Before fifteen days were over our renegade had already purchased an excellent vessel1 with room for more than thirty persons; and to make the transaction safe and lend a colour to it, he thought it well to make, as he did, a voyage to a place called Shershel, twenty leagues from Algiers on the Oran side, where there is an extensive trade in dried figs2. Two or three times he made this voyage in company with the Tagarin already mentioned. The Moors4 of Aragon are called Tagarins in Barbary, and those of Granada Mudejars; but in the Kingdom of Fez they call the Mudejars Elches, and they are the people the king chiefly employs in war. To proceed: every time he passed with his vessel he anchored in a cove6 that was not two crossbow shots from the garden where Zoraida was waiting; and there the renegade, together with the two Moorish7 lads that rowed, used purposely to station himself, either going through his prayers, or else practising as a part what he meant to perform in earnest. And thus he would go to Zoraida’s garden and ask for fruit, which her father gave him, not knowing him; but though, as he afterwards told me, he sought to speak to Zoraida, and tell her who he was, and that by my orders he was to take her to the land of the Christians9, so that she might feel satisfied and easy, he had never been able to do so; for the Moorish women do not allow themselves to be seen by any Moor3 or Turk, unless their husband or father bid them: with Christian8 captives they permit freedom of intercourse10 and communication, even more than might be considered proper. But for my part I should have been sorry if he had spoken to her, for perhaps it might have alarmed her to find her affairs talked of by renegades. But God, who ordered it otherwise, afforded no opportunity for our renegade’s well-meant purpose; and he, seeing how safely he could go to Shershel and return, and anchor when and how and where he liked, and that the Tagarin his partner had no will but his, and that, now I was ransomed12, all we wanted was to find some Christians to row, told me to look out for any I should he willing to take with me, over and above those who had been ransomed, and to engage them for the next Friday, which he fixed14 upon for our departure. On this I spoke11 to twelve Spaniards, all stout15 rowers, and such as could most easily leave the city; but it was no easy matter to find so many just then, because there were twenty ships out on a cruise and they had taken all the rowers with them; and these would not have been found were it not that their master remained at home that summer without going to sea in order to finish a galliot that he had upon the stocks. To these men I said nothing more than that the next Friday in the evening they were to come out stealthily one by one and hang about Hadji Morato’s garden, waiting for me there until I came. These directions I gave each one separately, with orders that if they saw any other Christians there they were not to say anything to them except that I had directed them to wait at that spot.
This preliminary having been settled, another still more necessary step had to be taken, which was to let Zoraida know how matters stood that she might be prepared and forewarned, so as not to be taken by surprise if we were suddenly to seize upon her before she thought the Christians’ vessel could have returned. I determined16, therefore, to go to the garden and try if I could speak to her; and the day before my departure I went there under the pretence17 of gathering18 herbs. The first person I met was her father, who addressed me in the language that all over Barbary and even in Constantinople is the medium between captives and Moors, and is neither Morisco nor Castilian, nor of any other nation, but a mixture of all languages, by means of which we can all understand one another. In this sort of language, I say, he asked me what I wanted in his garden, and to whom I belonged. I replied that I was a slave of the Arnaut Mami (for I knew as a certainty that he was a very great friend of his), and that I wanted some herbs to make a salad. He asked me then whether I were on ransom13 or not, and what my master demanded for me. While these questions and answers were proceeding19, the fair Zoraida, who had already perceived me some time before, came out of the house in the garden, and as Moorish women are by no means particular about letting themselves be seen by Christians, or, as I have said before, at all coy, she had no hesitation20 in coming to where her father stood with me; moreover her father, seeing her approaching slowly, called to her to come. It would be beyond my power now to describe to you the great beauty, the high-bred air, the brilliant attire21 of my beloved Zoraida as she presented herself before my eyes. I will content myself with saying that more pearls hung from her fair neck, her ears, and her hair than she had hairs on her head. On her ankles, which as is customary were bare, she had carcajes (for so bracelets22 or anklets are called in Morisco) of the purest gold, set with so many diamonds that she told me afterwards her father valued them at ten thousand doubloons, and those she had on her wrists were worth as much more. The pearls were in profusion23 and very fine, for the highest display and adornment24 of the Moorish women is decking themselves with rich pearls and seed-pearls; and of these there are therefore more among the Moors than among any other people. Zoraida’s father had to the reputation of possessing a great number, and the purest in all Algiers, and of possessing also more than two hundred thousand Spanish crowns; and she, who is now mistress of me only, was mistress of all this. Whether thus adorned25 she would have been beautiful or not, and what she must have been in her prosperity, may be imagined from the beauty remaining to her after so many hardships; for, as everyone knows, the beauty of some women has its times and its seasons, and is increased or diminished by chance causes; and naturally the emotions of the mind will heighten or impair26 it, though indeed more frequently they totally destroy it. In a word she presented herself before me that day attired27 with the utmost splendour, and supremely28 beautiful; at any rate, she seemed to me the most beautiful object I had ever seen; and when, besides, I thought of all I owed to her I felt as though I had before me some heavenly being come to earth to bring me relief and happiness.
As she approached her father told her in his own language that I was a captive belonging to his friend the Arnaut Mami, and that I had come for salad.
She took up the conversation, and in that mixture of tongues I have spoken of she asked me if I was a gentleman, and why I was not ransomed.
I answered that I was already ransomed, and that by the price it might be seen what value my master set on me, as I had given one thousand five hundred zoltanis for me; to which she replied, “Hadst thou been my father’s , I can tell thee, I would not have let him part with thee for twice as much, for you Christians always tell lies about yourselves and make yourselves out poor to cheat the Moors.”
“That may be, lady,” said I; “but indeed I dealt truthfully with my master, as I do and mean to do with everybody in the world.”
“And when dost thou go?” said Zoraida.
“To-morrow, I think,” said I, “for there is a vessel here from France which sails to-morrow, and I think I shall go in her.”
“Would it not be better,” said Zoraida, “to wait for the arrival of ships from Spain and go with them and not with the French who are not your friends?”
“No,” said I; “though if there were intelligence that a vessel were now coming from Spain it is true I might, perhaps, wait for it; however, it is more likely I shall depart to-morrow, for the longing29 I feel to return to my country and to those I love is so great that it will not allow me to wait for another opportunity, however more convenient, if it be delayed.”
“No doubt thou art married in thine own country,” said Zoraida, “and for that reason thou art anxious to go and see thy wife.”
“I am not married,” I replied, “but I have given my promise to marry on my arrival there.”
“And is the lady beautiful to whom thou hast given it?” said Zoraida.
“So beautiful,” said I, “that, to describe her worthily31 and tell thee the truth, she is very like thee.”
At this her father laughed very heartily32 and said, “By Allah, Christian, she must be very beautiful if she is like my daughter, who is the most beautiful woman in all this kingdom: only look at her well and thou wilt33 see I am telling the truth.”
Zoraida’s father as the better linguist34 helped to interpret most of these words and phrases, for though she spoke the bastard35 language, that, as I have said, is employed there, she expressed her meaning more by signs than by words.
