"I must have Paul Béldi's consort out of this prison for a fortnight, at the accomplishment of which time I will bring her back again."
The captain was thunderstruck.
"Sir," said he, "you are playing with my head."
"None will know, and in two weeks' time she will be here again."
"But if they discover it?"
"Have no fear of that. During that time I will leave in thy hands as a hostage my own son."
The young cavalier approached, threw back his mantle, and the captain recognised Feriz Beg. He fancied he was dreaming.
"Dost thou not suppose that I will bring back the woman for the sake of my son?"
"Do what you think well," said the commandant. "I owe you a life, I will now pay it back to you; follow me!"
The commandant led his visitors up a narrow corkscrew fortress into the corner tower, which was used as a dungeon for state prisoners. The circular windows were guarded by heavy iron bars, the heavy iron-plated oaken doors groaned upon their hinges, indicating thereby that they were very seldom opened.