The knight of Len, or, The monarch's last bride
page: 0 (TitlePage) [View Page 0 (TitlePage) ] iT BD\3eaI TILE: Y-OR,- A TALE OF MOORISH GRANADA. BY SYVANUS COBB, tR. BOSTON: F. GLEASON'S PUBLISHNG IIALL, CORNER OF BROMFIELD AND TREMONT STREETS. 1853. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by F. GLEASION, in t Clerk' M Oyiw c the District Court of lMassacusetts. page: 0Advertisement[View Page 0Advertisement] PmUsmUB's If oTS --The following Novelete was originally published in the PICTORtA DRA*iWa-Room CostPAION, and is but a specimen of'the many deeply-entertaining Tales, ud gems ofliterary merit, which grace the columns of 4ht elegant and highly-popular journal. The CoMPANON embodies a corps of contributors of rare literary excellence, and is regarded as the n ptus ultra by its scores of thousands of readers. f dtlgnit count Xtfordf and fifearg tI0(8g 3omtn, GLEASON'S PICTORIAL A RCORD 01 THE .EAUTPn L AND USEFUL IN AT. 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Streets, St. Louis gF Subscriptions received at either of the above place. THE KICGT oF LEoL, CHAPTER 1. THB KNIGHT OF LEON. GRAWADA I The simple name fills the mind with ideas of romance and more than regal gran. deur. Even her misfortunes are romantic, and ,if she once had regal sins, we are led to pity rather than censure her. The "Last Sigh of the Moor" still overlooks the home of the long line of Moslem kings, and the handiwork of those who have long since passed away from earth still remains to tell us what Moorish Granada was. The fifteenth century had dawnedhpon Spain, and the Christians had. by degrees possessed themselves of all the Spanish Peninsula save Granada; but Granada still gave a home and a kingdom to the Moor, and here the Moslem held his sceptre against the mighty 'powers that were growing in the North. There were scenes of festivity in Granada, and magnificent tourna. ments, too, were held there; nor was the partici- pation in these confined to the Moors, for Chris- tian knights, from Spain, and France, and Ger many, frequently came and joined in the lists. The Moor was waiy, however, and his darkly flashing eye slept not upon his Christian visitors. It was a bright morning in early summer. The gardens, the fields, and the forests, were clothed in their gayest vestments, and the birds sent aloft th6 notes of their thanksgiving in sweetly sounding, musical pseans. Near'the river Guadix, and upop its northern bank, appeared two horsemen; their beasts were standing still, and the riders were gazing uponthe stream that flowed before them. Back of them, towards the north, was a deep forest, from which they had just emerged, while ahead, to the southward, some twelve miles distant, a few glittering spires could be seen, and near these loomed up the bright towers of the Alhambra. Further on, the eye rested upon the snow-clad summits of the heaven-reaching Alpujarras, with the Sierra Nevada, towering aloft with its crown of regal white, the monarch of Mountain Spain. The first of the horsemen was a young man attired in a gorgeous suit of mail, The subtle links were of the, brightest steel, and they were wrought with the most exquisite skill and work- manship. Over this suit of full mail the man wore a frock of crimson silk, upon the breast of which was wrought in -golden threads the cross of Leon. Upon his head ho wore a steel cap, CAP page: 8-9[View Page 8-9] formed of nicely adjusted plates, slightly conical in its form, and from the top of which waved a triple plume of white ostrich feathers. If the cross upon the knight's breast did not at once betray the kingdom from whence he came, the rich dress of the black steed that bore him would have cleared the matter at once. Over the plates of steel that the horse wore upon his breast, and covering the back and sides of the animal, was a drapery of crimson silk, upon which was wrought in various colors of silver and gold the cross and the lion-the insignia of Christian Leon. The knight was not over six-and-twenty years of age, being tall and well-formed, with a fulness of limb and muscle that spoke of much strength and manly exercise. His hair was worn in the usual manner of the times, long and flowing, the dark curls of which escaped freely from be- neath the steel cap. His features were noble in their moulding, and possessed a degree of beauty that can be made up only from the promptings of a generous soul, and a noble and brave heart. The knight's companion was an odd-looking being, dressed in the common garb of an humble esquire, with leggings of half-armor, and wear- ing a stout breast-plate. He wore upon his head a steel skull-cap, and the face that looked out from beneath the small vizor was beaming with good nature and shrewd cunning. He was some years older than his master, and though not so, tall by several inches, he yet possessed a quan- tity of muscle that showed itself in big masses about his breast and limbs, and those who had -come once within his clutches never afterwards doubted that Pedro Bambino's muscle was as good in quality as in quantity. The horse he rode was of an iron gray, color, and full as stout as his master's. "Pedro," said the knight, as he reined his horse farther back from the edge of the river, "there must be a bridge somewhere about here." "In truth there is," returned the esquire, " or at least there used to be one, for I crossed it ny- self not a dozen years ago; bat I think it's fur- ther up the stream." "Then up the stream we'll go," said the knight, as he turned his horse's head in that di- rection. Accordingly both riders started off, and at the end of half an hour they came to the place where a bridge was thrown across the river. They passed over to the other side, and there they found themselves in a broad road that led to the city of Granada. "We are in the right way now," said Pedro Dambino. "Yes," returned the knight. "But what would all this gain us if they wouldn't let us into the city?" suggested the esquire. "Therel be no trouble about that, Pedro. A peaceable Christian knight will not be refused admittance within the city." ' "Npr a peaceable Christian esquire," added Pedro. "No," said the knight, with -a smile. "Then there can't be much danger," contin- ued Pedro, as he spurred up his horse. For some time the two rode on in silence. Even the mind of the esquire seemed deeply in- terested in the gorgeous scenery that opened upon the view, and more than once he allowed his hore to stop, as he became lost in a sort of rapt wonder at the scenes that lay ahead. The snow-capped Alpujarras riveted most of his at- tention, and it was not until the taller forest trees began to gather over his head and shut out the mountains, that he gave any due attention to his beast. "What does that mean?" uttered Pedro, as they entered a narrow ravine of palms and gall- nuts. "What V" returned the knight, casting an in, quisitive glance at his companion. "My horse smells something. See him toss that dainty'head and open those nostrils. 'There -hear that snort." Both men cast their eyes about them, and it was not long before the object that had aWakenel the instinct of the brute was discovered. Upon the side of the road, and at the foot of a huge rock, sat a man who seemed, by his countenance, to be in considerable pain. He seemed an old man, for hiM hair and head were gray, and hev 'was dressed in the garb of a' man in the lower ranks of life. The Christians pulled in their steeds as they came abreast of where the man sat, and the knight bent over to get a fair view of him. "Sir knight," said the man, half raising him- self to hisfeet, "do you go to the city?" "Yes." "Then, in the name of the God yop worship, I ask you to carry mne" t San Jago, good man," quickly responded Pedro-,for he knew that if the man was canned, hisliorse would have to bear the burden-- our beasts are wayworn now. We've ridden ialf the night, and 'twollld-b--" "Stop, Pedro," interrupted the knight; and then turning towards the Moor, he continued, "Are you unable to walk . ' I am, most surely, sir knight. I had climbed upon the top of this rock, and I fell. My right ankle is badly sprained, and I fear I am other- wise injured." "What could you want up there " asked Pedro, casting his eyes up -to where the rock towered above his head. "I wanted to see the rising sun," returned the IMoor. "You'd better have been in your bed than running after the-sun, i should say." There was a spark of indignation flashing in the dark eye of the Moor, but it quickly changed to a east of melancholy thought, and looking sharply into Pedro's fece, he said: "My God made the sun the most glorious of all his world, and I love to look upon it. But my likes shall not sit heavily on you. Go your way, and I will crawl to the city as best I can." "Hold-not quite so fast," said the knight. "My good esquire has a way peculiarly his own; but as good Christians we'll not leave you here to suffer. Pedro, help the man to mount be- hind you. I know you wouldn't feel easy to leave him here." With more alacrity than might have been ex- pected, Pedro leaped from his horse, and assisted' the Moor to his feet. It was with much difficulty' that the poor fellow moved along with Pedro's aid, and not until the knight himself alighted' and gave his assistance, could the Moor be lifted to the horse's back. "Sir knight," said the lamed man, as the trio were mounted, "I do not wish to ask of you too much, but if you would hasten on to the city as fast as possible, you would do me a favor for which I will be grateful." The knight bade Pedro put spurs to his horse, and for some distance they galloped on at a good speed. At length they came to an abrupt hill, and the beasts were allowed to walk up. "You have come to join in the tournament to-morrow, I suppose," said the Moor, as he ran his eyes over the knight's fine figure. "I knew not there was one," returned the Christian, with a kindling eye. "But, i' faith, I shall be there if there is." "There will be a grand display of prowess, and many a bright eye to bear it witness," said the Moor. "By San Dominic, then I shall bear it witness, I too," cried Pedro, with a joyful look. "I'll bear my master's shield 'gainst the list. Ha, Pedro, we'll see." As the esquire said this he patted his horse emphatically upon the neck, and looked proudly r upon his master. The Moor, too, gazed'upon the knight. "You are from Leon," he said. "Yes," returned the knight. "And a count, too," continued the Moor. "Yesa.' "Count of Valladolid, too," added the Moor. "Your eyes are sharp," said the knight, with a smile. "Sharp enough to know the meaning of your triple plume," returned the Moor. "So, so. Well, I am Charles, Count of Val- ladolid, and knight royal of Lebn." "And what is Count Charles of Valladolid doing so far south!" "Seeing the country," returned the knight. And then with a sharp look into the face of the Moor, he continued: "As you are the first acquaintance I have made, whom might I call you?" "To tell you the truth, good count," answered the Moslem, while a peculiar look overspread his features, "it makes but little difference what you call me. In all probability you will never see me again, and I don't believe I shall ever reward you for the kindness you are at present doing me. However, I am sometimes called Ab- dalla, and if that name suits you, so you may call me." The knight gazed curiously upon the Moor, for the swarthy features were not only regular and well formed, but they possessed a degree of intelligence that was not to be overlooked. There was something in his manner, too, that was puz- zling, to say the least. "Do you belong in the city of Granada?" asked Sir Charles. "As much there as anywhere." "But to judge from your haste you have urg- ent business there now." "Yes." That monosyllable was pronounced in a tone so peculiar that even Pedro turned half about in his saddle and gazed into the face of the Moor. "By San Dominic, but you ae a curidas man, all ways," said the esquire. "And this is a very curious world. Have you not discovered that yet?" "I' faith, you speak the truth now," uttered page: 10-11[View Page 10-11] Pedro; mnd as he spoke he turned once more to his horse's head. They had topped the hill, and the city was open to view. The horses were put to a brisk tottnd nothing more was said until the gate was reached. The party were admitted without much questioning, and as they entered'the city the people were busy at their daily calings. "He"s," said the Moor, as they reached a marrow street that turned off towards the eastern part of the city, " let me get down here." "I will see you to your destination," said the knight. "This is near enough, sir. If you will accept my thanks for your kindness thus far, I will trou- ble you no farther." Pedroe helped the Moor tothe pavement. The poor mas stood with difficulty, and the count could not fail to see that his attempts to walk were attended with the most exquisite pain; yet he assured the knight that he could make his way alone, and that he should prefer to do so. "Charles of Valladolid," said the Moor, as he tumed towards the knight, " you say that you have come here to see the country, but if you have business, be wary in performing it." The knight looked wonderingly upon the Mos- iem; but Abdalla waited for no answer. He turned and moved slowly, painfully away. "By San Jago, sir Charles, what do you make of that?' uttered Pedro. "I can make nothing of it," returned the knight, i a puzzled, thoughtful mood, and with- out further remark he started on. Without difficulty the count found a public house that suited him, and having seen that his horse would be well provided for, he entered the building and ordered breakfast for himself and esquire. B CHAPTER 1I. 'BAd TOUBrMENA T-ZBHEB. DURING the day the knight of Leon did little else than look about the city in company with his honest esquire. It was no unusual thing for Christians to be seen in the city, and the count and his companion attracted only passing notice from the Moors. Great preparations were going on for the tournament that was to come off the next day. It was to beholden in a large square beyond the hill upon which stood the Alhambra, and thither the knight bent his steps towards the close of the day. The Granadan king, Mohammed VI., gave but little attention to the manly sports that so well suited the tastes of his subjects, and,'in fact, he gave but little attention to anything save his own pleasure and sensual comfort, with just enough of mental and physical activity to keep his throne from falling beneath him. The pres- ent anticipated tournament had been agreed to;, by the king at the urgent solicitation of many of his best knights, and he had agreed not only to be present at its passage, but he was to super intend it. When Charles of Leon returned to his hotel in the evening, he had resolved to attend 'he tournament on the following day. "But will it be well ." queried Pedro. "And how can it be evil?" asked the count. "I'll tell you. You know you are counted the best 'lance in Leon. Now if you enter the lists to-morrow, you may come off the victor, and, by St. Dominic, that wouldn't suit these hot-blooded Moors." "You take it wrongly, Pedro. There are , good knights in Granada, and they will not prove themselves so mean as to turn enemies against one who proved theirfbetter in the use of arms. No, no, good Pedro, don't fear on that account, for I assure you all will be well." "Well, just as you please," returned Pedro; and he spoke in a dubious manner, and shortly afterwards he set about preparing his master's armor. ' , The next morning was bright and fair. At an early hour the people began to flock to the spot where the tournament was to take place, and at ten o'clock the king entered the enclosure and took his seat. The trumpets sounded a furious blast, and the jousting began. For two hours the sport continued, and Ben Hamed, the Al- calde of Granada, stood' the victor. He was a subtle, powerful knight, and he swang his, spear aloft; and vauntingly-challenged all opponents. Two more Moorish knights appeared against him; but, one after the other, they were vaquish. ed and then more proudly than ever did Ben HE- med swing his spear, aloft. , Charles of Leon pushed his hone through the page: 12-13 (Illustration) [View Page 12-13 (Illustration) ] crowd that were collected outside of the paling, but ere he reached it he caught the sound of his own name pronounced near to his side. "Beware Make not an enemy of the al- calde!" The knight turned his head, and he saw Ab- dalla limping away through the crowd. He knew it was the same Abdala he had picked up by the roadside, though he looked somewhat differ- ently. His hair and beard were jet black, and he looked many years younger. The voice, however, the count knew, and he knew the coun- tenance, too. The strange Moor was soon out of sight, and the count again pushed towards the paling. His soul was set upon a joust with the haughty, defying Moor, and he was not to be bent from his purpose. "What ho,. there Here comes a Christian knight to give thee battleBen eamed," ex- claimed the king, as Charles oieT n entered the lists. The alcalde turned his flashing eyes upon the new comer, and proudly drawing back he await- ed the Christian's approach. "What seek ye here?" cried Beniamcd. "To give thee a friendly joust," returned Charles; " that is, if the lists be open to me." ," Of course they are open, if you be a true knight," said the king. "I am a true knight of Leon, and this day shall prove it, though I may go down before the lance of the alcalde; yet if I bear me at all be- fore one whose prowess has been so well proved, you will know me for a knight." At the first part of this speech Ben Hamed frowned, but at its close he looked upon the Christian with a half scornful expression as he jauntingly balanced his lance in his hand. "Go take your ground," he said. "Shall it be with lance and shield?" asked Charles. "Yes." The count rode back to the paling where Pe- dro was stationed, and took his shield. From one of the marshals he received a round-headed spear, and then the trumpet sounded. Charles of Leon was habited the same as we saw him upon the road, and his appearance attracted the attention of all. His horse seemed eager for the onset and hepranced in his instinctive pride. Again the heralds sounded the trumpet, and Charles gave his steed the rein. The Moor and the Christian met. Ben Hamed sat like a rock in his saddle, while the count was jostled,-but he lost not his balance. In an instant Charles saw and understood the alcolde's subtle play. With a movement so quick that it was almost imper- ceptible, and one that must have required long practice for its perfection, the Moor had swung his spear-head across the eyes of his adversary's horse with a circular sweep before he brought it to its final poise;. but the Christian determined that it should not be done again. It was with a confident air that Ben Hamed turned his horse for the second joust, and when the trumpet sounded, he set boldly forward. Again the riders met, but Ben Hamed passed not, for the knight of Leon's lance-head struck him fullin the throat and hurled him to the ground. There was a low murmur ran around among the spectators, and a careful observer would have seen that there was much satisfaction felt at the result of the last joust; but the people dared not give boisterous speech to their feelings, for the alcalde was feared. As Ben Hamed sprang to his feet, there was fierce passion in his features, and for a moment he was speechless. But soon he found his tongue, and seizing his horse's rein, he turned to Charles of Leon, and throwing his shield upon the ground, he shouted: "Down with your lance and shield! I'll have at thee now with the cimeter. You shall show your prowess to better advantage ere I have'done with thee." "The sword is not a weapon for a joust," re- turned Charles. "It is too dangerous for sport." "Ha, ha t and is the Christian dog in fear " This was spoken by the exasper4at4 Moor in a loud, defiant, bitter tone, and sent the rich blood' coursing quickly through the Christian's veins. ' The Christian does not fear," he returned, in a proud tone. "Then draw your sword and throw away all else," exclaimed the alcalde, as he mounted his horse and drew his bright cimeter. "If the king will hold me clear of the conse- quences I will meet you" / "Ben Hamed, you had better give over the trial, and go back to the lance," said the monarch. "No, no,-the sword it shall be '" cried the alcalde. "Then the Christian knight shall be free from all harm, save such as le meets at the hands of his antagonist. Let the signal be given." The trumpet sounded, and Charles of Leon sECOUNTER BETWEE THE KNIGHT OF LEON AND BEN HAMED See Chapter II.