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102 would join in giving the alarm. Perhaps they would be heard by the servants; the Guidare would be noticed sailing rapidly away; and the clue to the outrage would be supplied. No; better wait until darkness fell, and meantime act circumspectly. One important point had been already gained—Ahmet was away.

So the Maltese remained aloof, seated in the stern-sheets of his gig, which was partially concealed by the balustrade, and watched the two girls. They scarcely bestowed a thought upon that very dangerous personage in their vicinity.

If, however, the young people, in consequence of the arrangements already made, would consent to go on board the felucca to examine the stuffs, or for any other purpose—and Yarhud had some idea concerning this—he would be able to make up his mind, and decide the question without waiting for night.

After Ahmet's departure, Amasia, struck down by the sudden blow, remained pensive and silent, tearfully regarding the distant northern horizon, where lay the path which the travellers must follow, and on which route lay so many dangers and delays, that would try the endurance of Seigneur Kéraban and his companions, whom he dragged, unwilling, at his chariot wheels. Had the marriage been solemnized, Amasia would have unhesitatingly accompanied Ahmet. Would his uncle have opposed it? No, he would not have wished to do so. Once she had become his niece, she fancied she would acquire some influence over him, and she would have arrested him in the dangerous course on which his obstinacy had launched him. Now she was alone, and had to wait many weeks before she and Ahmet could be again united in the Scutari villa, or their wedding solemnized.

But if Amasia was sad, Nedjeb was furious, and vented her indignation upon the headstrong merchant who had been the cause of the separation. Ah! if her own marriage had been in question, the young Zingara would never have permitted him to carry off her intended. She would have met obstinacy with obstinacy. No; nothing of the kind would have happened in her case!