Kéraban the Inflexible (Part 1)/Chapter 11
CHAPTER XI.
IN WHICH A SOMEWHAT DRAMATIC INCIDENT OCCURS IN THE FANTASTIC HISTORY OF THE JOURNEY.
They had departed. They had quitted the villa: Seigneur Kéraban to accomplish his journey, Van Mitten to accompany his friend, Ahmet to follow his uncle, Nizib and Bruno because they could not do otherwise. The villa was practically deserted, because we need not reckon ladies and the five or six servants who continued their ordinary avocations. Selim himself accompanied the travellers to Odessa, to change the money required for the expedition.
The villa, therefore, now contained only the two girls, Amasia and Nedjeb.
The Maltese captain was quite aware of this. He had followed all the incidents of the leave-taking with unfailing interest. Would Seigneur Kéraban postpone the marriage until his return? He had postponed it for the present—one trump in the captain's hand already! Would Ahmet consent to accompany his uncle? He had consented—trump number two!
Now the Maltese had a third "honour" in his hand. Amasia and her attendant were left alone in the gallery which opened to the sea. The vessel he commanded was lying off shore; his boat was at the steps. His sailors were accustomed to obey his merest sign. He had nothing to wish for.
The captain was sorely tempted to employ violent measures in the abduction of Amasia; but as he was really a prudent man, and did not wish to leave anything to "chance," he decided to leave no traces behind him. So he reflected seriously upon the means to be employed.
It was then broad day. If he attempted to carry away Amasia by force, she would call for assistance, and Nedjeb would join in giving the alarm. Perhaps they would be heard by the servants; the Guidare would be noticed sailing rapidly away; and the clue to the outrage would be supplied. No; better wait until darkness fell, and meantime act circumspectly. One important point had been already gained—Ahmet was away.
So the Maltese remained aloof, seated in the stern-sheets of his gig, which was partially concealed by the balustrade, and watched the two girls. They scarcely bestowed a thought upon that very dangerous personage in their vicinity.
If, however, the young people, in consequence of the arrangements already made, would consent to go on board the felucca to examine the stuffs, or for any other purpose—and Yarhud had some idea concerning this—he would be able to make up his mind, and decide the question without waiting for night.
After Ahmet's departure, Amasia, struck down by the sudden blow, remained pensive and silent, tearfully regarding the distant northern horizon, where lay the path which the travellers must follow, and on which route lay so many dangers and delays, that would try the endurance of Seigneur Kéraban and his companions, whom he dragged, unwilling, at his chariot wheels. Had the marriage been solemnized, Amasia would have unhesitatingly accompanied Ahmet. Would his uncle have opposed it? No, he would not have wished to do so. Once she had become his niece, she fancied she would acquire some influence over him, and she would have arrested him in the dangerous course on which his obstinacy had launched him. Now she was alone, and had to wait many weeks before she and Ahmet could be again united in the Scutari villa, or their wedding solemnized.
But if Amasia was sad, Nedjeb was furious, and vented her indignation upon the headstrong merchant who had been the cause of the separation. Ah! if her own marriage had been in question, the young Zingara would never have permitted him to carry off her intended. She would have met obstinacy with obstinacy. No; nothing of the kind would have happened in her case!
Nedjeb approached her young mistress, and, taking her by the hand, led her to the sofa, whereon she forced her to repose; then, taking a stool, she seated herself by her mistress.
"In your place," said Nedjeb, "instead of thinking of Seigneur Ahmet, and lamenting his absence, I would think of Seigneur Kéraban and abuse him roundly."
"What good would that do?" said Amasia listlessly.
"I fancy we should be less sad," replied Nedjeb. "If you like, we will heap a series of maledictions upon this uncle's head. He deserves them all, and I assure you I will give him full measure."
"No, Nedjeb," replied Amasia. "Let us rather speak of Ahmet. Of him alone ought I to think, and I only think of him."
"Let us then speak of him," said Nedjeb. "In truth, dear mistress, he is the most charming fiancé ever girl possessed; but what an uncle he has! That despot, that selfish wretch, who had only a word to say and did not say it—who refused to remain here for the few days he might have given us. Indeed, he deserves—"
"Let us talk of Ahmet," said Amasia.
"Yes. Ah! how he adores you! How happy you will be with him! He would be perfection if he had not such a man for his uncle. Of what can he be made, I wonder? Do you know, I think he has done wisely not to marry. Against such a disposition as his even the very slaves of the harem would have rebelled."
"There, you are speaking again of him," said Amasia, whose thoughts were running on Ahmet.
"No, no; I was talking of Seigneur Ahmet—I am, like yourself, thinking only of Ahmet. Yes, in his place I would not have given way. I would have insisted. I really thought he had more determination!"