- Page 15 r / page: 14-15[View Page 14-15] drew his sword. It was a keen weapon, straight and double-edged, with the usual cross hilt. The Moor met him, and some dozen blows were ex- changed without effect; but at length Charles wounded his antagonist upon the shoulder. Ben Hamed saw that he had a superior to deal with, and he determined to ride him down. To this end he drew in his reins, and at a word his horse reared, and would have struck his fore feet directly upon the Christian's body; but Charles saw the movement, and he not only avoided it, but he took advantage of it. His own horse was well trained; and he made the noble animal per- form a leap that set the Moor at fault. As Ben Hamed's horse was reared proudly upon his hind legs, the horse of the Christian sprang quickly against his haunch, and both. Moor and beast went tumbling upon the ground. With a fearful oath Ben Hamed sprang to his feet, and placing one foot upon the prostrate body of his horse, he struck furiously at the Christian but Charles of Leon soon ended the conflict, for with a blow that seemed like the lightning's leap he struck the upraised blade of the Moor's cin- eter near the hilt and broke it in twain. [S1B ErNGRAVIrN J The shouts of the multitude could no longer be restrained, and as they broke upon the air, the alcalde was utterly overcome by the ,rage and mortification that had seized him. His horse was so much sprained that it was with difficulty the animal could be set upon his feet, and then the beast limped away from the lists. For fifteen minutes Charles of Leon kept the, lists, and no one appeared against him. "Shall we pronounce the Christian the vic- tor ." at length said the king, as the repeated calls of the herald remained unanswered. "The Christian cannot receive the scarf," cried Ben Hamed, who had taken a place near the royal seat, where a doctor was, dressing the wound upon his shoulder. The king hesitated, and he showed by his man- ner that he liked not to besto* the badge upon the Christian. "The Christian is a true knight, and knight- hood should know no foreign blood," cried an old Moslem warrior, who sat near the king. "The Christian is the true victor," cried a dozen voices. "Then he shall receive the reward," said the king. Then turning to a fair young being who sat near' him, he added " iZhra, if you deem ,the Christian worthy, give him the badge." It was a lovely girl to whom the king spoke- one who had just blushed into womanhood with all the roses of beautiful youth still clustering about her. She waved her hand to Charle of Leon, and lie came near to her seat and knelt before her. "Sir knight," she said, with a sweet smile, " to you I award the gift that has thus fallen to my bestowal.. While it remains in your possession, forget not the duty you owe to your honorable knighthood, nor her who bestowed it." The scarf was of blue silk, richly wrought with threads of gold, and as Zehra spoke, she threw it overthe knight's shoulders. As Charles of Leon arose to his feet, he gazed for a moment into the Jfatures of the fairy being. She smiled upon vim, and she blushed while she smiled. When the young Christian turned from the spoe, he felt in his heart that he could never for- get the' fair donor of the badge he had won. Her countenance had burst upon his sight as breaks the view of the distant spring upon the thirsty traveller of the desert. Ho did not notice tho look of Ben Hamed, nor did he see how the king was moved. He saw only the bright beams of Zehra's loveliness; and lie forgot that life had its losses as well as its gains. "By San Dominic," uttered Pedro, as he rode away from the scene of the tournament with his ,master, "you have made one enemy, at least." ' How so, Pedro?" "The alcalde will never forgive you." "Then he is not a good knight." "You are blind, sir Charles. Didn't you ever know of wicked knights in Leon?" "Yes." "Then you may expect to find some hero. San Jago, but it didn't seem very hard for the girl to decide against her father." "FaltherI What do you mean?" uttered the knight, with a sudden start.' "Why, didn't you know that Zohra was the al- calde's daughter" i' No." "She is, tKen." "Are you sure of this?" "Certainly. I heard the people speaking of her before the combat was ended." Charles of Leon rode on for some distance in silence. He seemed much moved by what he hadheard, and disappointment was plainly writ- ten upon his brow. When. he reached his botel he put off his armor, and as soon as he was alone he set about looking over a number of pa- persathat he took from his bosom, acoh of which bore the royal seal of Leon. page: 16-17[View Page 16-17] CHAPTER III. THE 'DOOM. IN one of the private apartments of the Al- hambra sat Mohammed VI. Near him stood the alcalde of Granada, leaning against a case- ment of one of the windows, and engaged in rolling and unrolling a small piece of vellum he held in his hand. The wound upon his shoulder was not a bad one, and the effects of it troubled him but very little. "Sire," said Ben Hamed, moving nearer to the king, "what can have led him to. our city?" "I cannot tell," returned the king. "Can you?" "He says he came to see the country." "Then perhaps he did." "But I don't believe it." "And why not?" queried the king. "Because the Count of Valladolid is too impor- tant a personage to be absent from Leon at the present time on a mere pleasure trip," returned the alcalde. "You owe him a grudge, Ben Hamed." "So I owe a grudge to all the enemies of Gra- nada." "'Tis right you should," said Mohammed.' "And, to tell you the truth, I like not the pres- ence of that'Christian knight here; but yet it would not be safe to molest him." "If we can prove him dangerous to our gov- ernment, we may put him out of the way," re- marked the wily alcalde. "So we can; but how shall we prove that?" "Leave it to me? If I canmake out a charge against him, you shall listen to it." "I Will, by Allah." "Then I will watch him. And, let me tell you, sire, I like not the manner in which Zehra looks upon the young knight." "Ha!" uttered the king, half starting from tias seat. "Does your daughter look upon the Christian with favor ." "So she speaks." "Then you had better beware for yourself, Ben Hamed; for if Zehra comes not to me for an unstained wife, yours shall be the peril.- You had better look to.,"er." The alcalde had awakened a passion in the bo- som of the king he meant not to have touched; but he apprehended no danger from it. His daughter had been promised to the king, and he was to receive her among his wives when she was twenty years of age. "I will hold myself responsible for her fideli- ty," said Ben Hamed. "Charles of Leon shall know that she is bound to you, and then if he 'dares to-" '"I see what you mean," hastily cried the king. "Let him but lisp edition to her, and he shall suffer. So much for the Christian." Ben Hamed's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. '"Hold a moment;' said Mohammed, as the alcalde turned towards the door. "Now that I think of it, it does seem strange that the Count of Valladolid should have come to Granada in- less he had important business."' "So it seems to me," returned Ben Hamed. "Can you guess at the cause of his visit?" asked the king. "No, sire." The alcalde spoke in a hesitating manner, and a troubled look rested upon his features. He - caught the keen glance of tie monarch, and he seemed uneasy. "Ben Hfamed, you are deceiving me," said the king. "By Allah, I am not." "Have you no suspicions as to the cause of the Christiah knight's visit hereo" "No, sire." "Beware, now." "Indeed I speak the truth." "Then why looked you so troubled just now?" A moment the alcaldi was silent; but a happy thought came to his aid. "When I spoke I was thinking of his con- quering me in the lists. Was not that enough to move me?" "Perhaps it was," returned Mohammed, still eyeing his officer with a suspicious look. "And I was thinking, too, of what a dangerous enemy he might prove, were his aims turned against our interests." . This touched the monarch where Ben Hamed aimed. "Watch him I watch him!" he exclaimed. "Let there be but proof enough, and his rank shall not save him." "I will watch him, sire, and you shall be advised of all his movements." When Ben Hamed left the royal presence he was followed by eyes that were as keen as his own. Mohammed VI. was a jealous man, and his suspicions were easily aroused. Whether he suspected the alcalde of duplicity or not, none knew save himself; but that the Christian knight had vanquished his own warriors was enough to awaken his animosity, and the hints of Btn 'Hamed had not been without their effect. "I think," said the monarch to himself, after he was alone, " that Ben Hamed knows more of this Christian than he chooses to tell. At all events, I'll watch them both, Zehra is mine. Of tihe alcalde I want but her, and her I will have. By Allah, but the girl is beautiful, and I think I might love her." When the alcalde left the Alhambra he sought his own dwelling, and when he was seated in his private room he sent forhis daughter. Zehra en tered his presence with a meek step, and re- mained standing before her father. "Zehra," said Ben Hamed, "you only want three short months to make up your twentieth year." The fair girl shuddered, butsho spoke not it reply. "You will then be the wife of our king," con. tinned the alcalde, eyeing his daughter sharply, "A wife 1" uttered Zebra. "Yes." "How many wives has Mohammed now?" "I don't know." "He hats i wife." "Certainly." : "And does he love her?" "Love her? Why, I suppose so." "Then how can he love another." "What do you mean by that Q" "I mean what I ask, father. If the king loves his present wives-or one of them-how can he love another?" "Why, he will love you more than all the rest." "Yes,-as he loves the baubles that pleaes his fancy. Today they arc woro with selfish pride- to-morrow cast coldly aside. That is Moham- med's love." "Poh? The king can love that which pleases him, and you will be sUre to please him.' You have health, wit and beauty." "Yes, father, and one other thing I have-a heart!" Ben Iamed looked at his daughter without speaking. "I have a heart, father," continued Zebra, with much emotion; " a hpart that holds all my stores of weal and woe." "Well,'^dropped from the alcalde'r lips. He was puzzled, for at solving the mysteies of the human soul, where virtue and love were its con-, ponents, he had not the power. Lie had been only in the habit of viewing those baser passions that go to make up the attribtttes of selfishness and ambition. "I can never love Mohammed," said the fair girl. "What do you,mean by love?" "I mean that I can never place his image up- on the altar of my soul, and offer up to it my heart's devotions. I mean that I can never page: 18-19[View Page 18-19] look upon him as one who possesses those attri- butes I could love to worship. He is loathsome to me." "If Mohammed loves you, that is enough." 'But Mohammed cannot love me as I would be loved. He cannot feel that high emotion of soul that constitutes the .true love of a husband. He can love only as the sensualist loves. He can admire beauty while it lasts; but he has no love for the being after the beauty of feature has gone." For some moments Ben Hamed looked silently upon his child. "You have promised to be the king's," he said, at length. "No, father. You once spoke with me about it, and then I told you that I had no power to oppose you." "And of course you cannot oppose me now. This talk about love is all nonsense. You should feel happy and proud to think that you are looked upon with favor by the king." "And do you mean that I am really to be given to Mohammed '" she asked. "I mean that you will be his wife." "Then you will doom me to lasting misery." "No, no, my child. If you are miserable, it will be you who will make yourself so. I mean that you shall be happy. I wish you to remem- ber that you are to be the king's wife." "Father," said the poor girl, vital a powerful effortto maintain her composure, "it cannot be that you will make me miserable." "You know what I have said. My sacred promise has been given to Mohammed, and I am held responsible upon my peril." "' Then would that kind Heaven might tear out my heart and place a stone there in its stead. O! I had not thought 1 was to be forced to this. I had not thought that I was to be sacrificed to the selfish passions of Mohammed against my will." "We have spoken enough, Zehra," sternly said the alcalde. "I would only put you on your guard, for the king will not brook disap- pointment." "On my guard against what?" asked the girl, looking up through her gathering tears. "Against doing anything to break your rela- tionship to the king." Zehra turned away and left her father's pres- ence. When she was alone, her heart sent forth its bitter grief unchecked. She knew that her parent had spoken of her being made a wife of the king; but until the present time she had thought of it more as a dream than as a reality. She could not think of Mohammed-a man older than Ben Hfamed himself-without a loathing shudder, and now that the idea of being his wife -and such a wife!-was brought home to her soul as a reality, she was crushed into the dust of torture. To be a mere bauble in the harem of the sensualist was more than she could bear. Her heart sought a kindred love-a higher, no bier station, and as she wept in her misery, she could not but feel that all of life was gone unless she could throw off the yoke that her father had placed upon her.' CHAPTER IV. TitB KNXGIOtt' PLIGIttaD FAiTIt. A WESX had passed away since the day of the tournament. Charles-of Leon had been the observed of all observers; for nearly every one in Granada had recognized him as the knight who gained the victory in the lists. The univer- sal attention he arrested prevented him from no- ticing those who were dogging his steps as spies upon his actions; but such there were; for the alcalde had taken care that the Christian knight should not .escape his espionage. What Ben lamed had in his mind was locked up in his own bosom; but sure it'is that he' had a secret dread of the caunt, and he meant to take meas- ures, if possible, to thwart any designs the knight of Leoi might have had in coming to Granada, lie set his spies upon the Christian, but he only told them that the stranger might be dangerous to the kingdoll It was eveniing-late in the evening-and Charles of Leon stood by an open window and looked out upon the city. He had dismissed his esquire, and the latter was already snoring in an adjoining apartment. The full moon rode high in the heavens, and, save a few fleecy clouds that hung like masses of light down here and there In the azure vault, all was clear and bright. The air was balmy and inviting, and the young Christian resolved to walk forth and enjoy it. At first be thought of arousing Pedro; but upon second thought he concluded to go alone, the better to enjoy the scene, and the better to coinm mune-with his own thoughts. A light Moorish turban hung 4J the apart. ment, and this the, knight placed upon his head. A Moorish mantle, too, he threw over his shoul. ders, for he wished to escape impertinent obser. vation; not that he had fears for his personal safety, but he liked not the curiosity of which lIe was so generally made the object. He passed down to the hall with a light tread, so that lie might not awaken Pedro Ialmbing, and as lie gained the street lie paused for a moment to con- sider upon the direction he should take. The loud murmuring of the rapid )arro feil upon lil ears, and lie resolved to seek the river. Several of the city guard wcre in the long street that led towards the Alliambra, but none of them intercepted the knight as he walked slowly along. At length lie reached the bend of the tiver. The swift waters were rushing on to join the larger Xenil, and moving along to wlier# a grove of olives threw out their green branches, Charles sat down upon the greensward and gazed thoughtfully upon the stream. It. was a fit time and place for reflection, and the Christian kiught dwelt long upon the image of both memory and imagination. More than once the name of the fair maiden who had be. page: 20-21[View Page 20-21] stowed upon him the reward of his victory at the tournament dwelt upon his lips, and when lie thought of her, a soft, generous emotion came to his soul. He remembered her bright eye, and her sweet smile, and her gentle voice, and the words she had spoken. In the midst of his reverie the young count was aroused by a sound near him as if a light foot had fallen upon the sward. lie arose to his feet, but he saw nothing save the olives that grew about him. He would have moved back towards the city again, but he hesitated, as he thought he heard the sound again. This time he was more confident, and ere long he saw an object beyond the grove that seemed gliding towards the river. Charles took a few steps nearer to the edge of the copse, and he could see that it was a female who had attracted his attention. She was moving slowly along, and occasionally she would stop and gaze about her. She was dressed in a white robe, and the light of the moon enabled Charles to see her form distinctly. Ere long she gained the bank of the river, and, after looking about her a moment, she sank down upon her knees and clasped her hands towards heaven. Charles of Leon moved nearer to the spot. Stealthily he glided on, and he heard the words that fell from her lips. It was a prayer she ut- tered, in half broken sentences, and though a sor't of calmness pervaded her speech, yet the breath of anguish was plainly distinguishable. "Great Allah protect me, and forgive me for this, the last act of my life!" uttered the female, and then she let her hands fall upon her bosom as she moved nearer to the river. Charles of Leon uttered a suppressed cry, and sprang quickly forward, Hie seized the unfortu- nate being just as she was preparing to leap into the rapid stream, and drew her back from the river's bank. A quick cry escaped her lips as -she felt the hand upon her arm, and instinctively she turned to see who it was the held her. The bright rays of the moon fell full upon her tace, and the Christian knight started with a strange emotion of astonishment, as he beheld the beau- tiful features of Zehra! "Great God!" he ejaculated, still gazing upon the face that was turned towards him, " do my eyes decelvd me, or is this the daughter of Ben Hfamed V" "Let me go, sir," murmured ihe girl. as she feebly endeavored to remove the strong h ird that was laid upon her. "But tell me if I am not right. Is not this Zehra?" "Alas! It is, sir. O, let me go!" "Hold a moment," syid Charles., "Do you recognize me?" "Yes; you are the noble Christian knight upon whom I bestowed the badge of honor." "And is it possible that I have saved you from a fearful death?" "Death?" murmured Zehra, looking mourn- fully up into the knight's face. "No, no--4t was life I sought." Charles of Leon was struck by the strange manner of, the fair girl, and if he had thought that her mind might be wandering, he was con- vinced to the contrary while he gazed into her face. All was strangely calm there, and a mourn- ful determination was seated upon her thin pale lips. "Will you trust me with the secret of this?" asked the knight, as he gently drew the poor girl farther from the river. "I pledge you my knightly word that I wilt not betray you." "And will you let me seek my rest when I have -told you " " "I will try that you have rest," returned the knight. "Now tell me why you should seek the fearful death you have courted." "Death to the faithful is but the passage from earth to heaven. 