There he will rest tranquilly. They have now reached the
beach, and the eunuchs lay him down on the sand; not carelessly as a
package is thrown down, but cautiously and gently.
"Remember, Aga," murmured one to the other, "that we have orders not
to injure a hair of his head, or to cause him slightest pain. We
will lay him down here, here he can rest easily, and can raise his
head and see. The eyes of the young boulouk bashi, accustomed as
they are to the dark, will easily be able to detect who it is that
approaches from over there." And the eunuch raised his hand and
pointed toward the path that led to Cavalla.
Yes, his eyes are accustomed to the dark, and he does see figures
advancing from that direction. Not one or two, but a crowd of
figures are approaching, and in their midst he sees something white,
that is being borne along by others.
For a moment his heart stands still with horror, and then beats
again with redoubled violence.
The procession comes nearer and nearer. Now he hears a low, wailing
voice. It is she, he recognizes Masa's voice. And alas! he can utter
no tone, he cannot rise and fly to her assistance. His mouth is
gagged, his hands and feet are securely bound. There he lies
perfectly helpless; he can do nothing but swear vengeance to
himself. Oh, he cannot utter a single word to tell that he is there,
and that he shares her grief and anguish.
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