"But you will rescue him?" entreated Thyra; "promise us that."
"I promise to make the attempt, fair maiden," answered Kara-al Zariel; "but it must be by night and by stealth."
"That hope gives me comfort," exclaimed Thyra.
"Thou seemest greatly to love this Frankish youth," observed the chief, bending his dark eyes upon her; "if so, he is much to be envied."
"Gallant emir," said Harry, addressing Al-Zariel at this juncture, "is this cave safe from the entrance of our common enemy?"
"Safe as the top of Caucasus, as far as we are concerned," the chief answered. "The Turks know not of these vaults, and if they did, would not venture here to be at our mercy. It was through these vaults that we intended to enter and take the town by surprise."
"But where does the other end lead to?" asked Harry.
"Into our native desert, where its opening is concealed by a dense shrubbery," replied Al-Zariel. "We have often found these caves very useful in our excursions against the Turks. But you and your friends shall accompany us to our tents, where the Turks will be bold indeed to seek you."
Harry thanked him for this generous offer.
This arrangement having been made, the party quitted the caves by means of a narrow path leading between two walls of high rock.