The beauty of the speaker produced a powerful effect upon the young and gallant chief to whom Thyra particularly addressed herself.
"Oh, brave sheikh," she exclaimed, "hasten to assist the young Englishman whom I love, and who has fallen into their hands while so generously saving his friends."
"Lady, more beautiful than the peri of the gate of Heaven," replied the chief, Kara-al-Zariel, "I and the warriors of my tribe will protect thee and thy friends."
Thyra knelt and kissed the hem of the Arab chief's garment in humble gratitude.
He raised her from the ground.
As he did so, the deepest admiration shone from his dark and luminous eyes.
But Thyra felt love only for young Jack.
"We were even now debating how to attack the Turks," said the Arab, "Ibrahim is our enemy; but from thy words, it would appear that they are strong and many, and armed with the weapons of western science. In the desert, we fear neither men, nor kings, nor armies, but in the cities our strength availeth not."
"But you will at least fly to the assistance of brave Jack," implored Thyra.
"It is too late; already the castle is in the hands of the pasha's men, and your friend doubtless is their captive!"