'Tis but to leave the dark shades of sorrow behind us, and bound to the rest of that realm where Allah cannot forsake . those who love him, I would have died, because earth is all misery to me now. I cannot live, when to live is but to be unhappy." "Can one so beautiful as you be unhappy?" said the knight, instinctively drawing Zchra nearer to him, and gazing more intently upon her features. "Beautiful!" repeated the girl. "Alas I sir, it is because I am thought beautiful that I must suffer. Wcre my face made up of wrinkles and fearful blotches-were my form ill-shapen, and my health, even, gone from me, I might be happyy" "You have not told me yet of the sorrow from which you seek escape." ','rhcn listen, sir. My father has given me to the king, and I am to be one among his wives 1" "To Mohammed!" uttered Charles. "To be a bauble in the harem of that sensual'profigate? Impossible!" "I have spoken the truth, sir knight, and I have trusted to your honor." - s And yoa have trusted, to art honor that is tot tarnished," quickly returned the knight, with tender enthusiasm. Then in a lower tone he ad- ded, " you cannot love6such a man as he." "Love him ". cried Zehra. "I can only loathe him. Ah I death were indeed preferable.' "Your father must be indeed cruel. You have given your heart to another." Charles spoke this almost at random, as he looked into Zebra's face. She was silent for a moment; but soon she replied: "You mistake me, sir. 'Tis no selfish motive that moves me. I would only,save myself from the misery of the life my father has doomed me to suffer I have no other object; my heart looks not beyond that escape. Now let me go, sir." "And if I release you now, will you seek that death from which I have just withdrawn you?" Zehra bowed, her head and gazed long upon the greensward at her feet. She trembled with emotion, and Charles saw tears glisten in the moonbeams as they fell from her cheeks. ' "If you leave me now, will you still seek the grave of the Iarro?" repeated the knight. "O, sir, I cannot live, to be the thing they would make me. I cannot live to feel the affec- tions of my heart withering up in their bloom, and sinking away into the cold grave of misery. I cannot live to know. my love must freeze in its earliest food. I will die." It was some: moments ere the Christian knight dared make reply to this. Those wre days when knights held it a sacred duty-a duty of knight'y honor-to protect females from the hand of suf- -fering; but this was not taken upon themselves merely as a thing of duty. The heart had much to do with it. Charles of Leon had entered Granada with a whole heart in his bosom ;. but since the moment when the Moorish maiden had smiled upon him in his moment of proud victory he had given her a place in his heart. As he gazed upon he, he knew that the whole of his heart Ta . There was no thought of expediency som-no thought of causes and consequences but he acknowledged to hinr self the whole truth. Those tears that fell from the dark lashes of the beautiful girl, spoke a language to his soul more strong than words, and the keenness of her suffering appealed to his every sense of humanity and knightly honor. "Fair maiden," he said. at length-and he took her unresisting hand as he spoke-" this is a strange time and place for us to meet, and the circumstances of the moment are more strange 2- still. You must not die-you shall not. 'Tis a fearful thought to dwell upon self-murder 1" Zehra started at the words, and the tone in which they were uttered, and she gazed up into the speaker's face. "Alas I and is it not a fearful thought to dwell upon a life such as that to which I am doomed 't" she murmured. "But are there not those who can save you from such a fate?" "No. Who shall dare to thwart he king ." "A bold, true-hearted knight shalfdo it. Were Mohammed a thousand times a king, I would da e snatch you fromhis grasp." "You " uttered Zebra, starting with a sud- den thrill of deep emotion. "Yes, fiir maiden. If you will trust to mo, I swear by the cross of the Saviour, that while I live you shall not be the king's." Zebra bowed her head, and Charles of Leon felt her hand tremble violently. "Speak to me. Will you accept my pledge '" "I ought not, from a Christian knight." "But you, too, shall be a Christian. You shall bask under the sunlight of that religion that makes woman sacred-that religion that recognizes the love of the human heart as one of its own brightest attributes. Many of the Moors are'Christiaps." "I know it," returned Zehra, with her eyes still bent to the ground. "Once I had a nurse who was a Christian, and she taught me your religion." "And did you not love it? Did your soul not go forth in worship towards that Saviour-who d:ed for a sinful world?-that blessed Saviour whose every thought was love, and whose heart knew no ambition bit to make those happy and good- about him? Zehia, could you not be a Christian?" "I have often thought so." "And may it not be mine to teach you? Tell me-will you accept my pledge?" The fair maiden turned her gaze upon the face of the man who spoke to her, and the deep sor. row had given place to a look of calmer, holier feeling. She thought not of the knight's being almost a stranger to her; she only knew that he was kind, and that he offered her protection. Like the wtyfarer through a darkened forest by night, who bails the sunlight with joy, did she bless the heart that had opened its sympathy for her. "I cannot reject your kind offer," she said. page: 22-23[View Page 22-23] "And you will trust fully?" "Yes." "-Zebra, if your happiness cannot be secured in Granada, what then?" The maiden pointed to the waters of the Darro. "Know you not that there are other places besides Granada, and besides the Darro i" . "None for me." , "Yes, there are. Surely you would not hesi- tate to flee this country, if misery alone awaited you here?" "No." "Yodw ould not hesitate to leave even the roof of your father?" The maiden started, and withdrew her hand from the hold where it had been resting. Though she seemed upon the point of speaking, yet she remained silent. "Did my speech offend you " asked the knight. "No, no, sir. I only thought how meagrq are the ties that bind me to Ben Hamed." "But he is your father." "You said I might trust you." "Most implicitly," returned Charles. "Then," said Zehra, in a low tone, "I have reason to believe he is not my father; but he dreams not that I hold the suspicion. You would hold me indeed heartless, could I wil- lingly fly from the parent that gave me being." "Not if he were cruel." "Cruelty, even, may not separate the hearts of child and parent. But I feel that Ben lHamed is not my parent. My old nurse ,told me he was not, and I have reason to believe her words were true." "You may be missed," said Charles. "Let us return." The fair girl placed her hand freely in that of the knight, and together they turned back to- wards the city. Charles of Leon would have questioned her more concerning her parentage, but he had too much delicacy. He felt a strange interest in the being who had thus been thrown in his way, and with that impulse which seldom springs up in the heart but once in a lifetime-he had resolved he would love her with his whole love and faith. Some might say the Christian knight was blind. Perhaps he was, as the world of selfish- ness goes; but where generous love and kindness of heart can see, there he walked. His was a soul that curbed not those impulses that led him towards the boon ofjoy; for he had no impulses that were not born in honor. "Here, kind sir, I will turn off," said Zehra, as they reached a point where a group of poplars and orange trees reached back to a line of build- ings near the banks of the Xenil. "I will accompany you to the dwelling of Ben Hamed." "No, no. You mighthe seen." "As you will, lady-but ere we part, I would say one word more. When does your father mean to give you to the king?" "In three short months." "Then will you accept my knightly faith for your protection? If you will I shall feel au- thority to serve you." " dotccept it, sir," returned Zehra. "Then go your way, and God be with you." As Charles of Leon spoke he pressed the hand he held to his lips, and in a moment more Zehra glided from his sight among the orange trees. CHAPTER V. A STRANGE VISITOR. "'HOLD, Moor! Tell me where is my mas- ter." "Take care how you handle your sword, good Pedro. You might hurt somebody.", ' San Jago bless me. May I be roasted alive on St. Lawrence's gridiron, if I didn't fear that you were gone." "Not quite," said Charles, with a laugh, as he entered the room and threw off* his Moorish cap and mantle.. "But bless me, sir Chailes, it's long aftpr midnight. Where have you been?" uttered the honest esquire, who stood in his night-clothes. "I got up only a few minutes ago, and something put it into my head to come andlsee if you were safe. I saw your cap and cloak here, and I feared some of the Moors had carried you off." "No, no, Pedro; I have only been enjoying a short walk by moonlight. I wouldn't disturb you, for I knew that you were fatigued, and that you love your sleep." "I don't love my sleep so well but that I can attend my master; and if he knows when he's safe he wont walk much alone after dark." 'Is there danger " asked the knight, in a light, merry, tone. "More than you wot of, perhaps," returned Pedro, with much earnestness. ' Lot me tell you that the alcalde wont forgive you for having beqt him in the lists. And there's more, too." "Ah," uttered the knight, becoming more serious as he saw the earnestness of his follower. "Yes. I believe you are narrowly watched." "By whom?" "By emissaries of the alcalde." "Poeh l" "San, Dominic, sir Charles, I believe I tell you the truth." "And for what should they watch me?" "Perhaps they suspect we are here for no good purpose." "Then let them suspect, and let them watch, too. They will see nothing to help them. My mission can be performed without much show." "I think it will prove the blind man's mission, after all," said Pedro. Charles looked into his esquire's face for a moment, and then he placed his hand upon his brow. "Pedro," he said, at length, "I hope I shall succeed. For the sake of Leon and Castile, I hope so." "And for your own sake, too, my master." Again Charles of Leon placed his hand upon his brow, and for some moments he dwelt in his own thoughts. Pedro watched him narrowly, and ho was not a little puzzled at his master's manner. "Go seek your rest again, Pedro," said the knight, as he turned towards his dressing-table. page: 24-25[View Page 24-25] The faithful esquire obeyed without remark; but when he reached the door, he turned and looked back upon his master. ,There was a look of anxiety in his countenance, 'and his lips moved with his thoughts as he passed out. After Pedro had gone, the count sat down to his dressing-case, and drawing forth from his bosom a roll of parchment, he opened it and be- gan to look over its contents by the light of the lamp his servant had left, He read it half through, and then letting go of its corners he allowed it to roll up of its own accord, while he braced back in his chair and gazed vacantly into the space before him. "I believe Pedro tells me the truth," he said to himself. "The alcalde is surely my enemy, and I may yet'make him doubly so. Yet there can be no danger, for they will not dare to touch me without strong provocation. I will perform my mission if possible, and when I re- turn to Leon-" The young Christian hesitated in his speech, and arose from his seat. His thoughts were upon Zehra, and he dared not give them utterance, He took up the parchment, and as he gazed upon it his features trembled. "To both these deeds .my knightly word is pledged," he said, as he place the roll once more In his bosom. "Yet they need not clash-they cannot. Zehra-beautiful, lovely girl-with you I will keep my faith. Let the danger come- and it may come from Leon as well as here- but I can face it for you." It was but a few moments after Charles had put the parchment in his bosom, and just as he was thinking of seeking his couch, that he-hard a sound outside of one of his windows. There was a broad,verandah ran around the building on a level with the floor upon which was the knight's apartment, and Charles thought it might be some one merely passing the window. In a moment there was a dark shadow thrown across the floor, where the moonbeams lay, and upon turning he saw the figure of a man outside of the window. He started back to the table where he had laid his sword, and as he grasped its hilt the window was thrown open, and, the stranger stepped into the apartment. "Put up your Weapon, Charles of Leon," said the new comer. "1 am far from meaning you harm." "You choose a strange time for a visit, at i" events," said the knight, holding his sword in his hand. "And there is a door to my room, too." ; . "Never mind the time, nor the mode of my I entrance, sir knight. Do you not recognize me ." "Abdalla?" uttered Charles, as he now recog- nized in his visitor the lame man whom he had picked up from the roadside, and. whom he had seen once since at the tournament. "Yes," returned the Moor. "I told you when I first saw you that we might never meet again, but you see we have met notwithstanding." Charles gazed upon his 'visitor with no little degree of curiosity and wonder, and instinctively he let his sword settle back into its scabbard. "There is a seat at your disposal," said the knight, "and if it. would please you I would hear your business." "My business is but little, sir Charles, and before I speak of it I must assure you that I come as no spy upon you. What passes between us is sacred with us. I know that you have come to Granada with some sort of a mission from King John of Leon and Castile. You need not start. Now tare you tell me what that mis- sion is?" "I dare'tell, but I shall not." The Moor smiled. "You own that you have a mission! then 1" "I have not owned it, nor have I contradicted you." "Very well-let it pass. I think not that you would have travelled so far without an object." Charles eyed his visitor uneasily. There was something in the Moor's look that half awed and half puzzled him. Orr the present occasion Ab- dalla looked the same as he did on the morning when the Christian had met him on the road; but yet Charles could see that he was deeply dis- guised. There was a look of more than common intelligence in his countenance, and his eyes themselves spoke a volume of character. One thing, more than all else however, moved Charles with a sort ofdistrust. The Moor seemed un- easy and anxious. His glances were quick and varying, and the least movement of the vines that grew up about the windows caused him to start with half-developed fear. "Charles of Leon," continued thbr Moor, i f- ter a moment's silence, "I am going to ask you'an important question. I, too, am a knight, and upon my knightly honor I swear that your answer, whatever it may be, shall not pass from my lips. . I have reason to believe thaf you are here on secret business. Now will your king pursuethis thing with the sword, if necessary 1" x "Upon my faith, sir, you ask me a curious question," returned the Christian. "And I have a curious reason for asking it," said the Moor. "You display but little wit, at all events. You know me-know my rank station and title, and profess, even, to know my very business; while I know nothing at all of you-not even your name, for that matter." As the Christian knight ceased speaking, he was struck by the change that came over the Moor's countenance. His byes sparkleWwith a fierce lustre, .his lips were compressed tightly over his pearly teeth, and his brow grew dark. ' "Rank! station! name!" he uttered, in thrilling accents. "Charles of Leon, I have none! I have only my honor let; to me, and that I will keep. I have reason for asking the question, Will King John send an army if you should fail?" "You ask me that which I cannot answer," returned Charles, gazing with growing interest upon his strange visitor. "If you know, I implore you to tell me," urged Abdalla. "Lookye, Moor," said the Christian; " you seem to know not what you are asking of me. Here am I, a stranger in your city, perhaps with spies already upon my movements, looked upon with distrust by your alcalde, and known to be an adherent of a government which has hereto. fore been hostile to the Moslem. Now with what reason can you ask me such a question, and expect that I should answer it?" Thb'loor looked troubled. 'c "I confess," he returned, "that my question may seem out of place; but your thoughts could be no more safe in your own bosom than they might in mine." "That is not the way I generally regard im- portant secrets. But I will tell you the truth. King John will not send an armed force to Gra- nada. He has as much as he can do to look out for his troubles at home. I You should know that the holy brotherhood of Leon are giving- him trouble enough. Whatever may be my business here, I have nothing to do with your government - nor its affairs, nor will my king do it either." "Then I have nothing more to ask of you," ' said the Moor, while a disappointed look settled upon his features. "But I have a question to ask of you," said Charles. "You say you know the business that! has brought me here. I should like to know how you obtained your information." f ' By my simple knowledge of facts that are in existence." "Ah," uttered the Christian, with a plight start, a look of anxious interest manifesting itself on his features the while. "Could you then give me information? Know you what I seek!" "I'think I do." "What?" "I cannot tell you -that till you confirm me in. my belief of what you seek." Charles of Leon felt almost sure that the Moor was but acting the spy upon him. To be surO the Moslem's'countenance gave denial to such a supposition, but yet the count would not trust him. "I don't think I shall need your assistance," he said, after a few moments of thought. "I may have no assistance to render you. In fact, I have none to offer," returned Abdalla, as he gathered his mantle about him and arose from his seat. "I sought you because I had a faint hope that John of Leon and Castile would have had the daring to have pushed his mission with the sword, or, at least, to have threatened thai thing." "Ani I assure you he has no such intention." -"I believe you." "Sir Moor, ,methinks you can have no very great love for Granada." "Love for Granada " repeated Abdalla. "Ah, sir knight, you cannot read my soul as you can your own. But I must leave you now, You will excuse me if I go the same way I came. We may meet again. If we do it will be a stran ger meeting than this. Beware of the alcalde l" As the Moor spoke, he threw back the door- like sash of the window and stepped out upon the verandah, and in a moment he was gone. Charles of Leon pondered long upon the strange meeting. He had no fear of the Moa- lem, for he had taken mrs not to commit himself but he could not help thinking that in some. way Abdalla was acting the spy. He doubted if the . Moor knew as much as he professed. "I e only said that to try te," said the young knight to himself, as he began to prepare fo' his couch. I' The Moor can know nothing of the business that has brought me here. How should he 1 By my faith, I am not to be thrown off my guard In that way." Ere long Charles laid himself down upol his couch, and that night his dreams weft many and varied; and when Pedro came to awaken him in the morning, it seemed as though he had 0ot slept at all. , page: 26-27[View Page 26-27] CHAPTER VI. THE REJECTED WIFE.' IN one of the most luxurious apartments of the Alhambra sat Mohammed. Near him, upon a soft Persian lounge, sat a female whose cos- tume showed her to e one of the wives of the Granadan monarch. She was still a young wo- - man, though the bloom of her life had passed prematurely away. There was beauty, too, upon her cduntenance-such beauty as the true hus- band should delight to honor-a beauty that had ihed all its early bloom upon Mohammed's path, and now that it had turned upon its fading point it should have been loved more than ever. It should have called forth that holy love of the soul which unites gratitude with reverence. That woman was Emina, the mother of Mohammed's only son. She had been weeping. "Do you speak the truth?' she asked, with an evident attempt to suppress the feelings that were rising in her bosonl. "Most assuredly I do, Emina," returned the king. "And do you mean to make Zehra your wife?" "Yes." "Mohammed, this is cruel; it is unjust. Have I not been faithful ". "I hate no fault to find on that score." "And have I not ever loved you V' "You have ever professed to." "And you know I have; and now you would cast me away and put another in my place." ' "It is my pleasure, Emina." "Your pleasure And have I grown so old 'and ugly that you can love me no longer?" "Your beauty is fast departing." "O, miser!" "Don't take it so hard, Emina. I mean you no wrong. You have the same place in my pal- ace as ever." "The same place in your palace " bitterly cried the woman: "Do yourthink I am a dog, that can be satisfied with a gilded kennel . No, Mohammed, I want your love-I want that place in your heart that belongs to me. You shall not take the alcalde's daughter to your bosom." "In truth, Emina, I shall exercise my own taste about that. I want none of your advice." "Listen to me,' Mohammed," cried Emina, starting up from her chair. "You know not what a woman can be, if you think to trifle with me thus. I have borne everything for your sake; for years have I been true as heaven itself to you, and now I am to be thrown aside as use- less rubbish; and, what is worse than all, another is to take my place. Another! O, Mohammed, do you realize the sting that pierces my soul at such a thought? and do you know the spirit you 'may call up!" '"Peace, woman " uttered the king, slightly shrinking from the woman that had so long been his favorite wife, and whom he even now stood in some dread of, should her anger be aroused. 8 "I cannot hold my peace till you have told b me that Zehra shall not be your wife." "She witl be my wife." a "You have decided, then." e "Most irrevocably." r "Then, Mohammed, take your own course."' Emina spoke, in a tone of strange calmness, and, save the intense fire that burned in her large dark k eyes, she showed little of passion. "Take your i own course," she said, "and let me be cast from you; but as I have loved, so can I hate. The love that burns in my bosom knows no gradual cooling. If its lamp goes outit will freeze like the heaven-reaching crown of the Ne.. vada, and you will be to me but as the being who has robbed me of life." "Beware, Emina; beware that you use no threats to me." "And what if I do threaten?" "The executioner's cimeter is starp." Emina's countenance grew more pale, and her eyes flashed more brilliantly. "I have not threatened you," she whispered, while she pressed her hand upon her bosom as if to still the tumult of her heart. You know jae well enough to know that I can be as proud as , you; but if you think another wife can live here you know me not as I am. Give me back your heart, and let me know that I am your wife as I have been, and I will be all to you that you can wish." "You know my decision," returned the king, in a stern tone. "Now leave me." Emina turned away, and Mohammed saw riot Xthe look that rested upon her countenance. If he had seen it he would have trembled at its darkness. The veins about her pale temple were swollen, the eyes were set with fearful bril- lianey that had no sparkling in its intensity, and the fingers of her right hand seemed pressed through the quivering flesh of her bosom. No breath seemed to move her-no impulse was ap parent; but she looked as though her whole being was one vast thought that slumbered upon the verge of action. As she passed out from the apartment Mohammed sprang to his feet. "By Allah," he exclaimed, "she takes it more seriously than I had thought; but she will forget it in time. She should not have grown old if she would have kept my love. Pohl She'll rest easy enough if I am but kind to her, and I mean not to be unkli I. I have loved her, and I thini she loves me'even now; but Zebra is young and beautiful." That last thought seeded to give Mohammed a pleasing turn of mind; but a shadow soon settled over his countenance. Though he had resolved to put away his long favprite wife, jet he feared her. He feared that she might be mioi 'dangerous than he had at first imagieit foi*' knew that she was proud of -spirit, w. wi A impulsive in her temperament, and that she pos- sessed a will as strong as was his ofn. But yet ' the Moslem king was not to be turned from his purpose. He had seen the beautiful Zebra, and he had resolved to possess her. To this end had he made Ben Hamed alcalde of Granada, and to this end did he keep Ben Hamed in his office. When Emina. left the king's presence she went to her own apartment, and having sunk down upon her couch, she burst into tears. It was a long time that she wept, for the fountains of her heart were loosened. She had loved Mo- hammed with her whole soul. He was the father of her child, and to him her young heart's affec- ' tions had been given. 'It was no selfish love she had felt, but her feelings towards her royl hus- band had been of that warm, generous, noble character that all centre in the object loved. Mohammed had taught her to be proud, too, and now, in the moment of her love's crushing, that pride gradually arose above the ruins,^and its torch was fearfully brilliant. The tears ceased ,to flow, and one after another they dried from her pale cheeks. When she arose from her couch the only tra- ces of Weeping were in the swollen marks about sthe eyes. She looked still pale, but yet ther was a hectic flush upon either cheek, and that pallor bore nothing of melancholy in its charao- ter. The lips moved not with the thought that was busy in herbrain, but they seemed rather compressed to keep that thought from escaping. She examined her features in the polished mirror that hung in her apartment, and when she turned away she touched the bellcord that was sus- pended near her. A servant soon entered, and Eminar ordered her to bring her a hood and mantle, and prepare to accompany ber. While her attendaatwas gone, the wonan went to her dressing cases and from one of tlIe dir'wers she took a small dagger. She examrined its bright, keen polat, andthen placed it rcarefully in ler bosom. In a moment page: 28-29[View Page 28-29] more the attendant re-entered and proceeded to help her mistress dress. "There, Mada--now follow me," said Emina, as she turned to leave the apartment. "Re- member that you speak not of this to any one, for I go in secret." The mRid bowed a silent assent, and followed her mress as directed. lt tic a private passage, and having iP'. t basonment of the palace, she made her" thoe rough a small door that opened upon -e hill in the rear. The thick foliage shielded her from observation, and with quick steps she made her way down to the rapid Darro at a point where a narrow foot-bridge was thrown across the stream. Having erssed this, she bent her steps towards the dwelling of Ben famed. She walked with a firm step, but quicker than usual, and there was more of masculine power in her step than Mada had ever before seen in her mistress. The distance from the river to the dwelling of the alcalde was not great, and when Emina reached the gardens, she entered the gateway and approached the building by the way that led to the women's apartments. One of the female attendants obeyed her summons. The presence of the king's favorite wife was a powerful talis- man, and without hesitation her demand to be shown to the apartment of Zehra was complied with, Mada, in the meantime, -being ordered to remain behind. Zehra was startled by the appearance of Emi- na, but she paid her due reverence, and humbly ; asked her pleasure. The visitor calmly dis- v missed the attendant, and then turning to Zebra s she asked: "Are we alone ." "Yes," returned the girl, as she gazed wonder- I ingly into the pale features of her visitor. "D I look well ." Emina continued, as she ( took a seat. - "Not very well, lady." "But you do look exceeding well. And you y look beautiful, too." h Zehra tried to smile, but it was beyond her y power. She was startled by Emina's strange manner.. "I was once beautiful," continued Moham- s med's wife-" almost as beautiful as Jou." w i, You are beautiful still," said Zebra. "But not beautiful enough. Beauty should c never fade." G "Alas I all things earthly must fade." Emina started at the mournful manner of the young girl, and there was a perceptibIe softening ,of the expression upon her countenance; but it - soon passed away, and all was cold again. "Are you not a happy creature!"Emins asked; Zehra only gazed upon! her interlocutor in silence. You should be happy, for life opens a kind future to you," continued Emina. "When you are- are-Mohammed's wife, you will be happy." "O for kind Heaven's sake, torture me not with-" "Go on-go on," uttered the queen, drawing a quick breath. "I can trust you-you will be kind-you will not betray me." N"No-go on." Emina spoke with energy, and she leaned for- ward to catch the words that might fall from the fair girl's lipb. "I trust my own sex will not turn against me," murmured Zebra. "H1ow? why?" quickly asked the queen, while ler hand slowly moved towards her bosom. "I cannot be Mohammed's wife. O I 1 can- not." "Cannot? But the king loves you." "No, no-he cannot love me. Only my beauty pleases him." "Suppose he did love you?" "Even then I could not be his. O, noble lady, you, who have a woman's heart, should know the secrets of the female soul. You should know what misery must be in that lifetime that pre- sents nothing upon which the heart can fasten in love." Zehra hesitated, and then with a sudden move- ment she cast herself at the feet of the queen. " 01 perhaps you can save me. Perhaps you can persuade the king to let me be happy. Will you not?" "I have little power over Mohammcd. I think you might be happy in his company. He will be lavish of kind acts when you are once his youngest wife." "Ah, noble lady, you can know little ofkind- ness if you think as you speak. Coutd you be shut up for life in some dark, loathsome dungeon, where the light of day was forever excluded- where noisome vapors and pestilential malaria clung about you-and there treat as kindness any act of him who thus confined you '."' The expression upon the queen's countenaiet was gradually changing. Still she looked upon the beautiful girl with a burning eye. "Mohammed will make you his wife," she said. "No, no-he cannot." "Ah, but he has power." "Not to do that," returned Zehra, rising to her feet, and throwing back the dark silken tresses that had fallen about her face. "Yes, he has," whispered Emmina. "Hark,'" uttered Zebra. "Hear you that murmuring noise?" "Yes." "It is the dark, swift Darro. If Mohammed takes me for his wife, he will take me cold and lifeless from its rushing flood. Allah gives me so much of hope." For a long while the queen gazed into the face of the girl before her. The stern coldness was all gone from her features, and her lips trembled with emotion. "Zehra," she said, as she drew the trembling fair one to her bosom, "I know that you speak X the truth, and I am almost happy, for I 'am saved a deed I trembled to commit. Tremble not, for you need fear me no longer. Had I found you c loving towards Mohammed, you should not have lived to receive his embrace, but now you need l not even fear him. I have loved the king most truly, and I swear by the Prophet most high, that none other shall take my,place of wife while I breathe the breath of life!" As the queen spoke, she turned from Zebra and buried her face in her hands. ' ) "Do not let this affect you so," the young girl, laying her hand shoulder, and gazing up into heI "You are not a wife, Zehra," queen, as she brushed a tear from er "You have not felt the crushing of your hears whole love, and experienced the dark night that succeeds the setting of the sun of life. I have felt all this." "Heaven rest you." "Heaven may rest another'first!" Emina spoke this in a strange tone, and with- out waiting to observe its effects upon Zehra, she turned towards the door of the apartment. Si- lently she passed out from the room, and at the garden door she found Mada. As she glided away through the shrubbery she fervently mur- nurrd . "Thank Allah, I return with a bloodless dagger." Mada heard her not, for the words were but breathe into being. page: 30-31[View Page 30-31] CHAPTER VII. THE LOVERS' CONFERENCE. CnARLES OF LEON had seen enough to con- vince him that he was watched by spies of the alcalde of Granada; but why this should be he could not imagine, unless some false idea was entertained of his visit to southern Spain. To be sure he had other business than to travel, but then he felt confident that no one save himself and servant could know of it. He did not be- lieve that Abdalls knew as much as he professed, or even that he mistrusted the truth. More likely was it that the mysterious man only threw out his vague assertions for the purpose of penetrating the Christian's secret. Why, then, should the alcalde persecute him? It might be from mo- tives of chagrin caused by the defeat at the tournament; but even this surmise did not wholly satisfy him. The day was drawing to a close-it was the day succeeding that on which the events recorded in the last chapter took place. Charles of Leon was in his room at the hotel he had chosen, and Pedro was engaged in polishing some portions of his master's armor. "Have you gained any clue yet to the end of our business i" asked the esquire. "No." "Nor will you, I'm thinking. Let us get out of this place." "Not yet, Pedro. Ere long I may." "But what shall keep ui?" "I may find what I seek.", "In Granada ." "Perhaps so." Pedro looked curiously up into his master's face, for the manner of speech struck him as be- ing peculiar. "You shall accompany me to-night," contin- ued Charles, " so have our weapons ready. We may need them.' "Look at this, sir Charles," said Pedro, stop- ping his work and gazing earnestly into his mas- ter's face. "I don't wish to be impertinent, nor will I be-but I should like to know if this busi- ness to-night had anything to do with what we are after?" "And suppose it does not?" "Then it had better be dropped." "Ah, you are getting sage, Pedro." "No-I am always wise. You think of going to Ben Hamed's dwelling to-night." "Yes. You talk in your sleep!" The young knight blushed, for he saw that Pedro had an inkling of the truth. "Well, well," he said, at length, "I am going to Ben Hamed's, and I wish you to go with me." "If you persist, I cannot disobey. Butyou are running your neck into a dangerous place, for. I hear that Zehra is to become the king's wife." "And do yon think that fair young creature shall be sacrificed to the lust of Mohammed?" "If she don't,like it, it does seem hard." "Like it " uttered Charles. "I'll tell you how she likesit.' And thereupon he told to his esquire all that had transpired upon the banks of the Darro.. "Then by San Dominic," Cried Pedro, as he leaped to his feet, ' I'll join you with my whole heart." "I knew your heart was in'the riAht place," said Charles, with a grateful look. "So it is, my master." "Now you must perform a mission for me ere we set out together. I have procured the dress of a, Moorish physician, and I wish that you should put it on, and after nightfall go to Ben Vamed's dwelling and see if -you can discover which is the room Zehra occupies. Think you can do it?" "I can but try." "I thank you, Pedro." "But hold a moment, my master," said the esquire, as a sudden shade of thought flashed across his countenance. "You wont go too far in this business." "Fear not for that, Pedro." The honest esquire, though he entered fully into his master's plans, did not yet feel quite sat- isfied as to their result, ahid when he left the hotel after dark, dressed up in his disguise, he did not fail to speak his misgivings, but the young knight had no eye to see the'danger, and Pedro set off upon his mission. Two hours passed away, and Charles of Leon was becoming impatient, when Pedro entered his apartment. "What luck 1" anxiously asked Charles. "I've found the room the girl occupies, and a tough job I had of it, too. -San Dominic, but those accursed heathens need to be punished. One pulled my robe, another pulled my pouch, while a third gave a twitch at my beard; and may I be blessed, if he didn't come near pulling it clean off. San J goj how my dagger itched." "But they didn't discover you, Pedro?" ut- ' tered the knight, with some anxiety. "No. I held my temper till I found out what I was after, and then I took myself off." "Never mind. You may throw off your physi- cian's garb now. You shall have a different one for to-night." "Now, sir Charles, this helping the Moorish girl away from the heathenish old king is all very well, but'what are you doing to do that?" The knight bit his lip. "Of course you don't think Leon," persisted Pedro. "And why not?" "Why not? Why, what we you. San Dominic, suppose th should fall in love with you? You are wonderful good featured, and right handsome for a man, and it wouldn't be her fault, neither." The knight smiled a faint, forced smile, at Pe- dro's query, and with all 4ue haste he changed the subject of conversation. It was near ten o'clock when Charles of Leon set out in company with his-esquire.