United States or Ethiopia ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !


Biskaine paused a moment ere replying. "I cannot think but that Allah would vouchsafe thee victory," he said. But his words did not delude the Basha. He recognized them to be no more than those which respect for him dictated to his officer. "Yet," continued Biskaine, "I should judge thee reckless too, my lord, as reckless as I should judge him in the like circumstances." "I see," said Asad.

Let him have courteous entertainment against the coming of his ransom." He was borne away cursing. Of the others Sakr-el-Bahr made short work. He offered the privilege of ransoming himself to any who might claim it, and the privilege was claimed by three. The rest he consigned to the care of Biskaine, who acted as his Kayla, or lieutenant.

He could make out not only the red and yellow quarterings, but the devices of the castle and the lion. "A Spanish ship, Biskaine," he growled to his companion. "It is very well. The praise to the One!" "Will she venture in?" wondered the other. "Be sure she will venture," was the confident answer. "She suspects no danger, and it is not often that our galleys are to be found so far westward.

Jasper Leigh stumbled out counting himself fortunate beyond his expectations or deserts, and the Nubians followed him and hung behind him ever after like some vast twin shadow. To Sakr-el-Bahr entered now Biskaine with a report of the prize captured. Beyond the prisoners, however, and the actual vessel, which had suffered nothing in the fight, the cargo was of no account.

And he stepped quickly aside so that the body of Biskaine should shield him from any sudden consequences of his next words. "Ask him what he keeps in that pannier, O my father." "Ay, what, in Allah's name?" demanded the Basha, advancing towards his captain. Sakr-el-Bahr lowered his bow, master of himself again. His composure was beyond all belief.

Outward bound as she was it was not to be expected that any treasures would be discovered in her hold. They found great store of armaments and powder and a little money; but naught else that was worthy of the corsairs' attention. Sakr-el-Bahr briefly issued his surprising orders. "Thou'lt set the captives aboard one of the galleys, Biskaine, and thyself convey them to Algiers, there to be sold.

Aye, there she comes in all her Spanish pride." Even as he spoke she reached that line of demarcation. She crossed it, for there was still a moderate breeze on the leeward side of it, intent no doubt upon making the utmost of that southward run. "Now!" cried Biskaine Biskaine-el-Borak was he called from the lightning-like impetuousness in which he was wont to strike.

In the courtyard Marzak found his father in the act of mounting a white mule that had been brought him. He was attended by his wazeer Tsamanni, Biskaine, and some other of his captains. Marzak begged leave to go with him. It was carelessly granted, and they set out, Marzak walking by his father's stirrup, a little in advance of the others.

To that venomous glance he opposed his ever ready mockery. He turned to Biskaine. "Withdraw," he curtly bade him, "and take that stout sea-warrior with thee." And he indicated Marzak. Biskaine turned to the Basha. "Is it thy wish, my lord?" he asked. Asad nodded in silence, and motioned him away together with the cowed Marzak.

The game appalled him, whom nothing yet had appalled, and it scarce needed a muttered caution from Biskaine to determine him to hold his hand. He looked at Sakr-el-Bahr again, his glance now sullen. "I will consider thy words," he announced in a voice that was unsteady. "I would not be unjust, nor steer my course by appearances alone. Allah forbid!"