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
