While they were preparing to march, a loud shout among the multitude proclaimed a new arrival; and dashing among the trees, a noble young cavalier appeared, attended by a band of horsemen of his own age. The youth rode forward, as room was made for him; and leaping from his horse, he threw himself at the Hadji’s feet.
“My son! my son! joy of my heart!” exclaimed the Hadji, folding the slight form of the youth in his gauntleted arms. “Welcome, thrice welcome, are you to me at this moment! Alp, my son, you have not disappointed my hopes; and may you prove yourself as gallant a warrior as your appearance would promise!”
Then, as if ashamed of giving vent to his feelings before the assembled warriors, though still holding the young man’s hand, and gazing fondly at him, he added—
“Alp, you have now become a warrior, and these are no times for rest. Prove, then, to your countrymen, that you are equal to the bravest.”
“I have but to follow your steps, my father, and I fear not that I shall gain renown.”
“Now, my friends,” cried the Hadji, tearing himself from his son’s side; “let all men on foot advance, under the guidance of the Uzden Achmet Beg. The cavaliers will quickly follow.”
Under shelter of the trees, the maidens of the hamlet had assembled to witness the departure of the warriors, and to encourage them with their prayers. Among them was the lovely Ina; her bright eyes regarding not the youthful cavaliers who careered before her, to win her smiles, but following her father’s lofty crest as he moved about the field.
As he caught sight of his daughter among the women, Arslan Gherrei sought Ivan’s side.
“Young warrior stranger,” he said, “I have myself endeavoured to thank you for your timely rescue, when so hard set by our foes: but my daughter would do so likewise.”
Saying which, he conducted Ivan to the side of Ina; and while they were speaking, he himself stood for some time entranced, gazing on them earnestly.