My father will be so rejoiced at your
departure, that he will be off his guard, and then I can easily conduct
you with secrecy into the castle."
The delighted Turk very politely answered this remarkable _billet doux_,
assuring the fair writer that he was at her service, and that he would
implicitly follow her directions as to the taking of Abydos. As soon as
he had dismissed Annis, he flew with Sophronia's letter to the general,
who, upon reading it, expressed great astonishment; he determined to
raise the siege the next morning, and resolved to rely fully on the
beautiful traitress for the future success of his enterprise. The next
day came, and the general raised the siege and departed. The Christians
were rejoiced to see it, and in the evening made merry and drunk wine.
The governor's daughter took advantage of the garrison at this unguarded
moment; and fearing to trust again to the sincerity of her maid,
resolved to proceed herself to Abdurachman's tent. Annis led the way.
The night was serene, and the light of the moon showed the stately
castle of Abydos, dark and majestic. No noise was heard, save the heavy
and uniform step of the sentinels, whose bright arms, as they caught the
moon's rays, sparkled against the gloomy looking building. Little did
the inmates, now as tranquil as the night, dream of being surprised by
an enemy; and little did the brave governor imagine that his own beloved
daughter, at this moment, was treacherously hastening to a merciless
foe, with the intent to conduct him to Abydos! Sophronia reached her
lover's tent weary and faint, for she had walked with great haste.
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