Kéraban the Inflexible (Part 1)/Chapter 9
CHAPTER IX.
SHOWING HOW CAPTAIN YARHUD VERY NEARLY SUCCEEDED IN HIS ENTERPRISE.
While Ahmet was speaking, one of the servants of the house, whose duty, according to Ottoman usage, was only to announce visitors and nothing else, appeared at the entrance of the gallery.
"Seigneur Ahmet," he said, addressing the young man, "a stranger is below and desires to speak with you."
"Who is he?" asked Ahmet.
"A Maltese captain; he insists upon seeing you, and says you will receive him."
"Very well, I will come down," said Ahmet.
"My dear Ahmet, why not receive him here, if he has nothing of a private nature to communicate?" said Amasia.
"Perhaps he commands that pretty felucca," observed Nedjeb, indicating the vessel which was anchored off the steps.
"Perhaps he does," said Ahmet; "let him come in!"
The servant retired, and almost immediately afterwards the stranger presented himself.
Captain Yarhud—for he it was—had, greatly to his chagrin, been delayed considerably in his voyage. Immediately he and Scarpante, the intendant, had parted, the captain had started for Odessa by railway, and had thus got in advance of Kéraban by many days. But when the worthy Yarhud had reached Odessa, he found the weather so bad that he could not put to sea. The wind had only moderated that morning sufficiently to permit his making sail, and he had accordingly come out and anchored before the banker's villa. So after all he had obtained but a little start of Kéraban, and the delay might prove very prejudicial to his interests.
Yarhud felt he must commence operations without losing an hour. His plans were all laid; he must try strategy first, and force after, if his ruse did not succeed. hut it was necessary that Amasia should be allured on board the Guiaare that very day; thus, before the alarm could be given and pursuit made, the felucca, he hoped, would be well on her way, running before the stiff nor'-wester.
Such abductions as Yarhud contemplated were by no means infrequent upon the coast—more frequent than one would imagine; nor are they altogether limited to Turkish territory. It is not very many years ago since Odessa was thrown into consternation by a series of abductions, the authors of which could not be traced. A number of young girls belonging to the highest grade of society disappeared, and it was only too certain that they had been carried away into slavery and sold in the markets of Asia Minor.
Now what had been done in the capital of southern Russia, Yarhud hoped to repeat for the benefit of Seigneur Saffar. This was not the first time either that the Guidare had been employed in such traffic, and the captain valued his profits on the transaction at more than ten per cent.!
Yarhud's plan was as follows:—to allure the young lady on board the Guidare under the pretence of showing her and selling to her many rich stuffs which he had bought from the principal markets on the coast. Ahmet would most likely accompany Amasia on her first visit, but he trusted she would return again with Nedjeb. It would then be possible to put to sea before assistance could be given. If, however, Amasia could not be tempted on board, then Yarhud intended to use force. The banker's house was in a manner isolated at the curve of the bay, and his domestics were no match for the crew of the felucca; but there might be fighting, and in that case people would quickly ascertain the circumstances under which the abduction had been carried out. So it was much the better policy, in the interest of the abductors, that the affair should be accomplished without any disturbance.
"Seigneur Ahmet?" said the captain, interrogatively, as he entered the gallery, accompanied by one of his crew, who carried some fabrics in his arms.
"I am he," replied the young man; "and you are—?"
"Captain Yarhud, commanding the felucca Guidare which is moored yonder."
"What is your business?"
"Seigneur Ahmet,” said the captain, "I have heard of your approaching marriage."
"You have then heard, captain, of that which most dearly concerns me."
"I can quite understand that," replied the captain, turning towards Amasia; "so I had the idea that I might perhaps place at your disposal all the rich things which my vessel contains."
"Well, that is not a bad idea of yours, Captain Yarhud," replied Ahmet.
"My dear Ahmet, what can I possibly want with more than I have?" said Amasia.
"Who knows?" replied Ahmet. "These Levantine captains have often an extensive assortment of valuable things, and we may as well inspect them."
"Yes; we must inspect them, and purchase some too," exclaimed Nedjeb; "and ruin Seigneur Kéraban, which will punish him for his delay."
"What does your cargo consist of, captain?" inquired Ahmet.