While we were still engaged in this conversation, a Moor came running up, exclaiming that four Turks had leaped over the fence or wall of the garden, and were gathering the fruit though it was not yet ripe. The old man was alarmed and Zoraida too, for the Moors commonly, and, so to speak, instinctively36 have a dread37 of the Turks, but particularly of the soldiers, who are so insolent38 and domineering to the Moors who are under their power that they treat them worse than if they were their slaves. Her father said to Zoraida, “Daughter, retire into the house and shut thyself in while I go and speak to these dogs; and thou, Christian, pick thy herbs, and go in peace, and Allah bring thee safe to thy own country.”
I bowed, and he went away to look for the Turks, leaving me alone with Zoraida, who made as if she were about to retire as her father bade her; but the moment he was concealed39 by the trees of the garden, turning to me with her eyes full of tears she said, Tameji, cristiano, tameji?” that is to say, “Art thou going, Christian, art thou going?”
I made answer, “Yes, lady, but not without thee, come what may: be on the watch for me on the next Juma, and be not alarmed when thou seest us; for most surely we shall go to the land of the Christians.”
This I said in such a way that she understood perfectly40 all that passed between us, and throwing her arm round my neck she began with feeble steps to move towards the house; but as fate would have it (and it might have been very unfortunate if Heaven had not otherwise ordered it), just as we were moving on in the manner and position I have described, with her arm round my neck, her father, as he returned after having sent away the Turks, saw how we were walking and we perceived that he saw us; but Zoraida, ready and quickwitted, took care not to remove her arm from my neck, but on the contrary drew closer to me and laid her head on my breast, bending her knees a little and showing all the signs and tokens of ainting, while I at the same time made it seem as though I were supporting her against my will. Her father came running up to where we were, and seeing his daughter in this state asked what was the matter with her; she, however, giving no answer, he said, “No doubt she has fainted in alarm at the entrance of those dogs,” and taking her from mine he drew her to his own breast, while she sighing, her eyes still wet with tears, said again, “Ameji, cristiano, ameji” — “Go, Christian, go.” To this her father replied, “There is no need, daughter, for the Christian to go, for he has done thee no harm, and the Turks have now gone; feel no alarm, there is nothing to hurt thee, for as I say, the Turks at my request have gone back the way they came.”
“It was they who terrified her, as thou hast said, senor,” said I to her father; “but since she tells me to go, I have no wish to displease41 her: peace be with thee, and with thy leave I will come back to this garden for herbs if need be, for my master says there are nowhere better herbs for salad then here.”
“Come back for any thou hast need of,” replied Hadji Morato; “for my daughter does not speak thus because she is displeased42 with thee or any Christian: she only meant that the Turks should go, not thou; or that it was time for thee to look for thy herbs.”
With this I at once took my leave of both; and she, looking as though her heart were breaking, retired43 with her father. While pretending to look for herbs I made the round of the garden at my ease, and studied carefully all the approaches and outlets44, and the fastenings of the house and everything that could be taken advantage of to make our task easy.
Having done so I went and gave an account of all that had taken place to the renegade and my comrades, and looked forward with impatience45 to the hour when, all fear at an end, I should find myself in possession of the prize which fortune held out to me in the fair and lovely Zoraida. The time passed at length, and the appointed day we so longed for arrived; and, all following out the arrangement and plan which, after careful consideration and many a long discussion, we had decided46 upon, we succeeded as fully30 as we could have wished; for on the Friday following the day upon which I spoke to Zoraida in the garden, the renegade anchored his vessel at nightfall almost opposite the spot where she was. The Christians who were to row were ready and in hiding in different places round about, all waiting for me, anxious and elated, and eager to attack the vessel they had before their eyes; for they did not know the renegade’s plan, but expected that they were to gain their liberty by force of arms and by killing47 the Moors who were on board the vessel. As soon, then, as I and my comrades made our appearance, all those that were in hiding seeing us came and joined us. It was now the time when the city gates are shut, and there was no one to be seen in all the space outside. When we were collected together we debated whether it would be better first to go for Zoraida, or to make prisoners of the Moorish rowers who rowed in the vessel; but while we were still uncertain our renegade came up asking us what kept us, as it was now the time, and all the Moors were off their guard and most of them asleep. We told him why we hesitated, but he said it was of more importance first to secure the vessel, which could be done with the greatest ease and without any danger, and then we could go for Zoraida. We all approved of what he said, and so without further delay, guided by him we made for the vessel, and he leaping on board first, drew his cutlass and said in Morisco, “Let no one stir from this if he does not want it to cost him his life.” By this almost all the Christians were on board, and the Moors, who were fainthearted, hearing their captain speak in this way, were cowed, and without any one of them taking to his arms (and indeed they had few or hardly any) they submitted without saying a word to be bound by the Christians, who quickly secured them, threatening them that if they raised any kind of outcry they would be all put to the sword. This having been accomplished49, and half of our party being left to keep guard over them, the rest of us, again taking the renegade as our guide, hastened towards Hadji Morato’s garden, and as good luck would have it, on trying the gate it opened as easily as if it had not been locked; and so, quite quietly and in silence, we reached the house without being perceived by anybody. The lovely Zoraida was watching for us at a window, and as soon as she perceived that there were people there, she asked in a low voice if we were “Nizarani,” as much as to say or ask if we were Christians. I answered that we were, and begged her to come down. As soon as she recognised me she did not delay an instant, but without answering a word came down immediately, opened the door and presented herself before us all, so beautiful and so richly attired that I cannot attempt to describe her. The moment I saw her I took her hand and kissed it, and the renegade and my two comrades did the same; and the rest, who knew nothing of the circumstances, did as they saw us do, for it only seemed as if we were returning thanks to her, and recognising her as the giver of our liberty. The renegade asked her in the Morisco language if her father was in the house. She replied that he was and that he was asleep.
“Then it will be necessary to waken him and take him with us,” said the renegade, “and everything of value in this fair mansion50.”
“Nay51,” said she, “my father must not on any account be touched, and there is nothing in the house except what I shall take, and that will be quite enough to enrich and satisfy all of you; wait a little and you shall see,” and so saying she went in, telling us she would return immediately and bidding us keep quiet making any noise.
