"And blessed be the fruit of Thy womb. Amen!"
I was impatient at standing behind the willows, and I determined to slip by quietly over the bridge. I could do that, for my father was turned toward the water; and, besides, he was a little deaf, as I have mentioned, for during his time in the army he had been deafened by the excessive roar of artillery. Stepping along cautiously, I was passing the bridge beyond the willows, but unfortunately a badly fastened plank moved. My father looked around.
"What art thou doing here?" asked he.
"Oh, to walk, father,—I am going to walk only," answered I, growing as red as a beet.
My father approached me, and opening slightly the cloak with which I had covered myself carefully, he pointed to the sabre and pistols.
"What is this?" asked he.
There was no help for it; I had to confess.
"I will tell father everything," I said; "I am going to fight with Selim."
I thought that he would burst out in anger, but beyond my expectation he only asked,—
"Who was the challenger?"