"Valuable stuffs which I have purchased at various places where they are made," replied Yarhud, "and in which I usually trade."
"Very well; we must let these young women see them—they know more about such things than I do; and I shall be very glad, my dear Amasia, if amongst the cargo of the Guidare you can find some pretty things to please you.'
"I have no doubt about it," replied Yarhud; "and besides, I have brought some samples with me, which I pray you to examine before you go on board."
"Let us see them!" exclaimed Nedjeb. "But I tell you beforehand, captain, you have nothing in any way too beautiful for my mistress."
"Certainly not. That is true," remarked Ahmet.
At a sign from Yarhud, the sailor who accompanied him unrolled some samples, which the captain presented to the young lady.
"Here are some Broussa silks, embroidered with silver," he said. "They are intended for sale in the bazaars of Constantinople."
"That is certainly a beautiful fabric," said Amasia, as she examined the silk, which under the skilful fingers of Nedjeb scintillated like luminous tissue.
"See! see!" cried the Zingara, "we could not have found anything better in the merchants' houses in Odessa."
"That really appears to have been made expressly for you, my dear Amasia," said Ahmet.
"I would suggest that you should also examine these muslins from Scutari and Turnova. From this sample you may judge of the exquisite workmanship. But you will be fairly surprised, when you come on board, by the variety of the designs, and the colours of the fabrics."
"Well, it is quite understood that we are going to visit the Guidare, captain," said Nedjeb.
"You will never regret your visit," replied Yarhud. "But permit me to show you some other articles. Here are brocades studded with diamonds; chemises of silk; crape of diaphanous texture; tissues for feredjis, muslins for jacmalls, Persian shawls for girdles, taffetas for pantalons."
Amasia could not sufficiently admire the magnificent stuffs which the Maltese captain unfolded before her, and displayed with such cunning artifice. If he were as good a sailor as he was a skilful trader, the Guidare would never meet with any mishap under Yarhud's command. All women—and young Turkish women are no exception to the general rule—permit themselves to be tempted by the sights of fabrics from the best looms of the East.
Ahmet perceived at once how much struck Amasia was with the display, and certainly, as Nedjeb had said, neither the bazaars of Odessa nor Constantinople, not even the great stores of Ludovic, the celebrated Armenian merchant, could offer a more extended choice.
"Dearest Amasia," said Ahmet, "you would not like this worthy captain to take all this trouble for nothing. Since he has shown you these beautiful things, and there are even more beautiful ones on board, we may, I think pay the vessel a visit."
"Yes, yes!" exclaimed Nedjeb, who could not remain still. She ran down to the edge of the water as she spoke.
"And," continued Ahmet, "we shall no doubt find some silk goods which will satisfy Nedjeb too."
"Well, and must not I have something to do honour to the wedding-day?" retorted Nedjeb, who had overheard him; "something to celebrate my mistress's wedding with the generous Seigneur Ahmet?"
"So good as he is too," added Amasia, extending her hand to her affianced husband.
"That is settled, then, captain," said Ahmet; "you will see us on board your vessel."
"At what hour?" inquired Yarhud, "for I would like to show you all my fine things."
"Say in the afternoon," replied Ahmet.
"Why not at once?" said Nedjeb.
"Oh, the impatient creature!" replied Amasia, laughing. "She is even more anxious than I am to visit this floating bazaar. One might very easily perceive that Ahmet has promised her a present which will make her smarter and more coquettish than ever."
"Coquettish for you alone, my dearest mistress," said Nedjeb in an affectionate manner.
"It only rests with you, Seigneur Ahmet," said Yarhud. "You can go on board at once, if you please. My gig can be brought to the steps, and in a few strokes we shall be on board."
"Let us go, then, captain," said Ahmet.
"Yes, yes, let us go on board!" exclaimed Nedjeb.
"Very well, since Nedjeb wishes it," added Amasia.
Then Captain Yarhud told the sailor to gather up all the samples which he had brought; and while the man was thus occupied, he himself advanced to the edge of the terrace and hailed the Guidare.
Immediately there was a movement on board. The boat was launched, and in five minutes, under the impulse of four strong rowers, the gig came alongside the steps of the terrace. Captain Yarhud then signified to Ahmet that he was at the young man's disposal.
