From the lattice casements during the day the strains of music and merry laughter often came down to the captives; but this, if anything, only added to the bitterness of their position, by reminding them that they were shut off for life from ever hearing the laughter of the loved ones they had left behind.
For upwards of a month Cuthbert remained steadily at work, and during that time no possible plan of escape had occurred to him, and he had indeed resigned himself to wait, either until, as he hoped, the city would be taken by the Christians, or until he himself might be removed from his present post and sent into the country, where, although his lot would doubtless be far harder, some chance of escape might open before him.
One night, long after slumber had fallen upon the city, Cuthbert was startled by hearing his door open.

Rising to his feet, he saw a black slave, and an old woman beside him.

The latter spoke first in the lingua-franca,-- "My mistress, the wife of the governor, has sent me to ask your story.
How is it that, although but a youth, you are already a knight?
How is it that you come to be a slave to our people?
The sultan himself sent you to her lord.

She would fain hear through me how it has happened.

She is the kindest of ladies, and the sight of your youth has touched her heart." With thanks to the unknown lady who had felt an interest in him, Cuthbert briefly related the events which had led to his captivity.