ships. The bridges, which had been cut down, were supplied by suspending temporary ones from the vessels, by means of which the soldiers ascended the castle and mounted the battlements. Just at this time the general, with eighty vessels, arrived, to give assistance to the besieged; but when he saw the Mussulman forces, he cast anchor and looked on with despair. His intention was, that whilst the Mussulman vessels were cruising about the island, he also would approach it on one side, and thus prevent its capture; and for this purpose he sent out several caicks to endeavour to take some one from whom they might learn the day of the intended attack. One of the Mahommedan men who had deserted went over to the ships of the Infidels, and being found by the spies was immediately taken before the general, who ascertained from him that the criers had announced that the attack was to take place in three days. The general anxiously waited for that day, and began to make preparations for the combat; but those on the other side having learned that the enemy was informed of their designs, resolved to attack the castle without further delay; and the same night the criers raising their voices to the stars, proclaimed that the morrow should be the day of plunder, and admonished the soldiers to be in readiness. As soon as it was morning, and long before the Infidels had opened their eyes, the soldiers, in the hope of plunder, assaulted the castle, and entered it by the breaches they had made. Those who were considered fit for service were made captives, and the rest were killed; whilst the victors were enriched with money and property beyond compute. In the forenoon the colours hoisted on the tower caught the eyes of the Infidels, who were so mortified that they spread their sails, and turned their helms. After this fine fortification was reduced, the victors proceeded to the small fort called Kuzil Hissar, situated on the banks of the island, and in which the treasury of the Infidels was deposited. This they also subjugated, and the property they found in it they transferred to the royal treasury; and with cheerfulness of mind returned to the seat of dominion. THE EXPEDITION TO KAFA AND AZAK.