When he had first come to Epirus, Ali, recognising his ability, became anxious to retain him, but without incurring any expense.

He ascertained that the Neapolitan was passionately in love with a Mohammedan girl named Nekibi, who returned his affection.

Acting under Ali's orders, Tahir Abbas accused the woman before the cadi of sacrilegious intercourse with an infidel.

She could only escape death by the apostasy of her lover; if he refused to deny his God, he shared her fate, and both would perish at the stake.

Caretto refused to renounce his religion, but only Nekibi suffered death.
Caretto was withdrawn from execution, and Ali kept him concealed in a place of safety, whence he produced him in the time of need.