soon as Ali heard this, he sent a
messenger to Kursheed, hoping to influence him in his favour. Ismail,
distrusting the Skipetars, who formed part of his troops, demanded
hostages from them. The Skipetars were indignant, and Ali hearing of
their discontent, wrote inviting them to return to him, and endeavouring
to dazzle them by the most brilliant promises. These overtures were
received by the offended troops with enthusiasm, and Alexis Noutza, Ali's
former general, who had forsaken him for Ismail, but who had secretly
returned to his allegiance and acted as a spy on the Imperial army, was
deputed to treat with him. As soon as he arrived, Ali began to enact a
comedy in the intention of rebutting the accusation of incest with his
daughter-in-law Zobeide; for this charge, which, since Veli himself had
revealed the secret of their common shame, could only be met by vague
denials, had never ceased to produce a mast unfavourable impression on
Noutza's mind. Scarcely had he entered the castle by the lake, when Ali
rushed to meet him, and flung himself into his arms. In presence of his
officers and the garrison, he loaded him with the most tender names,
calling him his son, his beloved Alexis, his own legitimate child, even
as Salik Pacha. He burst into tears, and, with terrible oaths, called
Heaven to witness that Mouktar and Veli, whom he disavowed on account of
their cowardice, were the adulterous offspring of Emineh's amours. Then,
raising his hand against the tomb of her whom he had loved so much, he
drew the stupefied Noutza into the recess of a casemate, and sending for
Basilissa, presented him to her as a beloved son, whom only political
considerations had compelled him to keep at a distance, because, being
born of a Christian mother, he had been brought up in the faith of Jesus.

Having thus softened the suspicions of his soldiers, Ali resumed his
underground intrigues. The Suliots had informed him that the sultan had
made them extremely advantageous offers if they would return to his
service, and they demanded pressingly that Ali should give up to them the
citadel of Kiapha, which was still in his possession, and which commanded
Suli. He replied with the information that he intended, January 26, to
attack the camp of Pacho Bey early in the morning, and requested their
assistance. In order to cause a diversion, they were to descend into the
valley of Janina at night, and occupy a position which he pointed out