“You have chosen well,” said Zadisky.  “To a wise man all countries are alike; it shall be my care to make mine agreeable to you.”

“Are you, then, the person chosen for my companion?”

“I am, sir; and you may judge by that circumstance, that those whom you call your enemies, are not so in effect.  Farewell, sir—­ I go to prepare for our departure.”

Zadisky went and made his report, and then set immediately about his preparations.  He chose two active young men for his attendants; and gave them directions to keep a strict eye upon their charge, for that they should be accountable if he should escape them.

In the meantime the Baron Fitz-Owen had several conferences with his brother; he endeavoured to make him sensible of his crimes, and of the justice and clemency of his conqueror; but he was moody and reserved to him as to the rest.  Sir Philip Harclay obliged him to surrender his worldly estates into the hands of Lord Fitz-Owen.  A writing was drawn up for that purpose, and executed in the presence of them all.  Lord Fitz-Owen engaged to allow him an annual sum, and to advance money for the expences of his voyage.  He spoke to him in the most affectionate manner, but he refused his embrace.

“You will have nothing to regret,” said he, haughtily, “for the gain is yours.”

Sir Philip conjured Zadisky to return to him again, who answered: 

“I will either return, or give such reasons for my stay, as you shall approve.  I will send a messenger to acquaint you with my arrival in Syria, and with such other particulars as I shall judge interesting to you and yours.  In the meantime remember me in your prayers, and preserve for me those sentiments of friendship and esteem, that I have always deemed one of the chief honours and blessings of my life.  Commend my love and duty to your adopted son; he will more than supply my absence, and be the comfort of your old age.  Adieu, best and noblest of friends!”

They took a tender leave of each other, not without tears on both sides.

The travellers set out directly for a distant seaport where they heard of a ship bound for the Levant, in which they embarked and proceeded on their voyage.

The Commissioners arrived at Lord Clifford’s a few days after the departure of the adventurers.  They gave a minute account of their commission, and expressed themselves entirely satisfied of the justice of Edmund’s pretensions; they gave an account in writing of all that they had been eyewitnesses to, and ventured to urge the Baron Fitz-Owen on the subject of Edmund’s wishes.  The Baron was already disposed in his favour; his mind was employed in the future establishment of his family.  During their residence at Lord Clifford’s, his eldest son Sir Robert had cast his eye upon the eldest daughter of that nobleman, and he besought his father to ask her in marriage for him.  The Baron was pleased with the alliance, and took the first opportunity to mention it to Lord Clifford; who answered him, pleasantly: