180 TRAVEL, ADVENTURE, AND SPORT. 



portrait. Abney promised to recount a very singular 

 and interesting history, relating to the connection 

 of the portrait with himself. The miniature was 

 that of a most lovely girl, richly set in diamonds 

 of great value ; but the story could not have related 

 to anything Abney could have personally known ; 

 for nearly a century must have elapsed since the 

 portrait had been taken. 



"We soon retired to rest, and in a few minutes were 

 sound asleep. It must have been about two hours 

 after midnight, when we were roused by a sudden 

 storm. The lightning and hail were terrific, and 

 we were hardly on our feet before a cry was raised 

 that the Turks were in the camp. A severe skirmish 

 took place in the dark ; but it lasted only for a few 

 minutes. The enemy retreated, carrying off their 

 own dead, and taking our horses and baggage, with 

 all Abney's money, which had arrived from Zante. 

 Assistance had arrived quickly ; Niketas himself 

 among the first, and my faithful Demetri, who 

 had come to see why I had not returned to my 

 usual quarters, though they were several miles 

 distant. When the fires were lighted, it appeared 

 that both Abney and myself were severely wound- 

 ed, and we were laid on a rude bed of carpets to- 

 gether. His wound prevented him from speaking, 

 but he put his hand to my breast to ascertain if 

 the portrait was safe, pressed my hand, and almost 