I asked the renegade what had passed between them, and when he told me, I declared that nothing should be done except in accordance with the wishes of Zoraida, who now came back with a little trunk so full of gold crowns that she could scarcely carry it. Unfortunately her father awoke while this was going on, and hearing a noise in the garden, came to the window, and at once perceiving that all those who were there were Christians, raising a prodigiously52 loud outcry, he began to call out in Arabic, “Christians, Christians! thieves, thieves!” by which cries we were all thrown into the greatest fear and embarrassment54; but the renegade seeing the danger we were in and how important it was for him to effect his purpose before we were heard, mounted with the utmost quickness to where Hadji Morato was, and with him went some of our party; I, however, did not dare to leave Zoraida, who had fallen almost fainting in my arms. To be brief, those who had gone upstairs acted so promptly55 that in an instant they came down, carrying Hadji Morato with his hands bound and a napkin tied over his mouth, which prevented him from uttering a word, warning him at the same time that to attempt to speak would cost him his life. When his daughter caught sight of him she covered her eyes so as not to see him, and her father was horror-stricken, not knowing how willingly she had placed herself in our hands. But it was now most essential for us to be on the move, and carefully and quickly we regained56 the vessel, where those who had remained on board were waiting for us in apprehension57 of some mishap58 having befallen us. It was barely two hours after night set in when we were all on board the vessel, where the cords were removed from the hands of Zoraida’s father, and the napkin from his mouth; but the renegade once more told him not to utter a word, or they would take his life. He, when he saw his daughter there, began to sigh piteously, and still more when he perceived that I held her closely embraced and that she lay quiet without resisting or complaining, or showing any reluctance59; nevertheless he remained silent lest they should carry into effect the repeated threats the renegade had addressed to him.
Finding herself now on board, and that we were about to give way with the oars60, Zoraida, seeing her father there, and the other Moors bound, bade the renegade ask me to do her the favour of releasing the Moors and setting her father at liberty, for she would rather drown herself in the sea than suffer a father that had loved her so dearly to be carried away captive before her eyes and on her account. The renegade repeated this to me, and I replied that I was very willing to do so; but he replied that it was not advisable, because if they were left there they would at once raise the country and stir up the city, and lead to the despatch61 of swift cruisers in pursuit, and our being taken, by sea or land, without any possibility of escape; and that all that could be done was to set them free on the first Christian ground we reached. On this point we all agreed; and Zoraida, to whom it was explained, together with the reasons that prevented us from doing at once what she desired, was satisfied likewise; and then in glad silence and with cheerful alacrity63 each of our stout rowers took his oar48, and commending ourselves to God with all our hearts, we began to shape our course for the island of Majorca, the nearest Christian land. Owing, however, to the Tramontana rising a little, and the sea growing somewhat rough, it was impossible for us to keep a straight course for Majorca, and we were compelled to coast in the direction of Oran, not without great uneasiness on our part lest we should be observed from the town of Shershel, which lies on that coast, not more than sixty miles from Algiers. Moreover we were afraid of meeting on that course one of the galliots that usually come with goods from Tetuan; although each of us for himself and all of us together felt confident that, if we were to meet a merchant galliot, so that it were not a cruiser, not only should we not be lost, but that we should take a vessel in which we could more safely accomplish our voyage. As we pursued our course Zoraida kept her head between my hands so as not to see her father, and I felt that she was praying to Lela Marien to help us.
We might have made about thirty miles when daybreak found us some three musket-shots off the land, which seemed to us deserted64, and without anyone to see us. For all that, however, by hard rowing we put out a little to sea, for it was now somewhat calmer, and having gained about two leagues the word was given to row by batches65, while we ate something, for the vessel was well provided; but the rowers said it was not a time to take any rest; let food be served out to those who were not rowing, but they would not leave their oars on any account. This was done, but now a stiff breeze began to blow, which obliged us to leave off rowing and make sail at once and steer66 for Oran, as it was impossible to make any other course. All this was done very promptly, and under sail we ran more than eight miles an hour without any fear, except that of coming across some vessel out on a roving expedition. We gave the Moorish rowers some food, and the renegade comforted them by telling them that they were not held as captives, as we should set them free on the first opportunity.
The same was said to Zoraida’s father, who replied, “Anything else, Christian, I might hope for or think likely from your generosity67 and good behaviour, but do not think me so simple as to imagine you will give me my liberty; for you would have never exposed yourselves to the danger of depriving me of it only to restore it to me so generously, especially as you know who I am and the sum you may expect to receive on restoring it; and if you will only name that, I here offer you all you require for myself and for my unhappy daughter there; or else for her alone, for she is the greatest and most precious part of my soul.”
As he said this he began to weep so bitterly that he filled us all with compassion68 and forced Zoraida to look at him, and when she saw him weeping she was so moved that she rose from my feet and ran to throw her arms round him, and pressing her face to his, they both gave way to such an outburst of tears that several of us were constrained69 to keep them company.
But when her father saw her in full dress and with all her jewels about her, he said to her in his own language, “What means this, my daughter? Last night, before this terrible misfortune in which we are plunged70 befell us, I saw thee in thy everyday and indoor garments; and now, without having had time to attire thyself, and without my bringing thee any joyful71 tidings to furnish an occasion for adorning72 and bedecking thyself, I see thee arrayed in the finest attire it would be in my power to give thee when fortune was most kind to us. Answer me this; for it causes me greater anxiety and surprise than even this misfortune itself.”
The renegade interpreted to us what the Moor said to his daughter; she, however, returned him no answer. But when he observed in one corner of the vessel the little trunk in which she used to keep her jewels, which he well knew he had left in Algiers and had not brought to the garden, he was still more amazed, and asked her how that trunk had come into our hands, and what there was in it. To which the renegade, without waiting for Zoraida to reply, made answer, “Do not trouble thyself by asking thy daughter Zoraida so many questions, senor, for the one answer I will give thee will serve for all; I would have thee know that she is a Christian, and that it is she who has been the file for our chains and our deliverer from captivity74. She is here of her own free will, as glad, I imagine, to find herself in this position as he who escapes from darkness into the light, from death to life, and from suffering to glory.”
“Daughter, is this true, what he says?” cried the Moor.
“It is,” replied Zoraida.
“That thou art in truth a Christian,” said the old man, “and that thou hast given thy father into the power of his enemies?”
To which Zoraida made answer, “A Christian I am, but it is not I who have placed thee in this position, for it never was my wish to leave thee or do thee harm, but only to do good to myself.”
“And what good hast thou done thyself, daughter?” said he.
“Ask thou that,” said she, “of Lela Marien, for she can tell thee better than I.”
The Moor had hardly heard these words when with marvellous quickness he flung himself headforemost into the sea, where no doubt he would have been drowned had not the long and full dress he wore held him up for a little on the surface of the water. Zoraida cried aloud to us to save him, and we all hastened to help, and seizing him by his robe we drew him in half drowned and insensible, at which Zoraida was in such distress75 that she wept over him as piteously and bitterly as though he were already dead. We turned him upon his face and he voided a great quantity of water, and at the end of two hours came to himself. Meanwhile, the wind having changed we were compelled to head for the land, and ply73 our oars to avoid being driven on shore; but it was our good fortune to reach a creek76 that lies on one side of a small promontory77 or cape62, called by the Moors that of the “Cava rumia,” which in our language means “the wicked Christian woman;” for it is a tradition among them that La Cava, through whom Spain was lost, lies buried at that spot; “cava” in their language meaning “wicked woman,” and “rumia” “Christian;” moreover, they count it unlucky to anchor there when necessity compels them, and they never do so otherwise. For us, however, it was not the resting-place of the wicked woman but a haven78 of safety for our relief, so much had the sea now got up. We posted a look-out on shore, and never let the oars out of our hands, and ate of the stores the renegade had laid in, imploring79 God and Our Lady with all our hearts to help and protect us, that we might give a happy ending to a beginning so prosperous. At the entreaty80 of Zoraida orders were given to set on shore her father and the other Moors who were still bound, for she could not endure, nor could her tender heart bear to see her father in bonds and her fellow-countrymen prisoners before her eyes. We promised her to do this at the moment of departure, for as it was uninhabited we ran no risk in releasing them at that place.
