In that way, too, they might find a better chance of escape.

Once rid of her the party could separate, and there might be a chance of some of them finding escape as individuals that would not exist for a party.

But even if they did not kill her, to escape with her would be to condemn her to the worst fate of all the harem of the Turk! Lifelong misery and despair--however long that life might be--must be the lot of a Christian woman doomed to such a lot.

And to her, just happily wedded, and after she had served her country in such a noble way as she had done, that dreadful life of shameful slavery would be a misery beyond belief.
"She must be rescued--and quickly! The marauders must be caught soon, and suddenly, so that they may have neither time nor opportunity to harm her, as they would be certain to do if they have warning of immediate danger.
"On! on!" And "on" it was all through that terrible night as well as we could through the forest.
It was a race between the mountaineers and myself as to who should be first.

I understood now the feeling that animated them, and which singled them out even from amongst their fiery comrades, when the danger of the Voivodin became known.