As to Nadia, she only asked herself how she could save
them both, how come to the aid of son and mother.
As yet she could only wonder, but she felt instinctively that she
must above everything avoid drawing attention upon herself,
that she must conceal herself, make herself insignificant.
Perhaps she might at least gnaw through the meshes which
imprisoned the lion. At any rate if any opportunity was given
her she would seize upon it, and sacrifice herself, if need be,
for the son of Marfa Strogoff.
In the meantime the greater part of the prisoners were passing before
the Emir, and as they passed each was obliged to prostrate himself,
with his forehead in the dust, in token of servitude. Slavery begins
by humiliation. When the unfortunate people were too slow in bending,
the rough guards threw them violently to the ground.
Alcide Jolivet and his companion could not witness such a sight
without feeling indignant.
"It is cowardly--let us go," said Alcide.
"No," answered Blount; "we must see it all."
"See it all!--ah!" cried Alcide, suddenly, grasping his companion's arm.
"What is the matter with you?" asked the latter.
"Look, Blount; it is she!"
"What she?"
"The sister of our traveling companion--alone, and a prisoner!
We must save her."
"Calm yourself," replied Blount coolly. "Any interference on our part
in behalf of the young girl would be worse than useless."
Alcide Jolivet, who had been about to rush forward, stopped, and Nadia--
who had not perceived them, her features being half hidden by her hair--
passed in her turn before the Emir without attracting his attention.
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