Our prayers were not so far in vain as to be unheard by Heaven, for after a while the wind changed in our favour, and made the sea calm, inviting81 us once more to resume our voyage with a good heart. Seeing this we unbound the Moors, and one by one put them on shore, at which they were filled with amazement82; but when we came to land Zoraida’s father, who had now completely recovered his senses, he said:
“Why is it, think ye, Christians, that this wicked woman is rejoiced at your giving me my liberty? Think ye it is because of the affection she bears me? Nay verily, it is only because of the hindrance83 my presence offers to the execution of her base designs. And think not that it is her belief that yours is better than ours that has led her to change her religion; it is only because she knows that immodesty is more freely practised in your country than in ours.” Then turning to Zoraida, while I and another of the Christians held him fast by both arms, lest he should do some mad act, he said to her, “Infamous girl, misguided maiden84, whither in thy blindness and madness art thou going in the hands of these dogs, our natural enemies? Cursed be the hour when I begot85 thee! Cursed the luxury and indulgence in which I reared thee!”
But seeing that he was not likely soon to cease I made haste to put him on shore, and thence he continued his maledictions and lamentations aloud; calling on Mohammed to pray to Allah to destroy us, to confound us, to make an end of us; and when, in consequence of having made sail, we could no longer hear what he said we could see what he did; how he plucked out his beard and tore his hair and lay writhing86 on the ground. But once he raised his voice to such a pitch that we were able to hear what he said. “Come back, dear daughter, come back to shore; I forgive thee all; let those men have the money, for it is theirs now, and come back to comfort thy sorrowing father, who will yield up his life on this barren strand87 if thou dost leave him.”
All this Zoraida heard, and heard with sorrow and tears, and all she could say in answer was, “Allah grant that Lela Marien, who has made me become a Christian, give thee comfort in thy sorrow, my father. Allah knows that I could not do otherwise than I have done, and that these Christians owe nothing to my will; for even had I wished not to accompany them, but remain at home, it would have been impossible for me, so eagerly did my soul urge me on to the accomplishment88 of this purpose, which I feel to be as righteous as to thee, dear father, it seems wicked.”
But neither could her father hear her nor we see him when she said this; and so, while I consoled Zoraida, we turned our attention to our voyage, in which a breeze from the right point so favoured us that we made sure of finding ourselves off the coast of Spain on the morrow by daybreak. But, as good seldom or never comes pure and unmixed, without being attended or followed by some disturbing evil that gives a shock to it, our fortune, or perhaps the curses which the Moor had hurled89 at his daughter (for whatever kind of father they may come from these are always to be dreaded), brought it about that when we were now in mid-sea, and the night about three hours spent, as we were running with all sail set and oars lashed90, for the favouring breeze saved us the trouble of using them, we saw by the light of the moon, which shone brilliantly, a square-rigged vessel in full sail close to us, luffing up and standing91 across our course, and so close that we had to strike sail to avoid running foul92 of her, while they too put the helm hard up to let us pass. They came to the side of the ship to ask who we were, whither we were bound, and whence we came, but as they asked this in French our renegade said, “Let no one answer, for no doubt these are French corsairs who plunder93 all comers.”
Acting94 on this warning no one answered a word, but after we had gone a little ahead, and the vessel was now lying to leeward95, suddenly they fired two guns, and apparently96 both loaded with chain-shot, for with one they cut our mast in half and brought down both it and the sail into the sea, and the other, discharged at the same moment, sent a ball into our vessel amidships, staving her in completely, but without doing any further damage. We, however, finding ourselves sinking began to shout for help and call upon those in the ship to pick us up as we were beginning to fill. They then lay to, and lowering a skiff or boat, as many as a dozen Frenchmen, well armed with match-locks, and their matches burning, got into it and came alongside; and seeing how few we were, and that our vessel was going down, they took us in, telling us that this had come to us through our incivility in not giving them an answer. Our renegade took the trunk containing Zoraida’s wealth and dropped it into the sea without anyone perceiving what he did. In short we went on board with the Frenchmen, who, after having ascertained97 all they wanted to know about us, rifled us of everything we had, as if they had been our bitterest enemies, and from Zoraida they took even the anklets she wore on her feet; but the distress they caused her did not distress me so much as the fear I was in that from robbing her of her rich and precious jewels they would proceed to rob her of the most precious jewel that she valued more than all. The desires, however, of those people do not go beyond money, but of that their covetousness99 is insatiable, and on this occasion it was carried to such a pitch that they would have taken even the clothes we wore as captives if they had been worth anything to them. It was the advice of some of them to throw us all into the sea wrapped up in a sail; for their purpose was to trade at some of the ports of Spain, giving themselves out as Bretons, and if they brought us alive they would be punished as soon as the robbery was discovered; but the captain (who was the one who had plundered100 my beloved Zoraida) said he was satisfied with the prize he had got, and that he would not touch at any Spanish port, but pass the Straits of Gibraltar by night, or as best he could, and make for La Rochelle, from which he had sailed. So they agreed by common consent to give us the skiff belonging to their ship and all we required for the short voyage that remained to us, and this they did the next day on coming in sight of the Spanish coast, with which, and the joy we felt, all our sufferings and miseries101 were as completely forgotten as if they had never been endured by us, such is the delight of recovering lost liberty.
It may have been about mid-day when they placed us in the boat, giving us two kegs of water and some biscuit; and the captain, moved by I know not what compassion, as the lovely Zoraida was about to embark102, gave her some forty gold crowns, and would not permit his men to take from her those same garments which she has on now. We got into the boat, returning them thanks for their kindness to us, and showing ourselves grateful rather than indignant. They stood out to sea, steering103 for the straits; we, without looking to any compass save the land we had before us, set ourselves to row with such energy that by sunset we were so near that we might easily, we thought, land before the night was far advanced. But as the moon did not show that night, and the sky was clouded, and as we knew not whereabouts we were, it did not seem to us a prudent104 thing to make for the shore, as several of us advised, saying we ought to run ourselves ashore105 even if it were on rocks and far from any habitation, for in this way we should be relieved from the apprehensions106 we naturally felt of the prowling vessels107 of the Tetuan corsairs, who leave Barbary at nightfall and are on the Spanish coast by daybreak, where they commonly take some prize, and then go home to sleep in their own houses. But of the conflicting counsels the one which was adopted was that we should approach gradually, and land where we could if the sea were calm enough to permit us. This was done, and a little before midnight we drew near to the foot of a huge and lofty mountain, not so close to the sea but that it left a narrow space on which to land conveniently. We ran our boat up on the sand, and all sprang out and kissed the ground, and with tears of joyful satisfaction returned thanks to God our Lord for all his incomparable goodness to us on our voyage. We took out of the boat the provisions it contained, and drew it up on the shore, and then climbed a long way up the mountain, for even there we could not feel easy in our hearts, or persuade ourselves that it was Christian soil that was now under our feet.
