This plausible tale, fabricated to impose on the unsuspicious friends, were by them credited without reserve, and they felt the warmest gratitude towards Ismael for his kind solicitude to save and serve them.—Within a few hours, every thing was arranged and they were on the road to Philippo, Ismael assuring them of his attention to their interests, and that he would either quickly join them, or if the insurrection was subdued, send orders for their speedy return.
Their state of health would not admit of travelling fast; therefore the slow proceeding of the litter was to them a convenience; and in the open roads they were permitted to be uncovered, and have the benefit of the air. The small villages they stopped at afforded but indifferent accommodations; nor did they meet with a single being who understood their language.
On the second day, they halted at a tolerable large hamlet, at one end of which were the remains of a miserable fort, inhabited by a few soldiers. The person who
