Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/145

 commanded them held some conversation with their conductors; presently after which, they made signs for them to alight. Two of them took hold of the Count to assist him. Ferdinand was preparing to follow, when instantly two men with drawn scimitars jumped into the litter, seized his arms. The curtains were closed, and they moved forwards, regardless of the struggles and exclamations of Ferdinand, and the cries of the Count, which died away upon his ear as they proceeded.

Too late convinced that some treachery was intended, distracted at being separated from his friend, and equally incapable of making any resistance, or obtaining any compassion from his guards, without money to bribe, or language to persuade, he resigned himself to despair; and the most heartfelt sighs, and pathetic gestures, portrayed the anguish of his mind. Totally insensible to his distress, and mindful only of their charge, they conversed with the utmost in-