The dawn came, more slowly, I think, than we could have wished; we completed the ascent108 in order to see if from the summit any habitation or any shepherds’ huts could be discovered, but strain our eyes as we might, neither dwelling109, nor human being, nor path nor road could we perceive. However, we determined to push on farther, as it could not but be that ere long we must see some one who could tell us where we were. But what distressed110 me most was to see Zoraida going on foot over that rough ground; for though I once carried her on my shoulders, she was more wearied by my weariness than rested by the rest; and so she would never again allow me to undergo the exertion111, and went on very patiently and cheerfully, while I led her by the hand. We had gone rather less than a quarter of a league when the sound of a little bell fell on our ears, a clear proof that there were flocks hard by, and looking about carefully to see if any were within view, we observed a young shepherd tranquilly112 and unsuspiciously trimming a stick with his knife at the foot of a cork113 tree. We called to him, and he, raising his head, sprang nimbly to his feet, for, as we afterwards learned, the first who presented themselves to his sight were the renegade and Zoraida, and seeing them in Moorish dress he imagined that all the Moors of Barbary were upon him; and plunging114 with marvellous swiftness into the thicket115 in front of him, he began to raise a prodigious53 outcry, exclaiming, “The Moors — the Moors have landed! To arms, to arms!” We were all thrown into perplexity by these cries, not knowing what to do; but reflecting that the shouts of the shepherd would raise the country and that the mounted coast-guard would come at once to see what was the matter, we agreed that the renegade must strip off his Turkish garments and put on a captive’s jacket or coat which one of our party gave him at once, though he himself was reduced to his shirt; and so commending ourselves to God, we followed the same road which we saw the shepherd take, expecting every moment that the coast-guard would be down upon us. Nor did our expectation deceive us, for two hours had not passed when, coming out of the brushwood into the open ground, we perceived some fifty mounted men swiftly approaching us at a hand-gallop. As soon as we saw them we stood still, waiting for them; but as they came close and, instead of the Moors they were in quest of, saw a set of poor Christians, they were taken aback, and one of them asked if it could be we who were the cause of the shepherd having raised the call to arms. I said “Yes,” and as I was about to explain to him what had occurred, and whence we came and who we were, one of the Christians of our party recognised the horseman who had put the question to us, and before I could say anything more he exclaimed:
“Thanks be to God, sirs, for bringing us to such good quarters; for, if I do not deceive myself, the ground we stand on is that of Velez Malaga unless, indeed, all my years of captivity have made me unable to recollect116 that you, senor, who ask who we are, are Pedro de Bustamante, my uncle.”
The Christian captive had hardly uttered these words, when the horseman threw himself off his horse, and ran to embrace the young man, crying:
“Nephew of my soul and life! I recognise thee now; and long have I mourned thee as dead, I, and my sister, thy mother, and all thy kin5 that are still alive, and whom God has been pleased to preserve that they may enjoy the happiness of seeing thee. We knew long since that thou wert in Algiers, and from the appearance of thy garments and those of all this company, I conclude that ye have had a miraculous117 restoration to liberty.”
“It is true,” replied the young man, “and by-and-by we will tell you all.”
As soon as the horsemen understood that we were Christian captives, they dismounted from their horses, and each offered his to carry us to the city of Velez Malaga, which was a league and a half distant. Some of them went to bring the boat to the city, we having told them where we had left it; others took us up behind them, and Zoraida was placed on the horse of the young man’s uncle. The whole town came out to meet us, for they had by this time heard of our arrival from one who had gone on in advance. They were not astonished to see liberated118 captives or captive Moors, for people on that coast are well used to see both one and the other; but they were astonished at the beauty of Zoraida, which was just then heightened, as well by the exertion of travelling as by joy at finding herself on Christian soil, and relieved of all fear of being lost; for this had brought such a glow upon her face, that unless my affection for her were deceiving me, I would venture to say that there was not a more beautiful creature in the world — at least, that I had ever seen. We went straight to the church to return thanks to God for the mercies we had received, and when Zoraida entered it she said there were faces there like Lela Marien’s . We told her they were her images; and as well as he could the renegade explained to her what they meant, that she might adore them as if each of them were the very same Lela Marien that had spoken to her; and she, having great intelligence and a quick and clear instinct, understood at once all he said to her about them. Thence they took us away and distributed us all in different houses in the town; but as for the renegade, Zoraida, and myself, the Christian who came with us brought us to the house of his parents, who had a fair share of the gifts of fortune, and treated us with as much kindness as they did their own son.
We remained six days in Velez, at the end of which the renegade, having informed himself of all that was requisite119 for him to do, set out for the city of Granada to restore himself to the sacred bosom120 of the Church through the medium of the Holy Inquisition. The other released captives took their departures, each the way that seemed best to him, and Zoraida and I were left alone, with nothing more than the crowns which the courtesy of the Frenchman had bestowed121 upon Zoraida, out of which I bought the beast on which she rides; and, I for the present attending her as her father and squire122 and not as her husband, we are now going to ascertain98 if my father is living, or if any of my brothers has had better fortune than mine has been; though, as Heaven has made me the companion of Zoraida, I think no other lot could be assigned to me, however happy, that I would rather have. The patience with which she endures the hardships that poverty brings with it, and the eagerness she shows to become a Christian, are such that they fill me with admiration123, and bind124 me to serve her all my life; though the happiness I feel in seeing myself hers, and her mine, is disturbed and marred125 by not knowing whether I shall find any corner to shelter her in my own country, or whether time and death may not have made such changes in the fortunes and lives of my father and brothers, that I shall hardly find anyone who knows me, if they are not alive.
I have no more of my story to tell you, gentlemen; whether it be an interesting or a curious one let your better judgments126 decide; all I can say is I would gladly have told it to you more briefly127; although my fear of wearying you has made me leave out more than one circumstance.
