Unable to restrain their fury, the women broke into the circle in a body, and commenced their attack by loading the captive with the most bitter revilings.
The heartless savage commenced his efforts, by flourishing his tomahawk about the head of the captive, in such a manner as to give reason to suppose, that each blow would bury the weapon in the flesh, while it was so governed as not to touch the skin.
By these words he excited a desire in all who heard him, to know who the Moorish lady and the captive were, but no one liked to ask just then, seeing that it was a fitter moment for helping them to rest themselves than for questioning them about their lives.
Don Fernando asked the captive what her name was, and he replied that it was Lela Zoraida; but the instant she heard him, she guessed what the Christian had asked, and said hastily, with some displeasure and energy, "No, not Zoraida; Maria, Maria!" giving them to understand that she was called "Maria" and not "Zoraida." These words, and the touching earnestness with which she uttered them, drew more than one tear from some of the listeners, particularly the women, who are by nature tender-hearted and compassionate.
To all this the captive
made no reply; but was content to preserve an attitude in which dignity was singularly blended with disdain.
With the latter in his possession, the ransom which might be obtained for the captive
would form no great inducement to her relinquishment in the face of the pleasures of sole ownership of her.
"Tell them this, Athos," resumed D'Artagnan; "thus shall all die who forget that a captive
man is sacred and that a captive
king doubly represents the Lord."
King's uncle was chosen as Regent to rule in his absence.
They made way with foot and hand, kicking and thrusting dragging and shoving, the bound captives
to either side of the space which the canoe was to occupy.
But the creatures led their captives
away from the rocks and the road, down the hill by a side path until they came before a low mountain of rock that looked like a huge bowl turned upside down.
"I suppose King Roquat is planning revenge against us," she said, musingly, "and thinks he can surprise us and make us his captives
Further, none of the captives
were called to swear to the body of the maid, and now it is too late, and that man who lay beside her was not killed by Galazi in the cave.