"People would tell you, Nedjeb, that Ahmet has displayed more energy in yielding to, than he would have done if resisting his uncle's commands. Do not you perceive that, though it causes me anxiety, it is better he should go and thus endeavour to hasten the journey by all possible means, and prevent the numerous dangers which Kéraban's obstinate rashness would lead to? No, Nedjeb, no; by going away Ahmet has proved his courage, and has given me another proof of his devotion."
"You may be right, my dear mistress," replied the attendant, who, carried away by her native vivacity, could not yield her opinion. "Yes, Seigneur Ahmet certainly showed energy in going away; but don't you think he would have displayed more had he prevented his uncle from going?"
"Was such a course possible?" said Amasia. "Now, Nedjeb, I ask you, was such a course possible?"
"Yes—no—perhaps," replied Nedjeb. "It was not a question of breaking an iron bar. Ah! that Kéraban! It is all his fault, and if any accident should happen, he alone will be responsible. When I think of his running into danger, simply because he won't pay ten paras, and imperilling the safety of Seigneur Ahmet, your safety, and consequently mine,—I wish; yes, I wish that the Black Sea extended to the end of the globe, to see whether he would be obstinate enough to make the tour."
"He would do it," replied Amasia, in a tone of sincere conviction. "But let us talk of Ahmet, Nedjeb, and of no one else but him."
At that moment Yarhud quitted his boat, and advanced unperceived towards the two girls. At the sound of his footsteps they turned round, and appeared surprised, as well as somewhat alarmed, at seeing the Maltese so near them.
Nedjeb at once arose and said,—
"Is that you, captain? How came you here? what do you want?"
"I do not want anything," replied Yarhud, pretending surprise at this reception. "I want nothing; I only came to put my services at your disposal for—"
"Well, for what?" said Nedjeb, as he paused.
"To conduct you on board the vessel," replied the captain. "Have not you decided to inspect the cargo, and to choose such articles as may seem good to you?"
"That is true, dear mistress," said Nedjeb. "We have promised the captain."
"Yes, we promised when Ahmet was here," replied Amasia. "But he has gone away, and it is no longer fitting for us to go op board the Guidare."
The captain frowned, but he quickly recovered himself, and replied calmly,—
"The Guidare cannot remain here long; and I must sail to-morrow, or the day after at the latest. If the lady wishes to inspect my stock, and to purchase any of the goods, she must do so without delay, and take advantage of the opportunity now. My boat lies yonder, and we can be on board in a few minutes."
"We thank you, captain," replied Amasia coldly, "but I have no taste for such excursions in Seigneur Ahmet's absence. He must accompany us in our visit to the Guidare: he must assist us in our selection. He is no longer here, and I cannot, I will not, go without him."
"I am sorry for that," replied Yarhud; "and all the more because, no doubt, Seigneur Ahmet will be agreeably surprised on his return to find you have made the purchases you wished. The opportunity will not occur again, and you will regret the loss of it."
"That is possible, captain,” replied Nedjeb; "but at this moment I think you would do better not to press the point."
"Be it so," replied Yarhud, bowing. "In any case, let me hope that, if, a few weeks hence, the chances of trade compel me to remain at Odessa, you will not forget the promise you have made, to honour me with a visit."
"We will not forget it, captain," said Amasia, as she signed to the Maltese to retire.
Yarhud saluted the girls and advanced some paces towards the terrace, when suddenly he stopped, as if an idea had just occurred to him, and, approaching Amasia, as she was about to quit the verandah, he said,—
"One word more—or rather let me offer a suggestion which cannot fail to be agreeable to the fiancée of the Seigneur Ahmet."
"What is the man worrying about?" exclaimed Amasia, who was somewhat impatient of the captain's persistency in intruding himself and his opinions at the villa.
"Chance has made me a spectator of the scene which took place before the departure of Seigneur Ahmet."
"Chance?" exclaimed Amasia, who had become distrustful, as if by presentiment of evil.
"Simply chance," repeated Yarhud. "I was in my boat, which is at your disposal."
"What proposition have you to make to us, captains?' inquired Amasia.
"A very natural one," he replied. "I have noticed how the daughter of Selim the banker has been affected by the sudden departure of Seigneur Ahmet, and if she would like to see him again once more—"
"See him once more? What do you mean?" exclaimed Amasia, whose heart was beating tumultuously.
"I mean," said Yarhud, "that in an hour Seigneur Kéraban's carriage will pass along the road which rounds yonder cape."
Amasia stepped forward and gazed at the headland indicated by the wily captain.
"There? Over there?" she said.
"Yes."
"Oh, my dear mistress, if we could only reach that point!"