“没过十五天，那个叛教者就买好了一艘质量上乘的船，能装三十人。为了把事情办得稳妥，像那么回事，他又去了一趟一个叫萨赫尔的地方。那个地方在奥兰那个方向，离阿尔及尔有三十西里远，无花果的交易很发达。他同那个塔加林人去了两三次。在贝韦里亚，人们称阿拉贡的摩尔人为‘塔加林’，称格拉纳达的摩尔人为‘穆德哈尔’；而在非斯王国，人们称穆德哈尔为‘埃尔切’，国王打仗时大多用这种人。每次划船经过一个离索赖达等待我的那个花园不远的小海湾时，他都有意和几个划船的摩尔人一起把船停泊在那儿，或者做祈祷，或者为他真要干的事做些假戏。他还到索赖达的花园去要水果。索赖达的父亲不认识他，就给了他水果。后来他对我说，他本想找机会同索赖达说话，说明自己就是奉我之命，要把她带到基督教国家去的那个人。这样她就会高兴，并且放心。可是，摩尔女人除非有丈夫或父亲的吩咐，一般不能让任何摩尔男人或土耳其男人看到自己，但是却可以同基督徒俘虏自由接触。因此，他根本不可能见到索赖达。假如他真的同索赖达讲了，我倒很不放心，怕索赖达看到她的计划已经被叛教者知道了会感到不安。
“不过上帝自有安排。那个叛教者的愿望虽好，可是得不到实现的机会。他本来在萨赫尔来去都很安全，可以随时随地停船，而他的伙伴，那个塔加林人，也完全听他的吩咐。我当时已经赎了身。现在需要的就是找几个划船的基督徒。叛教者让我留意，除了几个已赎身的以外，我还想带走哪几个人，叫我下星期五就把计划告诉那几个人，他已经决定我们下星期五启程。于是我就找了十二个西班牙人，他们都是划船能手，人也勇敢，而且都能自由出城。能找到这些人已经不算少了。当时有二十条船外出掳掠，把划船手全带走了。若不是有一条双桅船的主人那年夏天修船，没有外出，连这些人也找不到了。对这些人，我只是让他们下个星期五一个个悄悄出城，到阿希·莫拉托花园的拐角处等我。我是分别对每个人讲的，而且告诉他们，如果他们在那儿看到其他基督徒，也只说是我吩咐他们在那儿等我的。
“安排好这些后，我还得做一件事，就是把这个计划告诉索赖达，让她事先知道，以免因为我们在她估计这条基督徒的船回来的时间之前去找她而把她吓着。于是我决定到花园去，看看是否有机会同她说话。启程的前一天，我借口去找点野菜，去了花园。我在花园首先碰到的就是索赖达的父亲。他对我讲的是一种在贝韦利亚以及君士坦丁堡，俘虏和摩尔人之间通用的语言，既不是摩尔语，也不是西班牙语，更不是其他某个民族的语言，而是一种各类语言的大杂烩，这样我们互相都能理解。他就是用这种语言问我在花园里找什么。我知道他有个很有势力的朋友叫阿尔瑙特·马米，于是就说我是阿尔瑙特·马米的奴隶，来找几种野菜做色拉。接着他又问我是否已经赎了身，我的主人要了多少钱。
“我们正在说话的时候，美丽的索赖达从花园的房间里走出来。她原来已经见过我多次，而且就像我刚才说的，摩尔女人并不避讳在基督教徒面前露面，所以她毫无顾忌地向她父亲同我说话的地方走来。她父亲看见她，也叫她到自己身边来。
“现在我不必侈谈在我眼里索赖达如何花容月貌、婷婷玉立以及她的服饰如何华丽了。我只需说，她清秀无比的脖子、耳朵和头发上戴的珠宝比头上的头发还多。在她的脚腕上按照她们的习俗裸露着一对‘卡尔卡哈’，摩尔语的意思就是戴在脚上的镯子。她那副脚镯是纯金的，上面还嵌满了钻石。她后来对我说，她父亲估计那副脚镯值一万罗乌拉①。她的手腕上戴着一副同样贵重的手镯。她身上还有很多贵重的珍珠，摩尔女人最大的奢侈就是用各种珍珠装饰自己，也正因为如此，摩尔人的珍珠要比世界上其他各国的珍珠总和还多。索赖达的父亲拥有许多阿尔及尔最宝贵的珍珠是众所周知的。此外，他还拥有二十多万西班牙盾。所有这些现在都属于我这位夫人。至于她当时戴这么多首饰是否漂亮，你们看，她经历了这么多周折之后依然楚楚动人，那么，她春风得意之时是什么样子就可想而知了。大家知道，有些女人的美貌有时期性，会随着某些事情变弱或变强。所以，有时候情绪可以影响一个人的容貌，而且更多的时候是破坏人的容貌。
①罗乌拉是西班牙古金币。
“总之，可以说当时她靓妆华丽，容姿无比，至少在我眼里是这样的。再一想到她曾给予我的照顾，我更觉得她是天女下凡到人间，给我带来了幸福，来拯救我。她刚走过来，她父亲就用他们的语言告诉她，我是他的朋友阿尔瑙特·马米的俘虏，到此来找野菜做色拉。索赖达用我刚才提到的那种大杂烩语言问我究竟是不是个男子汉，为什么没有给自己赎身。我说我已经为自己赎了身，从我付给我主人的赎金数量就可以看出我的主人对我多么重视，我付给了我的主人一千五百个索尔塔尼①。
①索尔塔尼是土耳其古金币。
“她却说：‘如果你是我父亲的俘虏，你就是再付两倍的价钱，我也不会让我父亲答应放你。你们基督教徒总是说谎，你们装穷就是为了骗摩尔人。’
“‘可能有这种事’我说，‘但是无论过去、现在或将来，我对我的主人都是诚实的，我对世界上所有人都诚实。’
“‘你什么时候走？’索赖达问。
“‘我想明天，’我说，‘因为这儿有一艘法国船，明天启航。我想乘那艘船走。’
“‘等西班牙的船来了，乘西班牙的船走不是更好吗？’索赖达说，‘不要乘法国的船，他们又不是你们的朋友。’“‘不，’我说，‘除非有确切消息说，这儿停泊着一艘西班牙的船，我才会在此等待，否则还是明天走最保险。我要回到我的国土，同我热爱的人团聚的愿望太强烈了，别的船来得晚，即使条件再好，我也不能等待了。’
“‘你大概已经在你们国家结婚了，’索赖达说，‘所以你急于回去见到你的妻子。’
“‘我并没有结婚，’我说，‘不过我已经答应，到了那儿就结婚。’
“‘你说的那位夫人漂亮吗？’索赖达问。
“‘很漂亮，’我说，‘说实话，我觉得她特别像你。’
“她父亲听了哈哈大笑，说：‘真主保佑，基督徒，如果她长得像我女儿，那确实很漂亮。我女儿在这个王国里最漂亮。不信你看看，就会知道我说的是真的。’
“索赖达的父亲懂得西班牙语比较多，所以我同索赖达的对话都是由他翻译的。索赖达只能讲我刚才说的那种杂拌语，这种语言在当地通用。她表达自己的意思主要靠手势而不是语言。
“我们正在说话的时候，一个摩尔人跑来大声说，有四个土耳其人从花园的墙跳进来，正在找水果，其实当时水果还没熟呢。老头子吓坏了，索赖达也吓得不轻。摩尔人似乎天生都害怕土耳其人，尤其是土耳其士兵。那些士兵对摩尔人非常粗鲁，对他们手下的摩尔人更是盛气凌人，像对待奴隶一样虐待他们。索赖达的父亲对她说：‘孩子，你赶紧回到房间去，关好门，我去同这些畜生说说。你，基督教徒，找你的野菜去吧。祝你走运，愿真主保佑你回国一路顺风。’
“我向他鞠了一躬，他赶紧去找土耳其人了，只剩下我和索赖达。索赖达装着按照父亲的吩咐往回走。可她父亲刚刚消失在花园的树丛中，她就向我转过身来，眼里噙满了泪水，对我说：‘塔姆西西，基督徒，塔姆西西？’意思是问我：‘你要走吗，基督徒，你要走吗？’
“我回答说：‘是的，小姐，不过无论如何我不会撇下你。下一个胡马你等着我。你看见我们时别害怕。咱们一定一起到基督教国家去。’
“我说完这些，她就完全明白了我们刚才那番对话的含义。她伸出一条胳膊，搂着我的脖子，慢慢向她的房间走去。如果不是老天帮忙，事情就糟了。我们两人正这样子走着，她的父亲把土耳其人赶走后又回来了，看见了我们这副样子，我们也看见他已经发现了我们。可是索赖达很机警，她不仅没有把放在我脖子上的手臂拿开，反而离我更近了，把头垂在我胸前，双腿弯曲，就像要昏过去的样子。我也装出迫不得已扶着她的样子。索赖达的父亲赶紧跑过来，见女儿这副样子，问她怎么了。可索赖达并不答话。
“她父亲说：‘肯定是让刚才进来的那几个畜生吓晕了。’
他把索赖达从我身边接过去，搂着她。
“索赖达叹了一口气，眼里的泪水还未干，就说‘阿梅西，基督徒，阿梅西。’
“她父亲对她说：‘别着急，孩子，让基督徒走，他没有伤害你。那几个土耳其人已经走了。你别害怕，什么事也不会有了。我已经请那几个土耳其人从原路回去了。’“‘的确像您说的，是那几个人把她吓着了，’我说，‘不过既然她让我走，我也不想惹她不高兴。您放心吧，只要您允许，有必要的话，我还会来采野菜。我的主人说，要做凉拌色拉，哪儿的野菜也不如这儿的好。’
“‘你喜欢什么野菜都可以采，’阿希·莫拉托说，‘我女儿那么说，并不是因为你或其他基督徒惹她生气了，她想说让土耳其人走，却说成让你走，或许是因为你该去采野菜了。’
“我马上告别了他们两人。索赖达也装出非常痛心的样子同父亲回去了。我则借口找野菜，把花园仔细转了一遍。我仔细观察了花园的进口和出口、花园的防卫设施以及各种有助于我们行动的便利条件。事后，我把这一切都告诉了叛教者和我的同伴们，然后急切地盼望着得到命运赐给我的索赖达。时间流逝，我们期待已久的日子终于来到了。我们按照我们多次精心策划的步骤，进展很顺利。我在花园里碰到索赖达后的那个星期五傍晚，我们的叛教者把船停泊在几乎面对绝代佳人索赖达所在花园的地方。
“那些基督教徒划船手已经事先埋伏在周围。大家都兴高采烈又忐忑不安地等着我，准备一看见有船过来就动手。他们不知道叛教者的安排，以为必须动手杀死船上的摩尔人才能获得自由。我和我的几个同伴刚一露面，那些隐藏在周围的人就围了过来。这时候城门已经关闭了，荒郊旷野上空无一人。人都凑齐了，我们就开始考虑究竟是先去接索赖达好，还是先去制服船上雇佣的摩尔划船手好。正在大家犹豫之时，我们的叛教者来了，说时候已到，现在正是摩尔人疏于防备的时候，而且大部分已经睡觉了，问我们还等什么。我们把自己的想法对他说了。他说现在最重要的是制服那条船，这很容易办到，而且也没有任何危险，然后我们再去救索赖达。我们觉得他说得对，就立刻跟着他来到船边。叛教者第一个跳上船去，抄起一把大刀，用摩尔语对他们说：‘你们要想不丢掉性命，就都不要动！’
“这时几乎所有基督徒都上船了。摩尔人本来就胆小，见他们的船主这么一说，全吓坏了，没有一个人去拿武器。他们的武器本来就少，几乎可以说是没有。摩尔人一言不发，任凭基督徒们捆住他们的手。基督徒麻利地捆住了他们的手，又威胁他们说，只要有人出声，就把他们都杀了，随后，我们一半人留下来看守摩尔人，其余的人都跟着叛教者来到阿希·莫拉托的花园。我们运气不错，刚去推门，门就开了，好像没锁一样。我们不慌不忙，神不知鬼不觉地来到索赖达的住处。
“绝代佳丽索赖达正在一个窗口等我们。她听到有人来了，就低声问我们是不是尼撒拉尼，也就是问我们是不是基督徒。我回答说是，让她下来。她一认出我，来不及回答我的话，就立刻下来打开门，展露出她那美丽的容貌和华贵的服装，漂亮得简直难以形容。我看见了她，就拉着她的一只手吻了她，叛教者和我的两个伙伴也吻了她。其他人不知缘由，看见我们这样，以为是她给了我们自由，所以我们才向她致谢。叛教者用摩尔语问她，她的父亲是否在花园里。她说在，正睡觉呢。
“‘那得叫起他来，’叛教者说，‘我们得把他和这座花园里所有值钱的东西都带走。’
“‘不，’索赖达说，‘无论如何不许你们碰我父亲。这座房子里值钱的东西我都带上了，够多的了，完全可以让咱们过得既富裕又快活。你们稍等一下就知道了。’说完她又转身进去，说马上就出来，让我们等着别出声。我问叛教者她怎么了，叛教者把情况告诉了我。我对叛教者说，要完全按照索赖达的意思办。索赖达出来时拿着满满一小箱金币，重得她几乎都拿不动了。
“真倒霉，这时候索赖达的父亲醒了。他听见花园里有动静，就从窗户探出身子张望。他看到花园里站了许多基督徒，就拼命声嘶力竭地用阿拉伯语喊：‘基督徒，基督徒！有贼，有贼！’他这么一喊，我们都吓坏了，不知所措。我们的行动必须悄悄进行，叛教者见出现了意外，就极其敏捷地跑上去，有几个人也跟了上去。我不敢把索赖达单独撇下，她好像晕了，躺在我的怀里。那几个人很灵巧地上去了，不一会儿就把阿希·莫拉托带了下来，把他的手捆上了，嘴里还塞了块手帕，不让他出声，否则就要他的命。索赖达一看见他，就捂住眼睛不敢再看了。她父亲也吓坏了，而且他不知道索赖达是心甘情愿同我们在一起的。不过，那时候最需要的是赶紧离开。我们赶紧上了船，船上的人一直在焦急地等待我们，唯恐我们遇到什么不测。
“我们没用两个小时就又回到了船上。我们在船上为索赖达的父亲解开了捆在手上的绳子，拿掉了堵在嘴里的手帕。不过叛教者又叮嘱他不许出声，否则就要他的命。他看到自己的女儿也在船上，心疼地长吁短叹。可是，他见我紧紧搂着索赖达，她却既不埋怨，也不躲避，还挺安心，也没敢说什么，以免叛教者威胁他的话变成现实。索赖达看到我们已经到了船上，就要划桨启程，而她的父亲和那些已经被捆住手的摩尔人还在船上，就让叛教者对我说，让我给那些摩尔人松绑，放她父亲走，否则她宁愿跳海，也不愿意看到她热爱的父亲由于她的原因成了俘虏。叛教者对我说了，我说我很愿意放开他们，可叛教者说这样不行，因为如果放了他们，他们就会到陆地上去求救，整个城市就要被惊动，人们就会出动轻型船只从陆地和海上追捕我们，那我们就跑不掉了。现在能做的就是我们抵达基督教国家后，马上就放了他们。
“我们都同意这样做，并且也对索赖达讲了我们暂时不放他们的原因，她也同意了。随后，每一个勇敢的划船手都拿起了船桨，怀着喜悦的心情，暗暗请求上帝保佑我们，默默地把船迅速划向离我们最近的基督教地区马略尔卡岛。可这时刮起了一点儿北风，海面开始翻腾，我们已经不可能沿着马略尔卡的航向前进了，只好迫不得已沿海岸向奥兰方向划去。我们对此担心，怕被萨赫尔的人发现，那个地方离阿尔及尔只有六十海里远。我们还怕在那个地方碰到定期从德土安驶来的商船，尽管我们大家都认为，假如我们碰到的是条商船，而不是海盗船，我们不仅不会出事，还可以搭乘那条船，安全地完成我们的航程。在海上行船的整个过程中，索赖达始终把头埋在我的双手里，以免看到她的父亲。我可以感觉到，她一直在呼唤莱拉·马里安帮助我们。
“我们划了大约三十海里的时候，天渐渐亮了。我们距陆地只有三个火枪射程之遥，可以看到陆地上荒无人烟，不会有人看见我们。尽管如此，我们还是尽力往海中间靠。这时候的大海已经开始平静一些了。又划了两海里远，我们让划船手轮班划船，这样大家可以吃点东西。船上的食物很充裕。可是划船手都说，在那种时刻，一刻也不能休息。他们让不划船的人喂他们吃，他们则始终没有放下手中的桨。
“此时风力渐强，我们别无选择，只好放下手中的桨，扬帆向奥兰驶去。我们迅速升起帆，以每小时八海里的速度前进。这时候我们最担心的就是碰上海盗船。我们也把食物分给摩尔人，叛教者还安慰他们说，他们并不是俘虏，只要有机会，就放了他们。对索赖达的父亲也是这么说的。可是他却说：‘如果是其他任何事，我都可以相信你们的慷慨大度。唯独放我这件事，你们别以为我会想得那么简单。你们绝不会冒险把我抢来，又随随便便地把我放了，何况你们知道我的情况，也知道可以从我身上榨到的油水。为了我和我不幸的女儿，或者仅仅为了她，她是我灵魂的根本，你们可以开个价，我一定如数照付。’
