"As Kuna Hassan knew nothing of all that had happened, he thought that his daughter meant that she was ready to obey the decrees of the Fates, that had chosen Velagic for her husband; so he answered:
"'Though he would not have been the man I should have chosen for thee, still, by his bravery, he has won thee for his bride; so prepare yourself to go with him this very evening. But, daughter of my heart,' added he, taking her hand, 'before parting with your father, have you no request to make?'
"'Yes, father.'
"'Well, let me hear it, my child, and if it is in my power to grant it, you may be sure that your wish will be gratified.'
"'My request, though strange indeed, is a very simple one; it is that my betrothal should take place this evening, on the Poto-devi-Most, just when the sun gilds with its rays the snowy peaks of the Veli-Berdo. This, and nothing more.'
"The father looked at his child, astonished.
"'It is, indeed, a strange request, and were it not for the earnest way in which it is made, I should think that it was merely a joke. Anyhow, it shall be as you wish; only, may I know why you do not wish to be married in the usual way?'
"'I have had a vision at day-break, and the powers above have decreed that it shall be so; but I cannot speak about it till this evening, at the appointed place.'
"The Aga, wishing the ceremony to be performed with the utmost splendour, sent word at once to the Dizdar of Stermizza to be on the Bridge of the Two Torrents at the appointed time. Similar messages were likewise sent to the other Dizdars and Sirdars, and to all the gentry of Knin and of the neighbouring towns.
"The sun was sinking down below the horizon when Ibrahim Velagic, followed by Mujo Jelascovic, by the old Bulju Pasha, who was as yet ignorant of his son's fate, by the other Mussulman warriors, as well as by a number of svati—all came to the bridge, attired in magnificent clothes of silk and satin, laced in gold, with their finest weapons glittering with precious stones. Then came Kuna Hassan Aga, with all his train and a number of slaves, some carrying a palanquin, the others the bridal gifts.