And so it proved.  Two days afterwards the king was explaining to me his scheme for transforming brigandage into a peaceful orderly system of taxation, when four shots were fired in the distance.

“Get out the Aegean wine,” he said.  “Pericles is coming with some troops.”

Sixty soldiers came marching into the camp.  Captain Pericles, whose figure I had often admired at Athens, ran up to Hadgi Stavros, and kissed him.

“Good news, my dear godfather!  The paymaster-general is sending L1,000 to Argos this morning by the path near the Scironian Rocks,” said the captain.

“Splendid, my boy!” said the king.  “I’ll go with all my men at once.  Guard the camp, and write out the report of our battle.  Defeat me if you like, but leave ten of your best troops dead on the field.  I am in need of recruits.  Look after the three prisoners.  They’re worth L4,600.”

As Hadgi Stavros marched out at the head of his men, they sang a song composed by their king when he knew Lord Byron: 

    Down the winding valleys a hillsman went his way;
      His eyes were black and flaming, his gun was clean and bright
    He cried unto the vultures:  “Oh, follow me to-day,
      And you shall have my foeman to feed upon to-night!”

When Mrs. Simons saw that the brigands had gone, and the troops had arrived, she was wild with excitement.  I told her of the real state of affairs; but she wouldn’t believe me, and gave Pericles her money and jewels when asked for them.  In the evening the king returned with his men, and the troops departed.  Mrs. Simons then broke down.

“If you were an Englishman, you would rescue us, and marry my daughter,” she exclaimed.  “I suppose I must write to Barley & Co., and get Edward to send our ransom.”

“Barley & Co. of Cavendish Square?”

“Yes,” said Mary Ann.  “Didn’t you know my mother and my uncle were bankers?”

“Then I have found a way of escape,” I exclaimed.  “Hadgi Stavros banks with your firm.  Do you remember the letter he was dictating when we arrived?  That was to Barley & Co. about an investment.”

“I see.  I must explain the position at once to him,” said Mrs. Simons.

“And he will want half a million or more ransom,” I said.  “No!  Write at once to your agents in Athens to send you L4,600.  Pay Hadgi Stavros; make him give you a receipt.  Enclose this in the next letter from Messrs. Barley & Co., with the note—­’Item.  L4,600 personally remitted by our partner, Mrs. Simons, as per enclosed receipt.’”

I raised my head, and saw the sweet brown eyes of Mary Ann looking at me, radiant with joy.  I then went to Hadgi Stavros, and explained that the L4,600 would be paid into his account at the Bank of Athens on the production of his receipt for that amount.  He refused at first to give a receipt.  He had never done such a thing.  Then I took him on his weak side, and said that perhaps it was more prudent not to give one.  If ever he were captured it might be used against him.  This touched him.