- He was habited in a rich Moorish costume, and Pedro wore a garb of the same description. The knight carried a small lute beneath his arm, and as he passed out from his hotel, he looked carefully about him to see that he was not observed-or that no one was watching him. Having beconhe satisfied on this point, he startecoff. The two men walked rapidly until they reached the wall of Ben Hamed's garden, and here they listened to see that all was safe. As no sound was heard, Pedro led the way to a small gate he had marked, and here they gained the garden without difficulty. With careful steps the knight followed his servant along through the shrub-. bery until they reached a small arbor near the house. "There," whispered Pedro, pointing up to a window not far from the ground, where a lamp was burning, " that is the girl's apartment." "Are you sure 1" "As sure as'I am that I'm alive." "Then you remain here. Let your arms be ready, bit move not unless there is danger." "San Jago,but there's danger enoughalready." ' "Are you afraid?" "No. But yet there's danger." "So much the better. We ought to love dan- ger by this time." "I never could see the use of that, though if danger comes, Pedro Bambing will be the last one to run." "Yes, good Pedro, I know yon have a brave heart." ' "Yes, and it may be well for you, sir Charles, that I have a cool head." "-sh Was that a step?" * page: 32-33[View Page 32-33] "Yes. Draw back-back, sir Charles." A servant passed near the spot where our two adventurers were located, but he was quickly out -when once again all was still, y approached the house: At a n he picked up a few small thewo soendm Cagainst the lighted win. luand te ated the experiment, and etion of seeing some one w nearer, and taking his lute 1ebr g-place, he swept the strings with a light touch, and then commenced a low, thrill- ing song, improvising as he wCent along. The words were meant for Zehra's ears, and ere long the window was opened. Charles hushed his lute, and bent eagerly forward. "Who calls me?" asked the sweet voice of Zehra, at the same time looking dowp upon the figure that was revealed by the bright moonlight. "Your Christian knight," returned Charles. "Give me some token." "The Darro. Cannot you join me, Zebra I would, speak with you." "'Twill be dangerous to you," returned the maiden. "No, no. Think not of danger to me. Come to me, I implore you." "If the way isopen I will." The knight's heart beat with joy as Zehra dis- appeared from the window, and he moved out of the way to await her coming. Pedro expostu- lated with his master upon the propriety of thus calling the girl from her father's dwelling, but ere he could make any visible impression upon the mind of the young man, the sound of a light footfall was heard, and in a moment more he sprang forth to meet Zehra. Pedro was directed to remain where he was, to give warning of danger, and then- taking the maiden by the hand, Charles led her away out into the garden. "I bless you that you trust me," said the knight, as they gained a distant spot. "And why should I not trust you?" "You should; and in trusting me may I not feel that you love me?" "I would'love you if I dared," returned Zeh. ra, with her eyes bent upon the ground. "And can you fear to love me?" "Between the Christian and the Moor I know there have been happy loves," said Zehra; " and how can I think of one like you without warmer feelings than those of mere gratitude? But I' * * should fear to leave my heart where it would be lost to me." "Give it to me, lady. Let me have your heart, and in return you shall have one as warm and true as ever beat in human bosom. With us there is no time for dalliance. We are sepa- rated by walls that admit of no social concourse. If we speak, it must be to the point. You can love me, and you will. I will be faithful and true." "I am not to blame for a feeling that gives me joy," softly returned the fair maiden. "Enough," uttered Charles of Leon. "And now for the futures' You must go with me to Leon-to my own country." "Will they be kind to the poor Moorish girl there?" "Kind? Ay. You will be my wife, and who shall then dare to be otherwise than kind?" "O, if I thought you would always love me, always-" "Hush, Zehra. When I prove false to you I pray that my right hand may wither, and my heart dry up. You will go with me from here." "I can go the better, for I know that Ben Hamed is not my father. What is the matter, sir " "Nothing, nothing. Go on. How know you that he is not your parent?" "By witty words last evening I drew him forth to confessions that opened to me the truth I sought. He spoke not plainly of this thing, nor did I straightway question him, but by slow degrees, while he thought I was aiming at the king, did I aim at this, and he obeyed my wish without a suspicious doubt." "And did you learn whence came the fountain of your blood?" "No. I dared not question too much." "You know nothing, then, save that Ben Ha- med is not your father?" "That is all, except that I am the price at which he holds his office." "I would that you could have learned more from him," said Charles, in a thoughtful mood. "Have you no memories beyond your know- ledge of Ben Hamed?" "No." For some moments the Christian knight's heart beat with a strange power. He looked earnestly into the face of his companion, as though he would have read her wholelife-history from her features. His countenance was lighted up by a curious combination of love, hope, and anxiety, and he stopped in his walk as lio lost himself in the labyrinth of his own thick coming thoughts. "What thought is it that possesses you?'" asked Zebra, as she looked wonderingly up into the Christian's face. ' "The thought was of you, lady; but it had no definite point. Yet, I wish you could learn more of your early life." "I know not where I should learn it; I must trust to time for that." "Then sdf be it," returned Charles, "And now let us turn upon another matter. Did you know that Mohammed might alter his mind i" "How?" uttered Zehra, somewhat startled by the question. "That he might conclude to hasten this odi- ous plan of his-that he might conclude to steal a march upon time, and take you sooner than you expect." "Indeed, I believe him capable of it." "And do you not think Ben Hamed would give way should the king demand you of him?" "Yes, yes-alas 1 yes." Before Charles spoke again, Zebra related to ! im the circumstances of her interview with Emina. "I fear you can place little reliance on that," said Charles. "The queen is impulsive, and the sudden thoughts of the wrong she was to suffer made her frenzied. Zehra, you must flee with me, and that, too, as soon as possible. I will f have alt in readiness, and we will leave Granada." It was some time before the maiden spoke. She uttered an objection, but it was tremblingly made, and, while she hung upon the youdl knight's arm, she listened to his warm with a quickly beating heart. Sheaf and again Charles of Leon her of his home in Leon -o f and brighter love that should i i / softly swore that he would ever lo* l' an cherish her, ever honor her, and ever be by her side to point out to her, and guide her in, the road of sweet happiness. The gentle maiden leaned, her head upon the young Christian's bosom, and in a soft, low whis- per she consented to love and obey. She looked -happy as she spoke, and Charles could see that she trusted him with her whole faith. When the count turned towards Ben Hamed's dwelling their plans for the future were all ar- ranged. The time was set for their departure from Granada, and they seemed to forget that there might be obstacles In the way. They spoke as though the future were in their hands, and that they could mould it to their will, Pedro was glad to be relieved of his watch, and. he assured his muster that no one had been stirring. Zehra received one kiss from her Chris- tian lover, and then she glided away towards the house, while Charles and Pedro took their steps carefully back towards the point from whence they came. page: 34-35[View Page 34-35] CHAPTER VIII. 'ttrE CitUCItIX. ZErStA. glided carefully along through the pas- sages that led to her apartment, and as she went her soul was filled by a variety of emotions. She did not suffer one pang of conscience for what she had done, for in her pure heart she believed she had only been reaching forth for that happi- ness which by right belonged to her, and which was denied to her by Ben Hamed. In Charles of Leon she had found one whom she could love -one whom she loved when first she saw him, and the affections of her young heart had gath- erid about him as gathers the sunlight about the earth fom the rising orb of day. They had shot forth with that mysterious power which belongs only to love-a power which may never be surely analyzed, and which admits of no similies. The maiden had nearly reached her apartment, when she was startled by the appearance of a dusky form before her. The moonlight found Its way into the long passage through the win- dows of the tower that capped the building, and that light was just sufficient to show that the form that had appeared was possessed of life. Zehra moved more quickly towards her room, and she reached it before the unknown came up. She hastily opened the door, but as she closed it she heard quick steps, and before she could move the bolt a strong hand pushed the door back, and Ben lamed stalked into the apartment. The a lamp was still burning which Zehra had left, and by its light the trembling girl could see that Ben fHahed had just come from without, as he was habited in his walking-dress. "Zchra, said he, in a stern, threatening tone, "t where have you been?" "In the garden, father," she unhesitatingly answered. "And what did you there ." "I walked amid the foliage." "Were you alone V" The alcalde bent a searching glance'upomthe maiden as he spoke, and he took a step nearer to her. "Were you alone 1" he repeated. It was a hard question for Zehra. She knew not how to disobey Ben Ilamcd, and she knew not how to tell a lie. "Were you alone " asked Ben Hamed, for the third time. "No," tremblingly uttered Zebra. "Ia! I saw two men leaving my garden as I came in. Who were they '" Zchra almost wished now that she had. told a lie, for she must either brave the anger of Ben Haamed or betray her lover. The former she feared, but the latter she was determined not to do. She knew but too well what might be the fate of the young Christian were he discovered in this, and she resolved to keep the secret. She knew not but that she might have been discoy- ered in company with the young knight, and therefore she determined to tell of truth what she did tell, and keep the rest to herself. "Who were those men? I asked." "I cannot tell," returned Zehra, bringing all her fortitude to her assistance. "Beware, girl. Tell me no falsehoods." "I shall tell you none." "Then who were those men i" "I cannot tell." ' Do you mean that you will nott" "It cannot matter what I mean else, Icartnot tdl you." "By the holy Prophet, girl, I do not brook your stubborn disobedience. "Once more I ask you, who Were those men "V "Ben Hamed, were your dagger at this mo- ment pressed upon my bosom, I should give you no other answer." But you shall answer me-and let me tell you, too, that I have mistrusted your fidelity, and that sure measures have been taken against youth disobedience. This very week you go to the Jing." If Ben Hamed meant that to have frightened Zebra into a confession, he was greatly mistaken, for it only served to nerve her soul with a strong- er resolution. "Now, Zehra, once more I ask you-who were those men V" "You have my answer." "Now, by Allah, I'll take you at your word," cried Ben Hamed, in a fury of passion, at the same time grasping the maiden by the shoulder and pointing his dagger to her heart. "Afswer may question, or this sharp steel shall drink your best blood I Answer!" "Ben Hamed, your weapon frightens me not. Ah, press its point till it feels my heart, if you choose, and while I die I will tell you that it were far preferable to the arms of Mohammed. Strike me, Ben Eamed, but you will get no an- swer from me." The alcalde let his dagger fall upon the floor in utter astoundment. To see the maiden thus was what he could not have believed, and even now he doubted whether she were in her right mind. She that had ever been so coy and mild -so meek and unassuming-to see her thus al. most turned the will of Ben Hamed in that it puz. zled his brain. He was at fault, for lie would no more have dared to harm the person of the maiden than he would have Jared to cut off his own right hand. "Zehra," he asked, at length, while he strug- gled hard to govern his passions, "do you not know who those persons were and were they not with you?" "Do not question me further, Ben Hamed, for I will not answer. Ay--strike me if you please, I can bear your blows." Ben Hamed moved slowly back, and his fea- tures underwent a dark, lowering hange.' The passion settled into a demoniac feeling, and as hd laid his hand upon the door-knobhe turned upon the maiden. "Keep your secret, but it shall do you no good. -Now I know who it is that has been within my garden this night to see you. It is Charles of Leon I But, by Allah, his head shall answer for it!" Zehra forgot herself. Her woman's heart be- trayed her, for as she heard these fearful words she uttered a quick cry, and started towards her guardian. "O I harm not him!" she cried, clasping her hands together. Ben Hamed smiled a grim smile. "I've read your secret," he said; and then, with sudden energy he asked: "what did the Christian dog tell you " "Nothing, nothing." "I know what he told you; but he told you a lie 1" Zebra started, for there were now marks of fear upon Ben Hamed's features. His words were strange, and the girl saw that he was powerfully moved by other feelings than those of anger. "What-what did he tell you V" repeated the alcalde, letting go his hold upon the door and taking a step towards Zehra. The fair girl hesitated, for her reason once more came to her assistance. She had no doubt but that Ben Hamed was confident that the young Christian had been to see her; but she knew that the secret of the plans she bad that night agreed to was safe. What the alcalde meant she could not'divine, though it was evident to her that he alluded to something of moment of which she was ignorant. "You need not question me," the maiden at length answered. "Then Charles of Leon dies I Markme, girl -Charles of Leon dies! and you will soon be in the hands of one who has the power to-" Before Ben Hamed finished the sentence, Zch. ra had swooned and sank upon the low couch at her feet. The alcalde was alarmed, for ho page: 36-37[View Page 36-37] feared that harm might come to her, and in that case he knew that Mohammed would hold him responsible. Hl sprang to her side, and sinking upon his knees he raised her head to his lap. "Are you ill, Zehra? Speak to me." The fair girl opened her eyes, and gazed up into Ben Hamed's face. "You are not ill," he uttered, while a ray of hope shot athwart his features. But it was a sel- fish hope, for its opposite was a fear of the king's wrath, and not a love for the girl. "Speak to me, Zehra. You are not ill." "I shall be better when you are gone." "But before I go tell me what the Christian said to you," uttered the alcalde, raising Zehra to a sitting posture, and then starting to his feet, a look of relief breaking over his features as he spoke. "Nothing, nothing," murmured Zehra. "He did!" cried Ben Hamed, at once moved and blinded by the passion he could not curb. "He told you that you were not my child I But he told you a lie 1" Zehra raised herself to the ottoman that stood near her, and then gazed with a steady, burning look into Ben Hamed's face. She remembered how Charles had started when she spoke to him of her doubts, and she now saw more clearly what might be the fears of the man before her, though she was of course deeply puzzled. "Ben IIamed," she said, "you have premised that the Christian has spoken with me. On that point you must rest upon your own surmises; but let me assure you that the idea of my not being your daughter was never breathed to me by other lips than your own; unless, indeed, the language of my poor old nurse might have been construed into that meaning. But that was years ago, and I have almost lost the things she told me." "You are my child," Ben Hlamed said.- "Your old nurse never told you that you were not." "If I am your child, then treat me as. such," returned Zehra, wishing to have the interview closed, and to that end expressing no doubt upon the subject. "I will treat you as such; and more than that, I will teach you that I am a parent, and a pa- rent's authority hall be over you till you feel the stronger power of your husband. You leave not this room again till you leave It for your home in the Alhambra. Whatever may have passed thus far you may keep to yourself if you choose; but you had better not whisper it to other ears than mine. I will' leave you to your rest now, and you may settle the matter with yourself. From this moment a watch is set over you. You will not leave this place till I willit." As Ben Hamed ceased speaking he turned and left the apartment. For some time after he 'had gone Zehra remained upon the low ottoman, but at length she started to her feet. "Between the Christian knight and Ben Ha- med there is some mystery," she said to herself, as she pressed her hand upon her brow. "Upon my soul's happiness I would stake the belief that Ben Hamed' fears Charles of Leon far more than he dares to tell. I saw the movement of fear upon his face when he called that name." As the fair girl sank into her own reflections her lips continued to move, but no sound came forth. Suddenly there came upon her Features a bright, startling ray of light, and under its im- pulse she arose from the ottoman and went to a curiously wrought cabinet that stood in one cor- ner of her apartment. She opened a door, and then drew forth a small drawer, which she took in her hand and carried to where stood the lamp. It was full of trinkets, some of thtm costly and magnificent, while others were simple and unpre- tending. She took out, one after another, the articles that lay uppermost, and laid them upon the stand by the side of the lamp.' At length she reached the article she sought. It was a small golden crucifix. As the rays of the lamp fell upon it, its jewels sparkled with exceeding lustre, and for some moments Zehra gazed silently upon it. "This my nurse gave me, and most assuredly she said it was my mother's," murmured the fair girl. "Yet it is no Moslem bauble. 'Tis the Christian's symbol of the' Saviour that Charles told me of. Was my mother a Chris- tian?" The words fell tremblingly from Zehba's lips, and as she pressed the crucifix to her lips, she sankback upon the ottoman and closed her eyes. "Watch me! watch me 1" she said, as she clasped the cross; " but I tell thee, Ben Hamed, you will need a thousand eyes to watch me as you wish." CHAPTER IX. ABDtALt AGAIN. - "Do you really mean that thing " uttered Pedro Bambing, regarding his master with won- dering looks, "Upon my faith I do," returned the knight. "I believe I speak the truth." "Then God bless us. I'll4helpyou to the last drop of blood I've got." "I don't doubt you, Pedro." "You have no reason to. But now how shall this thing be done?" "It's all arranged. Zehra will be ready to accompany us on the fourth night from this. Our horses are fleet enough, and I will see that a third is procured for her." This conversation was held while the knight and his esquire were returning from their visit to the house of Ben Hamed. They had entered the street that led into the main portion of the city, and their conversation was dropped. "Sir Charles, there's somebody watching us from. the other side of the street," whispered Pedro. The knight turned his head, and he could see, beneath the shadow of the high buildings opposite, some one who appeared to be regarding his movements with more than a passing inter-' est. He quickened his pace-and so did the dusky form opposite. He- slackened his steps- and so did his vis-a-vis. "He's watching us surely," said Pedro. 3 "I think I. know that form," returned the might. And as he spoke he stopped. "- sh l" quickly uttered Pedro. "Are you mad, thus to expose yourself " "There's no danger." i "Yes there is. You don't waht to be known in this disguise. Come." Pedro caught his master by the arm, but he was too late, for the stranger had already started to cross the street. "O Chatls'of Leon," said the muffled man. "San Dominic I that Abdalla again, as I'm a Christian man," said Pedro, as he noticed the features of the new comer. "Abdalla," uttered Charles, "what seek y ou of me" ee y "The Moor's habiliments befit you well," said the Moslem, as he moved nearer to the knight. "And what of that?" "O, nothing, save that they have probably served you well, too." "Perhaps they have. At all events, I' am freer from impertinent curiosity." The knight spoke in a bitter tone, but Abdai4,- seemed no to, notice it. "You are not alone," he said. "So far as secrets are concerned, myself and; esquire are one," returned Charles, guessing at the Moor's meaning. f'" page: 38-39[View Page 38-39] "Then you have been to the dwelling of Ben Hamed." Charles of Leon started, and instinctively his b hand rested upon his sword-hilt. "I mean you no harm," quickly added Ab- dalla, as he noticed the Christian's movement. 