It was a trying moment for Javis when he entered the Baron’s presence; but his eye quailed not before his fierce imperious glance, as, imitating the Armenian’s manner, he bowed before him.
“You have returned in good time, my faithful messenger,” said the Baron. “Have the barbarians yet formed their plans to attack the fort?”
“They have given up all hopes of doing so with success, noble General,” replied Javis undauntedly, “and have begun to disperse to their several homes.”
“That is well,” replied the General. “And tell me, what plan have you formed to entrap the young renegade who bears my name? I must have him in my power by to-morrow night, at furthest.”
“I have thought of several plans, General, which I think may succeed; but I have a difficult game to play, as I fear that I am already suspected by the barbarians, and I should not have ventured to return to-night but that you seemed to wish it. I would not be away longer than possible, so by your leave, General, I will return at once.”
“You may go, man,” said the Baron: “and let me hear from you to-morrow.”
“I will obey your orders without fail,” answered Javis, bowing as he hastened from the hut, at the door of which he found his friend the soldier waiting to conduct him to the gates.
“If a Russian escapes from the fort to the Circassians, you are certain that he is well treated by them?” asked the man.
“O yes, my friend, they receive him with open arms,” answered Javis. “But you must not now speak to me. We may meet again soon:—farewell!”
The adventurer was allowed to go through the gates without question, and passing the picquets, he hastened to the spot he had indicated to Thaddeus, where, sheltered beneath an overhanging rock, he waited his coming for some time, till he began to fear that something might have occurred to prevent his leaving his post. At length his quick ear caught the sound of footsteps, and to his summons in a low voice, Thaddeus himself answered.