"He will fight me again to-day or to-morrow, as my Lord may appoint—and I want my horse. Without him, El-Hejaz will be a widow."
A red spot appeared on Mahommed's forehead.
"Begone!" he cried angrily. "Seest thou not, O fool, that when we take the city we will recover thy horse? Fight thou shalt not, for in that day I shall have need of thee."
Thereupon he bade them open for him, and rode slowly back up the eminence, and when he disappeared Corti was vainly sounding his trumpet.
The two horses were led across the dismantled bridge, and into the gate.
"Heaven hath sent me a good soldier," said the Emperor to the Count, upon descending from the tower.
Then Justiniani asked: "Why didst thou spare thy last antagonist?"
Corti answered truthfully.
"It was well done," the Genoese returned, offering his hand.
"Ay," said Constantine, cordially, "well done. But mount now, and ride with us."