"Nothing can be more easy," said Yarhud. "Within half an hour, with this breeze, the Guidare could get there; so if you like to come, you can embark at once."
"Yes, yes," exclaimed Nedjeb, who in this excursion only perceived an opportunity for Amasia to see her affianced once again.
But Amasia was more prudent, and reflected upon the suggestion. The captain could scarcely control his impatience at her hesitation, and this anxiety had not escaped the banker's daughter. The appearance of Yarhud was not in his favour either, so she remained uninfluenced by the temptation.
"I await your orders," said the captain.
"No, captain," replied Amasia. "Were I to see my fiancé under such conditions, I believe I should give him more pain than pleasure."
Yarhud, comprehending that he had no hope of altering her determination, retired coldly.
The next moment the boat put off, and the captain and his men returned to the vessel. The gig remained alongside, however.
The girls continued together in the gallery an hour or more. Amasia was seated, leaning her elbows upon the balustrade, and was gazing anxiously towards the headland indicated by Yarhud, for at that point the carriage would be visible for a moment. Nedjeb also eagerly watched the place.
After the lapse of an hour or so, the Zingara exclaimed, "Ah! see, look yonder. Do you not perceive a carriage on the road? There, on the summit of the cliff."
"Yes, yes," replied Amasia. "That is their chaise. 'Tis he! 'tis he!"
"He cannot see you," said Nedjeb.
"What matter?" replied Amasia; "I know he is looking at me."
"No doubt of it, dear lady. His eyes will discern the villa, and perhaps ourselves."
"Au revoir, my Ahmet; au revoir!" cried Amasia, as if the occupants of the carriage could have heard her farewell.
Amasia and Nedjeb quitted the gallery, and, as soon as the chaise had disappeared, they retired to the interior of the house.
Yarhud from the deck of his vessel perceived them departing, and gave orders to the men to watch for their return, as the evening approached. Then he arranged his plan, to gain by force what he could not effect by stratagem.
There was no such question of immediate hurry in the execution of the deed he proposed, since the marriage could not take place for six weeks, as Ahmet had gone away. Yet the impatience of Seigneur Saffar had to be considered, as well as his speedy return to Trebizond. Added to these impulses, the navigation of the Black Sea by a small sailing vessel, which might be retarded by calms or contrary winds, had to be taken into consideration, and fifteen or twenty days might be thus lost. On all accounts, therefore, Yarhud felt obliged to sail at the earliest possible moment, if he would arrive at the time agreed upon with Scarpante. Yarhud was, no doubt, a rogue, but he was a rogue who kept his engagements. So he decided to act at once.
Circumstances favoured him. Towards evening—before her father had returned—Amasia re-entered the gallery, and this time alone. The girl wished to gaze on the distant hills which contained in their embrace him she loved best. She took her place again, and, leaning upon the balustrade, contemplated the darkening landscape with that fond, "far-off" expression in her eyes which no distance could remove.
Thus plunged in reverie, Amasia did not perceive that the boat put off from the Guidare. She did not notice its almost noiseless approach by the terrace, nor its bringing up at the steps close by. Nevertheless Yarhud and three of his men were even then creeping cautiously towards her, up the slope; but the girl never noticed their approach.
Suddenly Yarhud leaped up and seized her with such force that she had no power of resistance.
"Help! help!" she screamed.
Her cries were immediately stifled, but they had been heard by Nedjeb, who at once came in search of her mistress.
Scarcely had the waiting-maid passed the door of the gallery, when she was seized by two sailors, who at once prevented her from giving any alarm by word or deed.
"On board!" exclaimed Yarhud.
The two girls were at once forcibly carried to the boat, and rowed swiftly towards the Guidare, which, with her anchor a-peak and her sails hoisted, was lying-to, awaiting the captain's return.
As soon as Amasia and Nedjeb were on board, they were carried to the stern cabin, where they could hear and see nothing of what passed, and the vessel was put before the wind, and her direction was made so that she would pass near the little creek at the extremity of the grounds of the villa.
But, rapidly as all this had been accomplished, the scene had attracted the attention of some of the out-door servants. They had heard Amasia's cries, and had given the alarm.
At that moment Selim returned, and was informed of what had passed. In agony he searched for his daughter—she had disappeared!
But perceiving the Guidare making for the point, Selim understood the whole matter in a moment. He quickly crossed the gardens, towards the place which the vessel must pass, so as to avoid the rocks at the extremity of the creek.
"Wretches!" he exclaimed. "They are taking away my daughter, Amasia. Stop them! Stop!"
A musket fired from the deck of the Guidare was the only response to this appeal. Selim fell with a bullet in his shoulder.
In another moment the felucca, with a flowing sheet, had disappeared from the sight of those at the villa.