They gave themselves no concern about the dead Egyptian, but instantly seized the lady. She called out to Zadig:
"Help me once more, generous stranger. I ask pardon for having complained of thy conduct. Deliver me again, and I will be thine for ever."
Zadig was no longer in the humor of fighting for her.
"Apply to another," said he, "thou shalt not again ensnare me in thy wiles."
Besides, he was wounded; his blood was still flowing, and he himself had need of assistance: and the sight of four Babylonians, probably sent by King Moabdar, filled him with apprehension. He therefore hastened toward the village, unable to comprehend why four Babylonian couriers should come and seize this Egyptian woman, but still more astonished at the lady's behavior.
X.
SLAVERY.
As he entered the Egyptian village, he saw himself surrounded by the people. Every one said:
"This is the man who carried off the beautiful Missouf, and assassinated Clitofis."