Had they been immediately recognised by the fugitives,
it would have been impossible for Tancred to escape; but the only
impression of the routed Turks was, that a reinforcement had joined
their foe, and their disorder was even increased by the appearance in
the distance of their own friends. This misapprehension must, however,
in time, have been at least partially removed; but Baroni, whose quick
glance had instantly detected the perilous incident, warned Tancred
immediately.
'We are surrounded, my lord; there is only one course to pursue. To
regain the mountains is impossible; if we advance, we enter only a
hostile country, and must be soon overpowered. We must make for the
Eastern desert.'
Tancred halted and surveyed the scene: he had with him not twenty men.
The Turkish cavalry, several hundreds strong, had discovered their
quarry, and were evidently resolved to cut off their retreat.
'Very well,' said Tancred, 'we are well mounted, we must try the mettle
of our steeds. Farewell, Gindarica! Farewell, gods of Olympus! To the
desert, which I ought never to have quitted!' and, so speaking, he and
his band dashed towards the East.
Their start was, so considerable that they baffled their pursuers, who,
however, did not easily relinquish their intended prey.
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