THE RISE OF ISKANDER - Ibiblio

CHAPTER 10
10.1 The chief eunuch did not keep the adventurous companions long in suspense; for, before the
muezzin had announced the close of day from the minarets, he had reached the Khan of Bedreddin, and
inquired for the Armenian physician.
10.2 "We have no time to lose," said the eunuch to Iskander. "Bring with you whatever you may
require, and follow me."
10.3 The eunuch led the way, Iskander and Nicæus maintaining a respectful distance. After
proceeding down several streets, they arrived at the burial-ground, where they had conversed in the
morning; and when they had entered that more retired spot, the eunuch fell back, and addressed his
companion.
10.4 "Now, worthy Hakim," he said, "if you deceive me, I will never patronize a man of science
again. I found an opportunity of speaking to the Prince this afternoon of your talisman, and he has taken
from my representations such a fancy for its immediate proof, that I found it quite impossible to postpone
its trial even until to-morrow. I mentioned the terms. I told the Prince your life was the pledge. I said
nothing of the moiety of the reward, worthy Hakim. That is an affair between ourselves. I trust to your
honour, and I always act thus with men of science."
10.5 "I shall not disgrace my profession or your confidence, rest assured," replied Iskander. "And
am I to see the captive to-night?"
10.6 "I doubt it not. Are you prepared? We might, perhaps, gain a little time, if very necessary,"
10.7 "By no means, sir; Truth is ever prepared."
10.8 Thus conversing, they passed through the burial-ground, and approached some high, broad
walls, forming a terrace, and planted with young sycamore-trees. The eunuch tapped with his silver stick,
at a small gate, which opened, and admitted them into a garden, full of large clumps of massy shrubs.
Through these a winding walk led for some way, and then conducted them to an open lawn, on which
was situate a vast and irregular building. As they approached the pile, a young man of very imperious
aspect rushed forward from a gate, and abruptly accosted Iskander.
10.9 "Are you the Armenian physician?" he inquired.
10.10 Iskander bowed assent.
10.11 "Have you got your talisman? You know the terms? Cure this Christian girl and yon shall
name your own reward; fail, and I shall claim your forfeit head."
10.12 "The terms are well understood, mighty Prince," said Iskander, for the young man was no less a
personage than the son of Amurath, and future conqueror of Constantinople; "but I am confident there will
be no necessity for the terror of Christendom claiming any other heads than those of his enemies."
10.13 "Kaflis will conduct you at once to your patient," said Mahomed. "For myself, I cannot rest until
I know the result of your visit. I shall wander about these gardens, and destroy the flowers, which is the
only pleasure now left me."
10.14 Kaflis motioned to his companions to advance, and they entered the Seraglio.
10.15 At the end of a long gallery they came to a great portal, which Kaflis opened, and Iskander and
Nicæus for a moment supposed that they had arrived at the chief hall of the Tower of Babel, but they
found the shrill din only proceeded from a large company of women, who were employed in distilling the
rare atar of the jasmine flower. All their voices ceased on the entrance of the strangers, as if by a
miracle; but when they had examined them, and observed that it was only a physician and his boy, their
awe, or their surprise, disappeared; and they crowded round Iskander, some holding out their wrists,
others lolling out their tongues, and some asking questions, which perplexed alike the skill and the
modesty of the adventurous dealer in magical medicine. The annoyance, however, was not of great
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