1 "Then why do you seek me Why dog my I steps in this way?" "Because I have an interest in your move- X ments. They may affect me much. You have been to Ben Hamed's." "Let your assertion be true or false, what mat- ters it?" "Much to you, and perhaps much to me. Did you see the lady Zehra -" "To tell you the truth, Moor, I cannot but look upon your questions as impertinent. * Why should I tell you what you ask to know?" "Look ye, Charles of Leon, I know enough of your movements already to send you to the exe- cutioner-and let me tell you that our king is not very nice in his distinctions when any one stands in his way. Don't grasp your sword in that fashion, for I assure you there is no need of it. Now tell me-have you not determined to carry Zehra out from Granada " " The Christian knight was astounded. If he had looked upon Abdalla before with curiosity, he now regarded him with a sort of fearful wonder. "Who are you," he uttered, " that would even read my very thoughts ." "I am nothing but what you see. I am poor- er, perhaps, than you imagine, and there is but one man in Granada that dares even call me his friend. One thing more I will tell you, and that is, if you have occasion to fear for your safety in the city, I am even with you there. Did you know your' own vantage you might at this moment place me where Mohammed would find a right speedy death for me. Ah, sir knight, you have nothing to fear from me. Now tell me, have you not found in Zehra one whom you sought?" Charles gazed upon the Moslem, but he did not speak. "Answer me that," urged thl Moor. "And wherefore should I V" "BeCause if you did not know, I could tell you who-ad what she is." "Is she of Moorish blood!" "No.' "Was she born in Granada 1" "No." q . "Then how came she here?"J "She was taken from her father's tent on the bloody field of Almanza." "And were you there?" "Yes. That day the Moslem waded deep in his own blood: but the Christian trembled be- neath the slhok. Yes, I was there, Christian, and I had better have died there. But Allah rules as he pleases, and we must obey." Even Pedro now began to lookupon the Moor with other interest than that of doubt. There was something flank and noble in his manner, and an'air of misfortune surrounded him that was not to be mistaken. Charles of Leon hesitated a few moments ere he spoke, but something told him that the Moor might be trusted. "Since you know so much," he said, "I may tell you what you ask. I do mean to carry-" "- sh!" whispered Pedro, pulling his master by the sleeve. "Don't fear, Pedro," said Charles, gently re- moving his esquire's hand; and then turning to the Moor, he continued: "I do mean to carry Zehra away from the * power of the Granadan king."' "And do you think you will succeed " "I do not mean tcifail." "I am sorry for it," uttered the Moor. "The last hope I'had is crushed." "Ah 1" pronounced Charles, in a prolonged tone. "Will you betray me ." "No, no," quickly returned Abdalla; "Allah t knows I will not do thAt. But perhaps you may D not succeed after all," The last part of the Moor's remark was char- r acterized by a sudden lighting up of strange hope. "t I shall certainly try," said the Christian, eye- d ing his interlocutor with increasing interest. "Mark me, sir knight," the Moslem said, *' I would that the king might drag the maiden to his palace. Start not, for I mean no evil to the fair lady. But let me assure you that Moham- med shall not harm her." "What mean you by harm?" bitterl cried the young knight. "What greater harm could U come to her than that I tell you she wouldrath- er lie down quietly to her death than be the wife of Mohammed." "You mistake me. She may go to the king's palace and yet not be his wife. Tell me,"-and Abdalla's voice sank to a strange whisper as he spoke-"do you not think she would have the courage to kill the king?' Charles recoiled a step before the burning gaze of the Moor. He began to think him bereft of his senses. "Think you not she would do it?" repeated Abdalla. "No. I believe she would not." "There's one there who would. The mother of the prince will not see another wife brought to supersede her. Emina has been faithful, and she will not brook the coming of a younger and more beautiful wife. I. thank you that you have told me of your plans, for I was anxious to learn of them, and though I can but hope you may not succeed as you have planned, yet I will pray for Zehra's welfare, and, I swear to you that I will not betray you. Our meeting upon the road- side was an accident; but when you told me your name, and when I saw by your escutcheon who you were, I knew the business upon which you had come. Be careful how you conduct that business, for there may be obstacles you will not so easily surmount. This is not the strange meeting to which I alluded when last I saw you. That meeting may yet take place." At this moment footsteps were heard approach- ing the spot, and Abdalla quickly recr6ssed the street, and glided away into the darkness of a narrow passage that led off towards the eastern part of the city. The Christians drew their mantles more closely about them as they noticed strangers coming towards them; but they passed on without stopping. After Charles reached his hotel, Pedro tried to persuade him that he had dome a very foolish thing, but the knight would not own it. "He's a spy, I'm sure of it," said Pedro, with I an unusual degree of perseverance. "I think not," answered Charles. "Then who, or what is he i" "I don't know any more than he told me to. r night." - "And that wasn't a very clear account, by v any means," said the esquire, in a decided tone. n "As clear as could be expected from one in his-situation. He evidently has occasion to fer for his own safety." t "Now don't be offended, sir Charles, if I tell you just what I think." "By no means, Pedro-you are privileged," returned Charles, with a smile. "Then you are not so wise as you ought to be. Now just look at your transactions with that Moor. You told him all he wanted to know, and what did you get from him in return? Noth- ing, only that he hoped you wouldn't succeed I You betrayed your every secret to him-gave him full power over you, and in return you don't even know where to look for him. You don't know who he is, what his business is, nbr what his character is. You shouldn't have trusted him." "What you say is all very well, Pedro, but your conclusions are not warrantable. To be sure I learned but very little of the strange Mos- lem; but yet I feel sure that he is to be trusted. It is not my disposition to doubt every one I see." "Let me tell you, my master, that I have a safe rule for that matter. When I an among friends I doubt no one till he proves himself treacherous; but when I am among enemies I doubt every one whoni I do not know." "Well, Pedro, your rule is a good one, I must admit 'but I will be responsible for all evil re- sults. It is late now." , Pedro took the hint, and without further re- mark he turned towards his own room, which was only separated from his master's by a single door;. but as he went his countenance showed plainly that he was not at all satisfied with what had transpired. It cannot'be said that the knight himself felt perfectly free from apprehension, and before ho retired to his couch he had wished that he had not told to Abdalla all that he had so fully re sealed. But it was too late to cherish regrets now. page: 40-41[View Page 40-41] CHAPTER X. T'HR FLIGHT AND THE BATTLE. ON the next morning Charles of Leon walk- ed out towards the river Xenil, where he knew there were large pastures, for the purpose of seek- ing a horse. In the suburbs of the city he found plenty of horse dealers, and ere long he was in full tide of barter. He found a horse that auited him exactly. The animal was an Arabian, del- icately built, but yet strong and enduring of muscle. He was of , grayish colo, rather light. er than ordinary for such a color, however; and having tried his speed, Charles determined to buy hih. The price was exorbitant, but the knight was soon satisfied that the owner meant just what he said, so he drew forth his purse and counted out the sum. Charles sprang upon the back of his new pur- chase, and as he rode back to the city he felt perfectly satisfied with his bargain. The ani- mal was kind and easy to manage, and he be- trayed no dislike to his change of masters. The horses were now ready; Charles had ma- tured in his own mind the plans he was to follow, and the hours draggo slowly, heavily away while he waited for the moment that was to ,place Zehra in his possession. * * It was a darknight-dark becauseit was moon- less-but yet not dark enough to be gloomy, for there were stars peeping down upon the earth. tharles of Leon and his esquire rode out from the city to the northward, and at a suitable place, where grew a thick grove of oaks, they fastened their horses, Pedro having led the third horse by the bridle. The night was dressed in his full armor of mail, and Pedro was likewise armed as if for battle. After the horses were secured, Charles and his companion started off on foot, and having retraced their steps a distance of some fifty rods, they turned from the road and took the way to- wards a grove that-lay at the foot of a gentle hill. Here they stopped to await the coming of Zehra, for it was here that she had agreed to meet her lover. It had been her own choice that he should not come to Ben Hamed's garden, for there was danger in such a course, and it could have been no aid to her. While the knight was thus waiting, the gentle Zehra was preparing to meet him. A watch had been set upon her movements, but she had con- trived to outwit her guardian. One of the al- calde's female slaves had been placed to over- look Zehra's motions, but the simple creature now lay as quiet as an infant beneath the effects of a strong sleeping potion, and her young mis- tress had nothing to fear from her. Such trinkets as the fair girl wished to retain- she had secured, and the jewelled crucifix she had hung about her neck by the small golden * chain that was attached to it. A strong cora she had made of her useless garments, and by this she easily let herself down from her window into the garden below. After she was safe upon the ground, she waited a single moment to assure herself that no one wad moving near her, and then drawing her mantle up over her head, she glided swiftly away. With rapid steps Zehra hastened on. The garden wall offered her no impediment, and she was soon flying along through the gloom far, beyond Ben Hamed's grounds. She thought riot of the danger she was to meet, but she only thought of the misery she was leaving behind. if she had a fear, it was that she might not find her lover at his post; but this was soon set-at rest; for as she drew near the grove where she had promised to meet him, she heard her name pronounced by a voice she could not mistake. "Zehra." "It is Zehra," returned the fugitive, as she sank into the knight's arms. "God be praised! You are not weak, dearest?" "No, no-I am strong." "Then let us hasten. Lead the way, Pe- dro, and have the horses ready." As the knight spoke he drew the arm of Zehra within his own, and hastened on to the spot where the horses had been left. "You do not regret this step?" he whispered, as he gained the road. "No-I am happy.' "You shall always be so." "And you shall make me so," said Zehra. "Yes, fair girl-ever. O, there's joy for you in Leon. You shall find friends there you know not of. This heart of mine opened for you l when first I saw you, ut I knew not then how 1 much I might love you-I knew not then how near, as well as dear, you were." "Near?" repeated Zehra. "Yes. There's no Moorish blood in your veins." "O, I am sure there is not." "Nor is the Moslem's kingdom your home," s said Charles. "Do you know whence I came? Do you know where my home of birth is '" a "Yes. In Leon. Come-here are the horses." "We must make all haste," said Pedro, as he led out the horse his master had bought for Zeh- t ra, "for in less than an hour the moon will t be up." "And that ti me shall place us far from here," returned Charles. "Come, Zehra, let me assist you to your seat. T The animal I have procured is kind, and if ne- r cessity calls he can be fleet of foot. There, sit i firmly inyour place, now, and .draw the rein without fear." "I shall not fail," returned the fair girl; as she pressed her foot firmly into the stirrup. "The prize to be won will give tme new strength.", "You, Pedro, will ride behind," said the knight, as he vaulted into his saddle; "and look well for the approach of danger. Let your ears be open. If we but keep the road, the hors- es will look out for the stumbling-blocks. Come, my faithful steed, bear me now from danger." The noble horse seemed to comprehend his master's words, for he pricked up his ears and pawed eagerly upon the ground. -Charles of Leon satisfied himself that Zehra was safely seated, and then he gave the signal for starting. "Give your horse the reins," said- Zehra, as soon as she found how easily she rode. "Fear not for me. I shall sit firmly." The knight could not see the girl's features plainly, but he could tell by her voice that Ahe was anxious, and he allowed his steed to go on as fast as he chose, wjile the fleet Arabian easily kept close at his side. The road was good, and though the way was dark, yet the horses sped on' without hin. drance. In half. an hour the Guadix had been crossed, and, as the bridge was cleared, Charles waited for Pedro to come up. "Ho, Pedro-will we takhthe way we came?" 'asked the knight. There was a road that led directly on to the northward, but it will be remembered that when Charles came' to Granada, he opened upon the river some distance further to the eastward., "This road will carry us on .to Jaen, where we'd better not go," answered Pedro, as he rein. ed up his horse. "Lett us take the old route. We can leave El Ajo to the right, and cross the Guadalquivir on the borders of Andalusia." "Right, Pedro-right. We must reach the stronghold of St. Lorenzo in the morning, and there we shall be safe." Again the horses were put forward, Pedro 'falling back into the rea. Charles followed'the bank of the river down flt he came to the road he sought, and here he turned off. The dis- tance of a mile through a thick wood opened in- to a wiide, cultivated plaip, and as. they entered upon this the horses were urged somewhat. "S*," said Zebra, as she pointed to where the , page: 42-43[View Page 42-43] eastern heavens were growing red, " thy moon is rising. We shall soon have a lighter path." "And -yet I should choose a dark one," re- turned the knight. "Is not that another wood ahead ." the girl asked, as she saw the dark line that bounded the plain to the northward. "Yes, and it is the last we shall have to shel- ter us till we cross the Guadalquivir." "I think there will be no danger," Zehra said, in a hopeful tone. "Perhaps there may not be. Let your horse have his rein-keep firm in your seat-the way is smooth and clear." Faster went the lover and his lady over the plain, and half the distance had been passed, when the knight thought he heard a horse coming after him. He turned his head, and ere long Pedro came galloping furiously up. "On I on!" cried Pedro, as he dashed along- side "There arehorses in our rear!" "Pursuers?" uttered Charles. "Yes-they must be. I heard their horses' hoofs thundering upon the bridge, and they must have followed us on our route." "O, then let us flee!" cried Zebra, in accents of terror. "I can ride upon the very wind with- out danger." "Then on it-is," shouted the knight, as he sank his spurs into his horse's flank. The beast sprang forward, and Zebra's Ara-w bian kept lightly up. The wood was gained, and its deep shade gave the riders an instinctive feeling of security. Of one thing Charles soon became convinced, and that was, that his own horse was no match for the Arabian. He knew that his faithful charger, though strong and pow- 'erful, was now going at the top of his speed, while it was evident at a single glance that Zeh- ra's horse was scarcely straining a muscle. The thought gave him a sudden uneasiness, for he knew that there were imany of those lithe-limbed beasts in Granada, and it would be hard to dis- tance them. When the wood was cleared, the open country beyond was bathed in moonlight, and for a mo- ment Charles of Leon hesitated. ' "On on!" shoutV Pedro. "They have. entered the wood." The knight had thought of concealment, but the idea passed quickly away. "They gain apon us," cried Pedro. "We can gain the steep pass of El Ajo before they overtake us," returned the esquire.. "God grant that we may!" uttered Charles. "Fear not, Zehra, we are safeyet." The maiden spoke not, but she grasped her rein with a firmer hold and urged her horse on. She sat like a rock in her seat, with no fear save of those behind her. "They have cleared the wood," cried Pedro. Charles turned his head, and he could' see the pursuers, and he could see their shields, too, as they glistened in the moonbeams. "Can you count them a" he asked of Pedro. "Yes-there are six of them; but I am sure there were more than six of them crossed the bridge, for I heard their horses' tramp, and there must have been a score, at least." "Cheer up, sweet Zebra," said the young Christian, as he noticed thatshe trembled. "Six of the Moors are nothing to me if I can but reach the El Ajo pass. There I would face a score of them." The pass to which allusion was made was some eight miles distant, and with the hopes of reaching it the knight urged his horse to the top of his speed. Pedro now kept closely behind, and ever and anon he cast his eyes back to see how came on the pursuers. The moon had risen clear and bright, and her' "ound, full face threw down a flood of light upon the plain-a light so glaring that Charles almost fancied the sun had grown craty, and rushed untimely to his rising. He could see that Zebra looked anxious--that her face was pale, and as he looked upon her he felt his muscles grow stronger, and his heart grow bigger with love and daring. Before two thirds of the distance to the pass had been gained, the tramp of ihe' pursuing horses could be heard. They sounded fearfully distinct, and Charles counl hear how quick they were. ' "They are upon us!" uttered Zebra. ' O! Heaven save us 1" "There's hope yet, dearest," cried Charles, assuming a cheerful tone. "If we can but hold out a few minutes longer. I can see the rocky crags now. On, on, Zebra O, there's hope yet." "Heaven defend me!" "Heaven will aid me, and I will defend you. Fear not while this arm holds its strength." "And if that arm should fail I O, that would be more dreadful still." Zebra spoke again, but the clatter of the horses' hoofs drowned her voice. "On! on! One push more!" shouted Pedro, from behind. That push was given, and the reeking horses entered the pass. It was a narrow defile, not over six feet wide, flanked on either side by high and almost perpendicular cliffs, and some hundred feet long. It was a natural notchthrough a spur of the Alpujarras, and a passage other thaz through this could not be made except by going six miles further to the westward. The moment that Charles cleared the pass he rined up his horse and stopped. "Pedro," he said, "push on with Zehra." "And you, sir (Charles," uttered the esquire, as he pulled in his horse. "I will stop and cut off the pursuit. Go, now.", 9. "But I must remain by your side." "No, no. In C(od's name I order you to push on. I can hold them at bay till you have escaped., On! on! Keep the road to Saint Lorenzo, and I will overtake you. Not another word. Go, now. Fear not for me, Zehra. My love for you shall keep me whole. Go with my man, and I will see you again." "But this is-" "On, Pedro, and obey me!" shouted. the knight, in a tone that was not to be disobeyed. "They are already upon us. In God's name, on. If I fall, you will know what to do; but I will not fall. Sink your rowels deeply in." It was with a dubious look that Pedro obeyed, but he knew there was no time for further replyA and he set off. "God bless you!" uttered Charles, as he pressed the hand of Zehra to his lips. "There- now follow my esquire." As the maiden's horse dashed off, the pursuers were almost up to the pass. The knight loosened' his shield from its rest, and then drawing his trusty sword, he started back into the narrow notch. On came the Moors, but only two could enter abreast, and even at that they were rather pinched for room. "Out of the way l" cried a voice, which Charles at once recognized as the alcalde's. "Back, or I'll ride you down!" "You'll ride down a dead man, then," re- turned the knight. a' Charles of Leon, by Allah l" exclaimedBen Hamed. "This for thy carcase, Christian dog "' Charles slightly backed -as the alcalde came furiously on, and the latter received the worst of the shock. The Christian caught the blow of , the sword that was aimed at him upon his' shield, While his own had only leen thrust straight for- ward, so that Ben H[amed received its point in his side without seeing it. Theshock, the glanc- ing of his own weapon from the' ChriStian's shield, and the 'deep wound in the Side, 'were sufficient to throw the alcalde upon the ground, while Charles allowed the riderless horse to dash on by him. - Pedro had miscounted the pursuers, for Ben Hamdd had but four