The Kadin Read Online Free PDF Page A

water. Mamud made for it
    “What are you doing, Mamud? We have not time to visit that ship, and besides, it doesn’t look like a merchantman to me. Turn the boat”
    The slave stared straight ahead and gripped the ruler.
    “I order you to turn this boat at once, Mamud. The sun will soon be gone. We must reach home before dark.”
    “You will not be going home, mistress. I told you I would do anything for my freedom, and delivering you to a slaver for gold will gain me that freedom.”
    Flinging herself at him, she grappled with him for the tiller. She fought desperately, but Mamud raised his arm and shoved her away. Tumbling back, she struck her head against the side of the boat She struggled to maintain consciousness, but the blow was hard, and she spiraled downward into the blackness. Somewhere in that darkness she felt a thud, then hands upon her body, followed by the feeling of floating freely, and then the hands again.
    Upon regaining her senses, she became aware of a rocking motion and realized she was aboard the ship. Hearing voices nearby, she cautiously opened her eyes and looked about her. She was lying on a divan in a moderate-sized cabin. Beside her a little window looked out on the sea. There was the coast of San Lorenzo. The ship was still at anchor.
    Turning her head slightly, she saw Mamud and another man who was white but was dressed like her slave. They were talking. She cocked her head to hear.
    “How will you explain the girl’s disappearance to her father?” the white man asked.
    “I will tell him we were attacked by pirates. I fought valiantly to save my mistress but was overcome and thrown into the sea for dead. Your men must strike me several times so I look beaten. I shall swim to shore and walk back. Capsize the boat”
    “Your plan is sound, but what will it gain you except the money we’ve paid you for the girl?”
    “The earl is a sentimental man. He will not want me around to remind him of the girl. Since he really doesn’t believe in slavery, he will free me rather than be reminded of his precious daughter. I am sure of it! With papers of manumission from him and the money you’ve paid me, I can safely return to my home.”
    Janet had heard enough. Leaping from the divan, she dashed through the cabin door to the ship’s rail, but before she could leap overboard, two arms grasped her tightly and hauled her, kicking, back to the cabin. “You pig,” she shrieked, flying at Mamud’s face with her nails. He leaped back, startled at the gentle girl’s sudden rage.
    “You have sold me a tigress, Mamud,” laughed the slaver captain, catching hold of Janet “Calm down, little lady. No one will harm you.”
    Janet faced the captain. “What ransom are you asking? Whatever it is, my father will pay it Do you know who I am? This sly slave has misled you. I am no pretty peasant girl. I am the Lady Janet Mary Leslie, daughter of Lord Patrick Leslie, the earl of Glenkirk. My father is the am-bassor of His Most Catholic Majesty, James of Scotland, to the court of San Lorenzo. I am betrothed to Rudolfo, heir to Duke Sebastian.”
    ‘Your pedigree is most impressive, my lady. However, there will be no ransom. You will be taken to Crete, where you will be sold to the highest bidder at auction. No ransom can possibly match what you will bring on the block.”
    Janet turned to Mamud. “How could you?” she asked.
    “I am truly sorry, mistress, but I told you I would do anything to gain my freedom. I was a gift from your betrothed. How could you free me without offending him? It would have taken a miracle, and I do not believe in miracles.”
    “I hope my father finds out what you’ve done, Mamud, and when be does, may God help you.”
    The slave grinned at her, and Janet hit him so hard that Adam’s ring opened a cut near his eye. The captain shouted for his servant, who dashed through the door and pinioned the girl’s arms. Janet opened her mouth and began to scream. Quickly the captain