The National tribune., 1897-05-20
THE NATIONAL TR1BuNE WAsaNeToN c. THURSDAY ss7

of the hill, and began stripping the bodies
there of their arms. He was seen from the
other side, q fire directed at him. and he fell
with bullet through his thigh. On the
impulse of the moment Ida galloped down
the hill, and attempted 10 help him on her
pony. Under the cover of the skirmish fire
the Aga of the spahis renewed his charge
with portion of his men, and again reached
only the foot of the hill, when he was driven
back. But a stout spahi seized Ida and
whirled her up on the horse behind him, and
when the company fell back she was taken
with them, and once more prisoner.
The shepherds saw the catastrophe with
dismay, and rushed down the hillside to her
rescue But the spahi Aga realized the
value of his prize, and detailing two men to
carry Ida with all haste toward Khania,
disposed of the rest to hold back the shep-
herds and secure an orderly retreat.
He found much need to do this. Becom-
ing alarmed for Basl's safety, Nikolas had
started that morning for Dramia with a
band to carry him back to the mountains.
On the way be met the monks bearing Basil,
and then rushed 10 the assistance of Ida, but
only arrived on the hilltop in time to see
her borne off down the road toward Khania.
He stormed and ragged, but did not lose
the head that guerrilla chief must always
carry, if he carries any head at all. He re-
strained his men from rushing down to
where the heavily armed cavalry would
have fair chance at them, but depl0yed a
portion of them as skirmishers 10 engage
the attention of the spahis in front, while
he worked a strong body around through
the thckets to the left to gain point where
the enemy's retreat would be cut of. He
hoped to capture the spahi Aga, anG
hold him for exchange for Ida.
Several times that afternoon he was on
the point of succeeding in this, but each
time it was discovered at the last moment,
and the spahs saved themselves by pre-
cipitous flight, only to reform at the next
hilltop, and the program would be re-
peated.
Finally, as the sun was setting, they
reached the broad, open plain which spreads
out south of Khania. Nikolas's hopes van
ished, and he sullenly drew back his men
toward Drama, not forgetting to hunt up
and plunder such of the spahis as had been
shot down in the pursuit.
At each summit Ida's guards would check
their gallop and look. around for moment
to see how the fight was progressing, and In
this way the indications apprised Ida of the
arrival of the doughty Nikolas, and that he
was managing the pursuit. The joy she felt
over Basirs rescue softened the blow that
had fallen on her. She would put her faith
in the Virgin and St. Titus, who had before
rescued her so wonderfully.
A league from the massive Venetian wall
which surrounds KhaUia is the village of
Kalepa, claimed to be the most beautiful in
Crete. 1t is the residence of the Pasla who
governs the Sanjak of Khania, and of many
of the officials, merchants, etc. It is far
more healthful than the crowded and
noisome city. The houses are mainly brick,
with freestone corners two stories high, with
roofs of clay and gravel, and built so as to
face north and south. When the chill