followers; but it made but little difference, for only 'two could, come forward at a time, and even then at a disadvan- tage. At the present moment the' Moos were puzzled, for their leader lay directly in their way. Ben Hamed soon gained his feet, but it was only to be knocked down by the horse of one of Ms own men. HeI fell upon one side of the pass, however, and the foremost Moor pushed by him. It was not very light in the notch, but yet things could be distinctly seen in outline, and the Christian was prepared for the onset. Hee met the coming Moor, and at the fourth pass his sword found the Moslem's bosom. Two of the Moors had dismounted and were dragging their leader out from the pass, while the remaining one saw his companion fall, and then sprang forward to avenge him. Thus did Charles of Leon take his enemies one at a time, and those who knew him would not have won- dered that he conquered. His present opposer held him a smart fight, but his good sword failed him not, and ere long the second Moslem lay dead upon the cold, rocky path. The most severe trial was yet to come; for no sooner had the two Moors seen Ben Hamed safe at the other end of the pass,than they sprang back into their saddles qnd made at the Christian. "Give way, dog 1" cried one of them. "Not while I live," returned Charles. Charles of Leon received both of their blows without harm-one upon his shield, and the other upon his mailed shoulder. The Christian had one advantage; his triple mail shielded him against all slashing, cutting blows, while his op. ponents wore only single breastplates. The clang, of swords was sharp and fierce; once the Christian got a prick in the right thigh, but the man that gave him the thrust fell fro&d his horse on the next moment, with his head half severed from his body. The remaining Moor soon cried for quarter and Charles let his point fall. % ' * page: 44-45[View Page 44-45] "Back, then," the Christian cried. "Let fall your sword!" The Moslem dropped his weapon and backed quickly from the pass. "Hep me to my horse," faintly groaned Ben Handed, who had raised himself upon his elbow. "Help the poor alcalde," said Charles. "Christian dog 1" exclaimed the fallen Mos- lem, "you have not yet escaped. Yengeaice shall yet be mine." Rail on, poor fool-then goand find another wife for your king." The alcalde was lifted to the back of one of the horses, and with much difficulty he managed to grasp the reins. "Don't be too confident," he uttered, at the same time cringing with pain. "You may yet wonder to find who is the fool!" As the alcalde spoke he made a motion to his companion, who had remounted his horse, and they both started off. Charles of Leon turned back and instinctively he stopped to gaze upon those whom he had slain. He could just see the glistening of their breastplates; and he guided his horse carefully over the bodies. "Does Ben Hamed speak with reason?" he uttered to himself, as he thrust his sword back into its scabbard. " ' I shall wonder to find who is the fool ' By heavens! if there be danger ahead 1" The knight's exclamation was cut short by the clatter of horses' hoofs. He quickly drew his sword again, and with much misgiving he set himself on his guard. It was a single horse- man, coming from the northward, and as the clatter grew more distinct a variety of fears in traded themselves upon the ikight's mind. i CHAPTER XI. "OST. CHARLES OF L;ON drew farther back into the pass as the horseman approached, but ere long ie discovered that he had no personal danger to fear, for he recognized in the horseman who was coming towards him his own esquire. This dis. covery, however, was far from setting the knight's mind at rest. "Gads my life I Sir Charles, are you safe!" was Pedro's exclamation, as he drew in his rein. "Yes, yes. But why are you here!" "To help my master. Eh what's'that in the pass " ' Three of the Moors are there " "And where are the other three V" *"There were but two more. You made a mistake in your count. One of them-the al. calde-has gone back to be cured of his bruises and the other has gone to help him." "San Dominic, but my master's sword is as good as ever." "But Zehra-where have you left her?" "At the edge of the small wood just over yon- der hill." "Pedro, you should not have left her alone." "But how could I help it? I feared that you might be worsted. I could not rest easy while I knew you were in danger." , "And yet, Pedro, you should not have left Zehra. I told you not to." 3' "There can be no danger, for I left her in a safe place, and she promised not to move till I returned," urged Pedro, as he noticed that his master was sorely troubled by what had hap, pened. "You should not have left her." "She told me to seek you." "And yet you should have known better than to have disobeyed my injunctions," continued the knight. "If danger comes of this I shall blame,you, Pedro. Ben Hamed spoke triumph- antly as he rode away, and I think he had rea- son for it. Those who crossed the bridge, and came not with the alcilde, may have gone an- other way. 01 I wish you had kept on. Now haste thee. Sink your rowels deeply." Pedro's horse was tired, but yet he galloped off abreast of the knight's beast without fal- tering. Charles of Leon was moved by a fearful sus- picion as he urged his steed onward. From what Pedro had said he felt sure that more horsemen had crossed the Guadix bridge than had met him at the El Ajo pass. He knew, too, that there were many paths that led from the road he was on across to the Jaen highway. "On 1 on!" he cried, as the fear began,to form more tangiblyin his mind. "A thousand pis- page: 46-47[View Page 46-47] toles if we find her safe. Bear up your horse, Pedro." The hill was topped, and Pedro pointed out the wood-where he had left Zehra. "I see her not," said Charles. "Because she has hidden among the foliage." "But she would'surely come forth when she heard our coming." Pedro made no reply, for he began to have misgivings in his own mind; At length the wood was reached, and the knight sprang from his horse. He called the name of Zehra, but he gained no answer. He pushed his way among the trees, but he could see no horse-no Zehra. He called again, and then he listened, but he heard nothing save the sighing of the breeze as- it stopped to daily with the aspen leaves that hung above him. "She's not here," he uttered, as he met Pedro at the further extremity of the copse. "No," tremblingly returned the esquire. "She may have ridden on." "She would not have done it alone." The two men retraced their steps to where the horses stood. "'Twas here I left her," said Pedro, "and here she promised to remain." "O if she be lost!" "Wait, Sir Charles. I will see if I can find the marks of her horse's feet." As Pedro spoke he sprang to the edge of the wood and sank upon his hands and knees. "Here are the tracks," he said, as he moved along in a northerly direction. "And here she stopped," be continued, as he had. moved along some two rods. "San JagoI but here's an- other!" "Another what?" cried Charles, springing to the spot. "The tracks of another horse, And another too I And yet another! O do not curse me, my master-do not. But she's gone!" "Gone!" echoed Charles, in tones of such keen anguish that his esquire started with new affright. "God defend me." "O, forgive me, sir Charles-forgive me '" Pedro cried, as he sank upon his knees again and clasped his hands together. "I know you meant me well, Pedro." "Yes. It was my love. for you that overcame my judgment." " forgive you, Pedro. And now'let us-" "God of heaven! what was that?" As the esquire uttered this exclamation the knight's noble steed reared with a loud snort, and then with one fearful plunge he sank quivering upon the turf. Charles sprang to the side of his horse, and found that a javelin had pierced his neck in an angular direction and entered teb vitals. "We are surrounded!" shouted Pedro.- "Mount my horse and flee." Charles of Leon made no reply, but draw- ing his sword he turned towards the direction from whence the javelin must havb been thrown, and he saw a man at a short distance off, while several horsemen were coming around the east- ern sweep of the hill he had pa3sed. 'here were nearly a, score of them soon came in sight, and he who had thrown the javelin called loudly for them to hasten up. "Mount my horse and flee,' cried Pedro. "'We cannot give them battle." "One of us must be left to fight," calmly re- turned the knight. "Will you not mount?" "No." ' Then I wilMJ Don't fight them, sir Charles, but surrender. ' As Pedro spoke he leaped into his saddle, and putting spurs to his horse he dashed off through the little wood. The Moors leaped their horses into the road in a moment afterwards,' and surrounded the Christian knight. "Never mind the servant," cried one who seemed to be the Moslem leader.- "Let him go. This is the man we want. Surrender thou Christian dog I Down with that sword of thine!" Charles of Leon hesitated. His sword seem- ed anxious for work, but the odds were too fear- ful. Hle on foot against a score of armed men and mounted-it was madness. With a heavy heart he thrust his sword back into its scab- bard, and thed folded his arms across his breast. "Where is the maiden?' he instinctively ask- ed, as half a dozen of the Moors laid their hands upon him. "She is safe. By Allah, but you must have thought Granada a city of dolts, if you expected to get clear with such a prize." Charles felt sure that Zehra was in custody, and he felt for the time that he would rather be a prisoner than be free. With the hope that ardent desire sometimes inspires, the Christian looked ahead to victory yet. The light of his- vision must have been an emanation from his own imagination, for no circumstances about him then could have aided him to his hope. After the knight's hands had been secured, a horse was led up upon which to mount him, and at the first glance he recognized the light Ara- bian he had bought for Zehra.- He was placed upon the animal's back, then secured in his seat, and in a few moments more the whole party were mounted. Several of the Moors still persisted in pursuing Pedro, but their leader said no.. "Let the coward go; we want nothing of him worth the trouble of getting him. By my faith, sir Christian, your man shows but little love for you, to gallop off and leave you alone." Charles remained silent beneath the taunt, for he could not help thinking for himself that Pedro had acted the coward. But other thoughts of more moment forced themselves upon the mind, and he grew more dejected. It was evident to our hero that the party that had captured him had kept the Jaen road from the bridge, and crossed over beyond the wood to the way they were now in. This had been'his fear when he met Pedro at the El Ajo pass. The Moors, with their prisoner, passed over the hill, and took their way back as Charles had come. At the top of the elevation the knight looked down, and at the' foot he saw a small party of horsemen waiting. With one of them he saw a female. He knew it was Zehra, and at that moment he would have drawn his sword against the host that surrounded him, bat the bands'pressed hard upon his wrists, and h could only groan in his anguish. When the captors of the knight reached the foot of the hill, their leader called for the other party-only three in number-to ride on ahead. Charles could see Zehra's pale features, and from the manner in which she reclined upon the stout s form of the man with whom she rode, she seem- t ed to have fainted. "By the great God of heaven, Granada shall a tremble for this!" uttered Charles of Leon, as i Zehra was lost to his sight. - The Moslem leader only laughed. i "Your city shall smoke in ruins, and your ;, blood shall flow likewater." e "Will you do all this?" "Leon and Castile shall do it." "You will not tell them the tale!" said the I Moor. Charles knew the meaning of those words, but r he felt not the dread that might have been ex- pected, for he could not believe that Mohammed r would dare to kill him. He did not know the. ) Moslem king I f When those who rode ahead reached the El , 'Ajo pass they stopped. The others soon came up, and not a little astonishment was expressed t at the sight of the three dead Moors. "What is this V" cried the chief, as he bent over his saddle-bow and gazed down upon the corses. "That is the mark of my hand," said Charles. "ButBen Hamed is not here." "No-I sent him back to Qriada to get back the blood he lost. I gave him his pitiful life, and I spared him a companion, too." The Moor gazed a moment into the face of the Christian, and then ho said, while he gather. ed his reins: "The vultures of the Alpujarras shall have one meal from Christian flesh!" Charles of Leon shuddered; but soon he was calm again, and defianed rested upon his brow. The Moslem dead were left where they lay, and again the party set forward. Zehra was borne on in advance, as before, while the Chris- tian was surrounded more closely by his captors., page: 48-49[View Page 48-49] CHAPTER XII. THB MEETING IN PRISON. "THERE'S more in your bosom than you will confess, but, by Allah, it shall be dragged from you!", This was spoken by Mohammed, as the Chris- tian knight of Leon stood bound beforehim. At a short, distance Ben Hamed stood, supported by two attendants. He was weak from pain and the loss of blood, but his soul'seemed strong with deadly passion. "You had better beware how you carry out your threats," was the Christian's answer. "I have nothing to tell you save that which you know." "And I know enough to cause the death of a score like you. By the sword of the Prophet, Christian cur, your head is not worth the half of revenge . owe you. Three of my knights lie dead by your hand, and you would have snatched away my bride. Away with him to prison!" "Not yet, sire," interposed Ben Hamed. "Let the dog die now." "Away with him to prison. He shall die soon enough," "Let it be now," urged the alcalde. "He is ' dangerous while alive." '* No," thundered the king, springing from his seat and striking his hands together. "His death shall grace my nuptial day, and then your fair daughter shall see his gory head 1 I'll make her a present oflit, and if she love him as she seems, 'twill be a right glorious nuptial present. Away with him, and bid Tarik that he look well to his safety." The cords that bound the Christian, knight were strong, but they came nigh bursting while the king spoke. The young man felt his tem- ples throb and his throat swell, but he had no power of utterance. The king's officers took him by the arm to lead him away, and without a word he turned from the royal presence. In an hour from that time Charles of Leon was delivered up at the prison of Granada. Tarik, the jailer, received him from the hands of the officers, and took him away. It was not a subterranean dungeon to which Charles was conducted, but a strong, vaulted room on the second floor of the prison. The Walls were' of solid stone-so were the floor and the vaulted roof. It was. early morning, and the light came in through a small loop-hole situated ome eight feet from the floor. In the centre'of the room there was a 'stone bench, and lear it a stout iron bolt. An attend- ant had followed Tarik with chains, and ere long our hero 'was securely fastened by a shackle upon each ankle, to whicl was affixed a chain that was bolted'to the ring in the pavement. Manacles were placed upon the knight's wrists, and when all was completed tarik sent his assis- taut away. "You've fallen into rough hands, sir knight," said the jailor, as he arose from his work. Charles looked upon the stout form of the old man-for the jailor was old-and painful shadow flitted across his face. "'I do not mean that I am rough," Tarik ad- ded, " though my calling is not by any means a gentle one; but I think the king means you little good." "The king will not dare to take my life," ut- tered the knight. "Don't be too sure of that. I have had younger men than yourself come here by the king's orders, and--" "do on," said Charles. "They never went forth to the world again.' The young Christian shuddered. "My orders with regard to yourself are not very strict, save that my own life is in peril for your safe keeping. If you want any delicacies, and have the means to purchase them, you can be gratified:" , "I am thankful for your kindness, but I knor of nothing rnow that I wish which it is in your power to give." "How is it with yourfood 1' "Cive me the best you can. I have money to pay for it. I may not have long to live, but let me live well while life lasts." "' You shall be gratified," said' arik, and then he turned and left the room, locking the heavy door after him. Charles of Leon was alone in a Moorish pris- on I The dread sentence of death, pronounced by a remorseless tyrant, hung over himl A stout heart can be made to tremble in chains, and a proud spirit can be quailed in a strong dungeon. What ray of hope was there for the Christian . Only such as every strongman feels while life lasts--a hope in eCa8ce. Of one thing Charles flt assured; and that was, that the jakind hearted man, and this single rga gave him some balm for his The da passed, and Charles had food brought to him twice. It was of a quality as good as he could have desired, though the man who brought it had no word to say with regard to payment. On the next morning, as Charles of Leon was eating the meal that had been brought to him, the door of his prison was opened. "Go in," said Tarik, "but remember, yon will only have half an hour." Charles looked up as a stranger entered the cell. ," Charles of Leon, this is a strange meeting!" "Abdalll " uttered the knight, rising to his feet. f "Yes, hristian, you see me noW as I feared we both should be. These irons are less heavy than stout armor, but not so beautiful to the eye." The Moor Was manacled, and his ankles were chained together but yet he could shuffle along very slowly without much difficulty. "What brings you here?" asked Charles. "The same that brought you. The king." "But wherefore?" "That I cannot so readily tell. Officers have been watching me for a long time. Perhaps Mohammed fears me." "When were you brought?". "Do you remember when last I saw you in the street?" "Yes," "Before the sun rose again I was a prisoner." "But have you committed no crime " "Not more than you have." '"You are a rebel, perhaps." "Aha! Yes--I have rebelled, and there's rebellion in my heart now. But tell me of Zehra. Is she in the sower of Mohammed?" Charles started, and raised his manacled hands to his brow. "Yes, yes," he uttered, as he sank down upon, his seat. "Not in the palace yet? Not yethis wife?" cried Abdalla. "No; but yet in his power. Ben Hamed keeps her yet." "When will Mohammed take her to himself" 'The knight gazed sadly up into the Moor's fjac, his lip quivered as he replied; "I only know that on the day that sees Zehra the wife of Mohammed I am to die." "Ah!" "Yes. So the king hath said." For some moments Abdalla stobd in a thought. ful silence, and Charles could see that there was painful thought' at work in his bosom. At length he said: "If you die not till then,'I fear you will suffer more than death." The knight looked puzzled. "In such a case," continued the Moor, "I page: 50-51[View Page 50-51] think you will be doomed to drag out an eternal existence on this weary earth." "Wat -meaning have you new?"Charles exclaimed, springing again to his feet, and reach- ing his hand towards the Moor. "My meaning is plain," returned Abdalla. "Zehra is not likely to become the wife of the king. Do not look surprised. I sought you now to know if she had beet brought back, and though you tell me she has, and that Mohammed means to nake her his wife, yet I feel assured that such will never be the case. I think the maiden herself will resist, and I know that Emina will not be easily overcome." "It can make but little difference to me," said Charles. "Of course I could die happier if I knew that Zehra would be free from the tyrant's power; but I must die at all events." "You are not dead yet, and something tells me that if you die by Mohammed's hand, I shall keep you company.' Yet I have a hope of life, and the same ground that founds my hope may found a hope for you." The Christian knight looked into the face of the Moor, and the longer he looked the more he became puzzled. For the time he forgot the prison he was in, and the doom that hung over him. "Abdalla," he. said, as he once more sat down upon his stone bench, "tell me who' and what you are?" "I am a prisoner like yourself." "But I would know more than that." "I have no more to tell." "You trifle with me." "I should trifle with myself, were I to tell you more. I am under knightly oath to keep all you have not already heard." "Then tell me the ground of your hope of escape." "Even there you must let me hope for you. Tiink me not unkind, Charles of Leon, but I cannot tell you more. 