CHAPTER II.

RUIN.

I started at the man's words, and my rage and despair may be imagined,

when I saw that he proposed to bind me, a noble, like any thief! From

this I hoped to escape by bringing on death, and, on a sudden, hit the

guard next to me on the face, with all my force. Down he went like an

ox, and I made a rush to the tent door, little doubting that I should

be cut down, and put out of my misery. But they were too quick. I was

one, and they were many. In a hand turn I was tripped up, my wrists

securely fastened behind my back, and any further resistance on my