"Garstoff said no more, but quickly regained the wall; and, drawing forth a rope-ladder from under his coat threw it over the wall, so that it hung down on either side, and having fastened it in the middle, descended after Zara. Catching her in his arms, he darted back; and, in a few seconds, was standing with her upon the path.
"'Whose steps are those?' she exclaimed, in terror, as the sound of advancing footsteps fell upon her ears.
"'They are my soldiers, dearest,' answered her lover, applying a whistle to his lips, and blowing a shrill blast; although he was himself astonished that they approached before the signal agreed upon was given.
"'Draw your sword, captain—we are surprised!' shouted his followers, as they rode hastily up; and almost before the annoyed Garstoff could clasp his weapon, a troup of fierce Circassians surrounded him, while another party attacked his soldiers with great fury.
"'Surrender, dog of a Christian!' shouted Nemyl, in a voice of thunder.
"'Not while I live!' answered the officer.
"'Then disarm him, my men; but harm him not at
your peril!' said the Circassian; and, after a desperate resistance, Garstoff was made a prisoner, Zara lay fainting in the arms of two stout mountaineers, and every Russian soldier bled to death.
"'To the house with them!' said Nemyl, in his usual tones, leading the way with an air of triumph.
"Garstoff soon found himself in the apartment where he had supped with the father of Zara, who now stood before him as his captor.