The wisdom of the route chosen by Canaris was now apparent, for this labyrinth of paths, which wove an intricate network through the stalls, offered just the opportunity they wanted; and, following the Greek’s guidance, they twisted in and out in a tortuous line that gradually brought them toward the opposite side of the market.
The outcry behind them had by this time swelled to a perfect tumult, and the night air bore it to their ears with startling distinctness.
Fortunately for the fugitives, this vast court was surrounded by grim slave prisons, and they encountered no one in their flight. They reached the opposite side of the market in safety, and, plunging in among the mass of empty prisons, ran on, panting and breathless.
The Greek’s white burnous fluttered on ahead, turning angle after angle, diving into dark alleys and shooting across open spaces. At last he stopped and, too exhausted to speak, waved his hand in triumph at the frowning wall of the town that towered directly over their heads for twenty feet.
Close by the wall was a circular stone tower, partly in ruins, and into this Canaris dived eagerly. It was an anxious moment to the two who waited on the outside, but at last the Greek reappeared in triumph with his hands full. The Jewish merchant had kept his promise.
He paused a second or two to listen to the outcry in the town.
“They are coming nearer,” he said. “Keep cool and don’t get excited. They will search every stall in the market before a man comes near us, and besides this is the last place they would look. They will never suspect us of any intention to scale the wall. Still we must lose no time,” he added. “Now here is a box of shells apiece; put them in your pockets, buckle these sabers around your waists, take the rifles I bought. They are better, so you may throw the others away.”
“Forbes can’t carry one,” said Guy. “What shall we do with it?”
“Leave it behind,” replied Canaris. “We have burden enough. I had the Jew put up the stuff in three oilcloth bags. We must divide it into two loads.”
He turned the contents of all on the ground.