“I would thank you, noble stranger,” said Ina, in a faltering voice, “for the inestimable blessing you afforded me in saving my noble father from the hands of his foes. To your bravery, I owe also my own safety, when I was near falling into the power of our invaders. I can only repay you with prayers to heaven for your safety; these shall be offered up to Allah.”
“Lady,” answered Ivan, “prayers from those sweet lips will add courage to my heart; but I pray you, do not think any gratitude is due to me. I was but fulfilling a vow I have made to heaven, to strike our foes wherever I can meet them; and I am yet unworthy to be ranked among the warriors of Attèghèi.”
“O yes, surely you are well worthy to be called one of the bravest,” answered Ina; “for who could have fought more nobly than you did?”
“No, lady, I cannot yet claim that honour; but your prayers will nerve my arm to gain it,” answered our hero. “I must now away; for, see, the knights are mounting their steeds. Lady, farewell!”
“Farewell!” answered Ina. “And may heaven prosper you and shield you from danger.”
“And may Allah, too, protect my child,” added her father, rousing himself from his trance. “I was thinking, my Ina, how great a blessing would be such a son as yonder gallant youth; but Allah’s will be done! I, too, must hasten to lead my followers. Farewell, my child.”
Leaping on his charger, the chieftain galloped to join the cavalcade, while his daughter gazed on him with a fond and anxious glance.
As Ivan hastened to mount his steed, Conrin, who had been watching him anxiously at a distance while conversing with Ina, came forward. A blush was on the boy’s brow, as if he had been discovered in a fault; and there was an uneasy look in his eye.
“Ah, my faithful Conrin,” said Ivan, “I must leave you here for a time; you are too young to go on so hazardous an expedition. I must not again expose your life to the dangers of such fierce warfare.”
“Oh! do not despise my services, Sir,” said the boy, with an imploring look. “Have I been backward at any time in obeying you? Have I done anything to displease you, that you would now leave me among strangers while you are exposed to peril? Did I show fear when you attacked the Cossack cavalry?”