Yarhud, notwithstanding his habitual self-command, could scarcely conceal his satisfaction at the turn things had taken, and at the opportunity which had presented itself. Time pressed, for Kéraban might arrive now at any moment, and there was nothing to prevent his remaining for a day or two to celebrate the wedding of the young couple. Now Amasia, as the wife of Ahmet, would not be an acceptable visitor at the palace of the Seigneur Saffar.
Yes; Captain Yarhud felt as if suddenly impelled to act by force. It was quite in his line to act without any consideration or scruple. Besides, the circumstances were all favourable, and the wind was in the proper quarter for his enterprise. The vessel would be well in the offing before any pursuit could be attempted, even supposing the abduction were immediately discovered. Had Ahmet been absent, Yarhud would not have hesitated to carry Amasia and her maid on board then and there, and put to sea with them, while they were engaged in examining the various fabrics in the cabin. It would be easy enough to keep them prisoners, and stifle their cries until the Guidare had gained the open sea. With Ahmet present the difficulties had increased, but were not insurmountable. The captain would not hesitate to put Ahmet "out of the way," if necessary. The murder would be put in the bill, and Seigneur Saffar would have to pay the increased cost: that would be all!
Yarhud remained standing on the steps, and thinking what course would be best, when he had persuaded Ahmet and his companions to embark in the boat for the Guidare, which lay scarcely a cable's length away, lifting gently to the motion of the waves.
Ahmet, standing upon the lowest step, was about to hand Amasia to her seat in the stern of the gig, when the door leading into the gallery opened, and a man of about fifty years of age, dressed something in the European style, entered hurriedly.
"Amasia! Ahmet!" he cried.
This was Selim the banker, the father of Amasia and the correspondent of Kéraban.
"Daughter—Ahmet! Where are you?"
"Father, what is the matter?" exclaimed Amasia. "Why have you returned so quickly?"
"I have important news."
"Good news?" asked Ahmet.
"Excellent," replied Selim. "An express sent by Kéraban has just reached me."
"Really!" exclaimed Nedjeb.
"A special messenger, who has advised me of Kéraban's speedy arrival. He was not far in advance of your uncle."
"Uncle Kéraban! Do you mean that he has left Constantinople?" cried Ahmet.
"Yes, and I am expecting him here."
Fortunately for the captain of the Guidare, no one perceived the angry gestures with which he received this intelligence. The sudden arrival of Ahmet's uncle was a contingency which would seriously interfere with the accomplishment of the worthy captain's designs.
"Ah! Seigneur Kéraban is good," exclaimed Nedjeb.
"But why is he coming?" asked Amasia.
"For your marriage, my dear young lady," replied the attendant. "What other object could bring him to Odessa?"
"That must be the reason," said Selim.
"I think so too," said Ahmet. "Else why need he have quitted Constantinople? He must be enchanted. Fancy my worthy uncle leaving his business suddenly without any previous intimation of his intention. He wishes to surprise us."
"He will be well received and gladly welcomed," said Nedjeb.
"Did not his messenger tell you the reason for his coming?" inquired Amasia of her father.
"No, nothing whatever," replied Selim. "The man had ridden post from Majaki, where Kéraban's carriage was changing horses. He came to the banking-house and merely announced the immediate arrival of Kéraban at Odessa, and as he will halt nowhere, we may expect him at any moment."
If the contumacious Kéraban was at that time endowed with all the most amiable qualities of mankind as friend, uncle, and "seigneur," by those interested, can we be surprised? His unexpected arrival meant the celebration of the wedding between Amasia and Ahmet, and the happiness of the young people was assured; no fatal delay would mar their future. Ah, if Kéraban were the most obstinate, he was, nevertheless, the best of men.
Yarhud, impassible as ever, was a spectator of this family scene; but he had not sent his boat away. It was very important that he should become aware of the plans of the Seigneur Kéraban; indeed he was afraid that he would insist upon the marriage of Amasia before he continued his journey around the Black Sea.
At that moment voices, which overpowered a more imperious voice, were heard outside. The door opened, and Kéraban, followed by Van Mitten, Bruno, and Nizib, entered the gallery.