“说完这些，他开始恸哭，哭得我们大家都很难受。索赖达听到哭声也不由得抬起了头。看到父亲哭成这个样子，她的心也软了。她从我身旁站起来，走过去搂着他，把脸贴在父亲的脸上，两人伤心地哭起来。很多在场的人都陪着他们掉泪。可是索赖达的父亲看到她身着盛装，还戴了很多首饰，就用摩尔语问她：‘怎么回事，孩子？昨天晚上，这件可怕的事情还没发生的时候，我看见你穿着家常服装，可现在，你根本没有时间换衣服，也没有什么好消息值得你刻意打扮嘛。你现在穿戴的是咱们最得志的时候我给你买的最好的服装，告诉我这是怎么回事，我觉得这比我现在遭受的不幸还突如其来。’
“叛教者把索赖达的父亲对索赖达说的话都告诉了我们。索赖达一言不发。索赖达的父亲忽又发现了他平时保存珠宝的箱子放在船一侧。他清楚地记得他把箱子放在阿尔及尔了，并没有把它带到花园来。这回他更糊涂了，就问索赖达那个箱子怎么会落到我们手里，箱子里装的是什么东西。
“不等索赖达答话，叛教者就说：‘大人，你别费心问索赖达那么多了。我说一句话，你就全明白了。我只想让你知道，她是基督徒。是她解开了我们的锁链，给了我们自由。我想，她心甘情愿走到这一步，可以说是弃暗投明，起死回生，由辱变荣。’
“‘他说的是真的吗，孩子？’索赖达的父亲问。
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收听单词发音 |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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figs
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| figures 数字，图形，外形 | |
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moor
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| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
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moors
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| v.停泊，系泊（船只）( moor的第三人称单数 ) | |
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kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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cove
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| n.小海湾，小峡谷 | |
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moorish
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| adj.沼地的，荒野的，生[住]在沼地的 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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ransomed
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| 付赎金救人，赎金( ransom的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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ransom
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| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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bracelets
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| n.手镯，臂镯( bracelet的名词复数 ) | |
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profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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adornment
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adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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impair
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| v.损害，损伤；削弱，减少 | |
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attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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supremely
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| adv.无上地，崇高地 | |
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longing
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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worthily
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| 重要地，可敬地，正当地 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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linguist
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| n.语言学家；精通数种外国语言者 | |
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bastard
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| n.坏蛋，混蛋；私生子 | |
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instinctively
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dread
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insolent
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concealed
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perfectly
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displease
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| vt.使不高兴，惹怒；n.不悦，不满，生气 | |
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displeased
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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outlets
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| n.出口( outlet的名词复数 )；经销店；插座；廉价经销店 | |
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impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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oar
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| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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prodigiously
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| adv.异常地，惊人地，巨大地 | |
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prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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60
oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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61
despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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62
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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63
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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64
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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batches
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| 一批( batch的名词复数 )； 一炉； （食物、药物等的）一批生产的量； 成批作业 | |
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66
steer
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| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
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67
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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68
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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69
constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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70
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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71
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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72
adorning
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| 修饰，装饰物 | |
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73
ply
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| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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74
