CHAPTER VII.
SLAVERY. DELIVERANCE. ORDINATION.
During the retreat of the Hungarian army, if such it could now be called, a halt was ordered at the foot of the Carpathian mountains. Here a separation took place; and a division numbering about five hundred set a camp apart. This band consisted of a motley array. The location had obviously become a customary rendezvous, as evidences of frequent camps were numerous. Here the leaders set apart the younger women captives, and assigned them separate wagons, not from any motive of humanity, but to preserve their fresh appearance. Next day they were joined by the same band that had encountered Pietro and Valens. The women of this party, discovering their Bohemian sisters, instantly screamed for joy. During several hours the most effusive greetings continued. Women hitherto perfect strangers, and who at home would have criticised each other severely, embraced each other, and a scene of smiles tears, streaming hair, wild grief, faintings, and excitement was exhibited, wholly unrestrained by the experienced slave dealers, who well knew the value of this relief to the health of their captives. These marauders numbered about five hundred, and their
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