"'Oh, ho!' he muttered, between his set teeth. 'The son of a dog would rob me of my daughter and four thousand doblas. I will take good care to be in the garden two days hence, and the son of Shitan shall find what it is to rival the sublime sultan. They thought me drunk with grape juice, but they shall suffer for it. By Allah! they shall!' and he threw himself upon a couch, where he soon fell asleep, to dream of gold and vengeance. "The truce was within three days of its expiration and Garstoff, overjoyed at the success of his impious design, hastened to prepare for its execution. He procured horses, assistants, and arms; and on the night appointed proceeded towards the house of Nemyl. When within a short distance of the garden, he dismounted from his horse and leaving that together with the others provided, in care of a few soldiers who composed his guard, he drew his sword and walked cautiously towards the place of rendezvous. Climbing to the top of the wall, he paused for a moment to survey the scene beneath; but all was still as the grave, and he sprang into the garden. A few fleecy clouds had hitherto obscured the moon; but now she sailed beyond their shade, and by her silver light the Russian discovered a figure dressed in white, at a short distance in front of him. "'Zara,' he said, in low, distinct tones, going toward it. "'Christian, I am here,' answered Zara (for she it was,) and in another moment she was in his arms. "'We must haste away,' said Garstoff, when the first rapture of their meeting was over, and she hung upon his arm. "'Yes! yes! I am afraid Nemyl has discovered us. There have been strange men about the house to-day,' replied Zara, looking timidly about her; for guilt is ever suspicious, even in broad day. "Garstoff said no more, but quickly regained the wall; and, drawing forth a rope-ladder from under his coat threw it over the wall, so that it hung down on either side, and having fastened it in the middle, descended after Zara. Catching her in his arms, he darted back; and, in a few seconds, was standing with her upon the path. "'Whose steps are those?' she exclaimed, in terror, as the sound of advancing footsteps fell upon her ears. "'They are my soldiers, dearest,' answered her lover, applying a whistle to his lips, and blowing a shrill blast; although he was himself astonished that they approached before the signal agreed upon was given. "'Draw your sword, captain--we are surprised!' shouted his followers, as they rode hastily up; and almost before the annoyed Garstoff could clasp his weapon, a troup of fierce Circassians surrounded him, while another party attacked his soldiers with great fury. "'Surrender, dog of a Christian!' shouted Nemyl, in a voice of thunder. "'Not while I live!' answered the officer.