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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75
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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76
creek
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| n.小溪，小河，小湾 | |
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77
promontory
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| n.海角；岬 | |
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78
haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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79
imploring
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| 恳求的，哀求的 | |
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80
entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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81
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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82
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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83
hindrance
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| n.妨碍，障碍 | |
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84
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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85
begot
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| v.为…之生父( beget的过去式 )；产生，引起 | |
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86
writhing
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
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87
strand
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| vt.使（船）搁浅，使（某人）困于（某地） | |
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accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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89
hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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90
lashed
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| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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91
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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93
plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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94
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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95
leeward
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| adj.背风的；下风的 | |
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96
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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97
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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98
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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99
covetousness
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100
plundered
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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101
miseries
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| n.痛苦( misery的名词复数 )；痛苦的事；穷困；常发牢骚的人 | |
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102
embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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103
steering
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| n.操舵装置 | |
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104
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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105
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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106
apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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107
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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108
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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109
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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110
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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111
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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112
tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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113
cork
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| n.软木，软木塞 | |
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114
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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115
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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116
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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117
miraculous
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| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
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118
liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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119
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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120
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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121
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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122
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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123
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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124
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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125
marred
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| adj. 被损毁, 污损的 | |
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126
judgments
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| 判断( judgment的名词复数 )； 鉴定； 评价； 审判 | |
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127
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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