University of Virginia Library

18. CHAPTER XVIII.
THE PRINCE-CORSAIR.

The body of the wicked Nadab was thrown
by the enraged corsairs into the ocean, whilst
that of their venerated captain was embalmed and
wrapped in fine linen to be conveyed to his
peaceful Isle of Eagles, whither the “Green
Bird” now pursued her course. Arrived there,
the simple obsequies of the old corsair were participated
in by all the inhabitatus of the place,
whilst Selim offered a prayer over the father, as
he had before done over the son's remains. Ali-Naro
was laid beside his boy, and the women and
children of the Isle of Eagles planted flowers
and green trees to mark the spot, and hallow it
to the recollections of their descendants.

This duty performed, Selim permitted all of
the crew who wished to remain upon the island,
to receive their dismissal from his chief officer,
and then acquainted the rest with his desire to
proceed immediately to the kingdom of Divonduron,
there to demand the Princess Azna-Alwaz
in marriage from her father. The mariners
gladly expressed their willingness to follow the
prince of Guzan as they had their former chief,
and shortly after, Selim set sail with the three
vessels, and shaped his course for the country of
his beloved. But yet another change was to
take place in the prince's checkered fortunes.

In pursuing his voyage from the Isle of Eagles
to Divonduron, it became necessary to pass
within a few leagues of the island of Guzan, and
Selim could not resist the desire to show to
Azna-Alwaz the distant mountains of his native
land. For this purpose he ordered the helmsman
to steer as close as possible to the entrance
of the port, that a view might be obtained of the
kingdom which had been lost to him through
the treachery of his brothers—now punished
finally for their many crimes.

The “Green Bird” soon arrived in sight of
Guzan, and Selim pointed out to his princess
the passage whence he had escaped by breaking
through the king of Xanda's fleet. Azna-Alwaz
gazed with moist eyes, and trembled as she clung
to her hero-lover.

“But, see,” she cried, “yonder is a small
vessel, coming from the harbor.”

“It is a fishing vessel,” answered the prince;
“but, if my eyes deceive me not, it is making
signals to us. What say you?” he continued,
addressing his chief officer, who stood near.

“I have noticed their signals. But we have
nothing to fear, my prince, from a craft like
that.”

“Let us slacken sail, then, and learn their
wishes,” said Selim; and at his order, the vessel's
speed was decreased, and the fishing-vessel
permitted to come within hail. She appeared
filled with mariners.

“What is your business?” demanded the
chief officer, of one of the fisher's crew, and Selim
listened anxiously for a response.

“Our island is in insurrection against the
tyranny of a foreign usurper!” replied the person
addressed, whose voice was instantly recognized
by the prince as that of one of the brave nobles
who with him had defended the port of Guzan,
bravely.

“And what would you of us?” asked the corsair
officer.

“Are not these the ships of Ali-Naro, the renowned
corsair?” asked the islander in reply.
“If so, we would speak with that brave chief.
He loved our lost king Selim, and will gladly
assist us for his sake!”

The prince of Guzan, on hearing these words,
could resist his feelings no longer. Tears gushed
from his eyes, and leaving the side of Azna-Alwaz,
he rushed to the bulwarks of the vessel,
and showed himself in full view of the fisherman's
people.

“I am here, my countrymen!” he cried.
“Behold your king is before you!”

A shout of wild joy rung from all on board
the fishers' bark, many of whom were the patriots
who had fought under Selim in his defence of
Guzan. They crowded to the deck of the “Green
Bird,” which they had approached closely, and
threw themselves at the feet of their recovered
prince, covering his hands with kisses, and pronouncing
his name with every manifestation of
delight. Azna-Alwaz, on beholding these marks
of the love borne to her prince by his people,
wept with renewed happiness.

“Arise, my friends, and tell me what has occurred!”
cried Selim, to the powerful noble
whom he recognized.

“The people of Guzan are in insurrection,
and have shut up the usurper in the capital!”
answered the noble, hurriedly. “We hold possession
of the port and harbor, and recognizing
these ships at a distance, as the vessels of Ali-Naro,
set out at once to implore his aid!”

“And my brave people are fighting for their
country!” cried Selim, enthusiastically. “O,
let me fly to lead them on!”

“Your presence, noble prince, will animate
their souls to dare everything!” answered the
nobleman. “And if Ali-Naro will—”

“Ali-Naro is no more!” said Selim, mournfully.
“I command these ships now, and my
brave followers will not refuse to strike a blow
for Guzan. What say you?” he cried, to the
corsairs who clustered around—“will you follow
me to regain my throne and kingdom?”

A shout of enthusiasm rose from all the crew,
and the chief officer exclaimed:

“We will die for you, Prince Selim!”

“Then let us lose no time!” cried the prince
of Guzan; and giving the signal, all the ships
ranged closely for entering the harbor.

Selim conducted Azna-Alwaz to a secure cabin
of the “Green Bird,” and setting a strong guard
to protect her, imprinted a kiss upon her lips, and
uttered a hasty farwell.

“I go,” he cried—“I go, my Azna-Alwaz, to
win a kingdom for my bride!”