Page:Ballantyne--The Pirate City.djvu/243

Rh turbans, going about seeking for subjects on whom to exercise their skill."

"The insurrection is over—at least this one is over," said Jacob Mordecai sadly, "though it may well be that another insurrection shall follow close on its heels; but it is probable that there will be some degree of peace now for a time, and the guarded condition of the town will favour your escape."

"How so, Signor Mordecai?" asked Francisco; "it has hitherto been my belief as well as experience that a town in a state of siege was the reverse of favourable to anything implying freedom of action."

"Thou art right, friend," returned Jacob, with a smile, "and that absence of freedom will keep the streets clear of all who might otherwise interrupt thee, while, as to the guarded corners, my brother Bacri knows a variety of passages above and under ground, through which he will guide you past them to the city wall."

"Then let us be gone without delay," urged Francisco, "for, good sirs, my neck has for some time past felt sundry twinges, as though the bow-string were already around it."

"Half an hour must elapse ere we can venture forth with safety," said Bacri. "'Tis well that you have brought the knotted rope with you, Mariano