'Tis strange our destinies should thus run together. You a Christian-- a Moor. Yet, sir knight, that'gentle maiden-the fair Zhera-unwittingly holds both our destinies in her hands." "Hold, Moorl," uttered Charles, as Abdalla moved as if to turn away, "you are some kin of Zehra's." "She is a Christian by birth." "I know it." ". am a& )oor." Charles of Leon looked half dowhtingly upon his companion. "Which part' of. my assertion puzzles you?" asked Abdalla, with a smile. "That you are a Moor." "Ah. And where runs suspicion now?" "I know not; but yet I doubt if you be a Moor." "Do not my form and features show it?" "Forms and features are accommodating." "But my complexion." "I have seen you'disguised." "That was to escape detection. I, too, have seen you disguised." "Only in garb." Abdalla smiled. At this moment Tarik opened the door. "Abdalla, your time is up." "Take courage," whispered the Moor. . "If I live you shall live, too-provided Mohammed does not change his mind and put you to the block before his marriage." "Come," repeated Tarik. Again Charles of Leon was left alone; but he had more food for reflection than' before. He did really doubt whether the strange man who had just left him was a Moor. But when that doubt was entertained he was no nearer to a so. lution of the mystery than before. He had only tangled the intricate web into a knot more tena- cious than ever, and he had to satisfy himself to let circumstances untie it. ,*i CHAPTER XIII. THUI tEARtt'8 SACRIFItCE. , t N DAYs had been passing away, and a week tad elapsed since Zehra was arrested in her flight and brought back to the house of Ben Hamed. She had been sick--very sick, and at times she had almost lost herself it the delirium of her misery and disappointment. It was well for the maiden that she had seen one whom she had really loved, or her own hand might have put a stop to the tide of earthly affairs; but the iove that had been kindled inr her bosom .had left a spark of light, so the darkness was not so utter as before. That generous spark gave her life, and while all else of earth was gloomy and un- promising, she could turn to that and feel that even for her there might be somewhat of joy- joy in memory if in nothing else. She had loved, and she had been loved in return. Her heart entered upon its gentle mission, the le r soul's affections had richly blos- hough they might now be crushed tyranny, yet they shed a fragrance q "F sorrow was as deep as before, but norklee' ; her misery was as much, but not so keen; she had a joy mingled in her life-cup. Ben Hamed entered her room and ordered the attendant to withdraw. He was still weak from the effects of the wounds he had received at the handsof the Christian knight, and his counten- ance showed that he had endured much suffering. J Zehra," he said, as he sank down upon the ottoman, "your strange freak of disobedience had well nigh caused the death of both of us; but I can almost forgive you since I know that the Christian seduced you away." "Lay not the charge to himn" uttered the maiden, with much energy. "It' was no work of his. If you would Attach blame to the act, then know that the blame is mine. Charles of Leon would only have saved me-" "Stop, Zelba. Let not the king hear you speak thus, for I have assured him that by false words and foul devices the Christian did beguile thee. The king is willing to believe this out of his love for thee, and woe be to you and me if he learns to the contrary.". "Why should you tell Mohiamined'this?" "For your own good. ' You are not yet wholly lost, for the king can yet be kind to thee if you but cross him not again, and he believes not that you have been willingly false to him." "'False to him! 0. wretchedness I Why not accuse me of being false to Mahound's satan 1" Ben Hamed started back aghast. "Zehra," he said, " your brain is turned. This speech comes not from thyself." "It comes from what you have made me. i meait no disrespect to the Prophet." "But you meant disrespect to the king." page: 52-53[View Page 52-53] "Yes; for I loathe him." "Lethim not know of it. Beware how you breathe such a thought to him. He will not brook it. O, curse the day that brought the Christian dog to Granada. But he shall rue it, though." "You will not dare to harm him." "Whom?" "Charles of Leon." "Not dare? He dies the death 1" "O,no! no 1" "He does 1" "No! no I He shall not die!" "Mohammed has sworn it." Zchra started to her feet and gazed wildly into Ben Hamed's face. "Do you mean this thing?" she-uttered, in a hoarse whisper. "J)o Jou mean that the king will kill Charles ofLeon X" "Yes." "Then listen." The maiden raised herself to her full height, and gazed steadily upon 'the alcalde. Her eyes burned with an intense fire, and her every feature told of the fearful struggle that was working within. "Listen," she said. "If Charles of Leon dies by order of the king, then I, too, will bid farewell to earth I Tell the king this; and tell him, too, thatZehra will not faith in her promiise." Ben tiamed was awe struck by the appearance of the noble-hearted girl. He could not compre- hend the soul tiat gave birth to such a spirit, but yet he could not entirely escape its magic power. "You'are surely wild," he at length said; but he spoke -half unconsciously as he still gazed upon the girl. "1 am calm, Ben lamed-calm. As calm as the fearful stillness that follows the dread quaking of earth after cities have been swallowed up by the gaping entid!" I Ben blamed instinctively moved farther away from the speaker. her eyes seemed to burn him, and he trembled as he met her look. to tell this to Mohammed; and then tell him that his people will love him better when they have gazed upon the cold corses of his victims." "Hush, my child. Go seek your rest. Your sufferings have made you mad. Mohammed shall wait till you are better. Go to your couch." "Ben blamed, you mistake me. I am not mad, but I speak soberly and as I feel." v Hush. Sit thee down, Zefra. I know you are wild and unconscious. You wil be better ere long." "'Ah, sir, you know me not. There is no frenzy here-nought but earnest truth."' "I'1 not believe it. You would not throw away your life. It is not natural for one to whom the future holds out such inducements." Zehra covered her face with her hands, and sank back upon her seat. She knew that she. could die with her (hristian lover, but when the thought came upon her of how much happier she could be to live with him on earth, she felt a degree of sadness that overcame her. "I will'tell Mohammed to wait," added Ben Hamed. "I will tell him that you are ill."' "Wait 1" repeated Zehra. "Yes, for he is anxious about you."' "And how is he anxious?" the maiden asked, in a low, whispering tone. "For your welfare." "He wants me at the Alhambra." "Yes-.as soon as you are well." "Then Heaven grant that health may never know me again on earth." "That is a foolish prayer, for you are nearly well now." "And Mohammed means to make me his wife as soon as possible?" "Yes.. Your own conduct has made him so resolve." "Ben Hamed," asked Zelira, in a deep, ner- vots whisper, "when does the king mean to put the Christian to death t" "Not until after his nuptials." "Are you sure of this"?'? The alealde hesitated. The thought flashed upon him that he might now deceive Zehra, and bend her more easily to his wishes. "I will tell you a secret, Zthra. The king -will hold Charles of Leon until you are his wife, and then, if you please him by your conduct, he will .let the Christian go; but if you ae born the knight dies.'e "You are deceiving me" . "No. In truth I am not. Such i determination.. So it lays in your p - stroy, or free, the Christian." Zehra looked earnestly upon Ben Hamed, but she could read nothing in his countenance. The thing was not impossible, and she could not think that, with all his hardness of heart, the al- calde would lie to her in this." "1 would not hasten you beyond your strength," continued Ben lamed, with consummate art, "but the king is anxious, ad though his anger towards the Christian may slumber now, it only slumbers beneath the power of his love for you. Should he find you obstinate, you know what would be the result. This is the truth. Your own heart must guide you now. If the Christian is an innocent man, it lies in your power to save him. But I needtell you no more." "When, when does Mohammed wish me for his wife?" "Now-as soon as possible." "And the Christian-where is he t" "In the prison." ", if you deceive me in this, may the pains of torture be ever yours. May you never again know rest, or taste the sweets of life." "I cannot deceive you thus." Ben Hiamed spoke with a steady, firm voice, though his eyes fell beneath the gaze of the being he was deceiving. "I will go!" Zebra spoke, and sunk back upon her couch. Those simple words had required the whole power of her soul in their utterance, and when 4 they were spoken she could say no more. Ben Hamed stood over her and assured her that she should not go until she was wholly recovered; but she heeded him not. He spoke words that he meant for comfort, but she knew not what he said. He asked her to be calm,hut she answered only with tears and groans. When Zehra was alone she arose to her feet and pressed her hands upon her bsom. Her face was white as marble, and even the veins seemed to have lost their purple flood. '" O, Charles of Leon, to save thee I will mako the sacrifice. I will not die. I will live; and even while I feel the serpent coil his loathsome folds about me I will be happy with the thought that I am saving thee. O! 'tis a cruel fate for us both, but thou shalt live, and I will joy in thy freedom. We may never meet again but in heaven." The unhappy girl's hands fell to her side, and then, as they convulsively met upon her marble brow, she sunk down upon the ottoman where Ben Hamed had sat, and she murmured the name of him she would save. page: 54-55[View Page 54-55] CHAPTER XIV. AN UNLOOKED-FOR EXCHANGO. THE knight of Leon had seen a week of dull monotony in his Granadan prison. He had asked the man who brought him his food how long he was to remain there, and he had asked Tarik, too, but he gained no answer to his inquiry save that of ignorance. Tarik was sitting alone in his office-a small room in the lower story of the prison-early in the morning, when he was aroused from his meditations by the entrance of an old dervish. The old man's brow was wrinkled and weather- beaten, and his unshorn face bore a wild, luxu- riant growth of white beard. 'He stooped in his gait, and his trembling hands bore a steel-pointed staff, with which he aided his weak steps. "A blessing upon thee, son!" pronounced the dervish, as he leaned heavily upon his staff. "I thank thee," returned Tarik, with a feeling of reverence. "Jailor, you have a prisoner here whom I would see." "His name t" "Ie is a Christian, but I know not his name, nor do I know whence he comes; but I hear he is a brave man, and one well read in the science of. the world. Such a Christian I have longed to see. I would converse with him upon his religion." "And suppose he should make a Christian ot you l" "Allah forbid 1" uttered the dervish, with holy horror. "I will sooner bring him to the fold of the faithful." "I know not that I should do wrong to let you go to him." "Allah forbid that you should overstep your duty at my behest. -If it would be wrong, let me go unsatisfied away; but if it would be right, I would see him, and converse with him. Perhaps 'tis not his fault he is an infidel, and glory be to Allah and his Prophet if one like him shall be converted. Shall I go?" "I cannot refuse you." "Thanks, good jailor." "Give me your arm, and I will lead " "No. Lead the way, and I will - age has not yet unmanned me, th of time bears heavily upon me." Tarik looked kindly upon the turning towards a heavy door that o the prison he bade him follow. "Whence comes the Christian?" asked the dervish, as he worked his way slowly up the stone stairs that led to the second story of the prison. "From Leon," returned Tarik. "And his name t" "Charles, Count of Valladolid." "A goodly title he hath. Is he so brave as I have heard?" "Too brave to be at large in Granada. Here is the door. Go in, and I will call for thee when your stay has been reasonable." Tarik opened the door as he spoke, and merely looking in to see that all was right, he closed it again after the dervish had passed through. Charles looked up, and he wondered as he saw his strange visitor. "Allah bless and serve thee " uttered the dervish. The knight made no reply. "They tell me thou art a brave knight. Ah, I see the fire in thine eyes now. I have come to save thee." "To save me!" echoed Charles, starting up from his seat. "From the pains of the unbeliever'in the world to come. I will teach thee of our holy Prophet." "Cease, old man. Go your way," said the knight, sinking back upon his seat. "I want none ofyour religion. I have alreadyseen enough of it to make me loathe it. It may do for those whose minds can never get above the trash of selfishness, but I want none of it." "Bravely spoken I By San Dominic, sir Charles, but you speak wonderful well." d "Pedro!" uttered the knight, starting to his feet, while his heart leaped wildly in his bosom. "PedroaBambing, at your service," returned the faithful esquire, as he shook himself out of t his bent position and cut a variety of fantastic t movements. "God bless thee I I would press thee to my bosom, but you see I cannot. I had mistaken you, Pedro; for I suspected you of cowardice." No, no-there is none of that in Pedro Bamr- bino. I saw the state of things, and I knew I could be of more use to you as I am now than we ed in prison." all now. But your disguise, my IF -honow gained you such a victory sl - ss-this beard-this staff, and a, judicious touch of paint by way of wrinkles, did it all. But there's no time to lose. It will all to fit you." "Fit me, Pedro?" "Yes-and I have paint, too, for the wrinkles." "Do you mean that you have come to change places with me?" "Most asuredly. For what else should I come? You shall go, and I will stay." "No: Pedro-I cannot do that." "But you must." "I cannot. I love you for your kindness, but I cannot accept the sacrifice you would make." "Nonsense Do you know that they mean to kill you ' t "So they have threatened, but I do not believe they will dare to do it." "Let your mind be easy on that point, for I know they will dare to do it, and I think they have set a no very distant day for the deed. You have commanded me as you pleased, and I have obeyed; now I am going to command, and you must obey." "Do you suppose, Pedro, that I should feel like a man among men were I to let you die for me? How should I tell the tale--that I feared a death that you boldly met for me?" "No, no-they will not kill me. I am not afraid to die; but I know I shall not die if you leave me here. It is not me they want." "Nevertheless they will be revenged on you, if they find you here." "No; I will tell them such a story as will prevent it. I will tell them that you made me do this-that I only came to bid you farewell, and that you made me stop in your place." !"Ah, that would be a'flimsy tale." "Then I will tell them something else. At any rate, you know I shall stand more chance than you will, for you the king has determined to kill." "No, Pedro." "Remember your friends in happy Leon- remember that old woman whom you call mother -and that bright-eyed, happy creature who calls you brother; and then remember-" "Stop, Pedro." "Remember the swebt maiden whom the Moors tore from you." "She is lost." "Not yet, my master. She is not yet with the king; but she will be if you remain here." "I ought not to leave you here." "Every principle of right and duty tells you to the contrary. Zohra is yet with Ben Hamed -she has been sick. The king only awaits her recovery. Come, my master." "But my irons." page: 56-57[View Page 56-57] "I have the means to cast them off. Come, hasten, before the jailor returns." "Can I do this?" , "Shall I go alone to Leon and tell your poor old mother-" -* "Stop, stop, Pedro. You have conquered. I will obey you." "Bless you, bless you, my master. I am happy now." As the faithful man thus spoke, he threw his arms about the neck of the knight and blessed him again. "Let us haste, now," he uttered, as he drew forth a small packet from his bosom. "There is no time to lose." Pedro had provided himself with all the ne- cessary implements for the accomplishment of the object he had in view, and he set to work upon his master's irons in a manner that proved him to understand the business. The manacles were first taken from the wrists, and then the shackles fell from the feet. Nothing was broken, but the parts were all left so that they could be put together again as before. "Now for a change of dress," said the honest esquire. "Haste thee, my master I San Jago, but the dervish will become you well." Charles of Leon proceeded to divest himself of his garments, but it was done with a slowness that showed he was not wholly satisfied to leave his servant behind. "My garments will be too long for you, Pedro." . "No-I shall sit me quietly down when the jailor comes." "But Tarik will notice that I am taller than you were." "No, he wont. You can bend yourself up till you will be as short as I was. Here, on with this gown. There You look like another per- son already. Now for this wig and beard, and then I'll paint the wrinkles for you." ' As soon as the knight w4s thus metamor- phosed, Pedro drew a piece of paint and a pencil from his bosom, and placed the age marks"upon his master's brow in such a manner as to defy detection except upon the closest scrutiny. When this was done he called for the knight to help him on with the irons., "O, Pedro, I cannot do this," uttered Charles, as he lifted the heavy shackles in his hand. "Give me back my dress and I will myself re- main." "Help me on with the irons, I say. This is no time for dallying. The jailor may come and find us in the midst of our work, and then we should both be in for it. Quick, sir Charles- there is no time to lose." The knight obeyed, but it was reluctantly. Pedro, however, was all assurance. He showed no fear, but he seemed to be made really happy by what he was doing. "There-now all is done," said he, as he rat- tled his chains and sat down upon the stone bench. "San Dominic, sir Charles, but these fit me better than they did you; and you make a graver looking dervish than I did-upon my faith you do." Charles gazed into the face of his esquire with a look of tearful gratitude, but he was too full of feeling to speak. "Do not fear for me," Pedro continued. "I feel sure that no harm will come to me. Some way will be opened for my escape from this place." "I fear that is beyond hope, Pedro." "' think not. I have all the implements ne- cessary to freeing myself, and I marked well the walls as I came in. Taik places more confi- dence upon these stout irons than he does upon the security of his dungeons; and well he may, for no one, unaided,'could overcome them. Now if you get clear, which way shall you move?" "I know not." "Let it be directly for Saint Lorcnfo, and if I escape I will join you there." "But Zehra I I cannot leave her, Pedro." "She is now beyond our reach. For life's sake, sir Charles, do not think of escaping with her. I -know your feelings, but something must be sacrificed. If you make an attempt to reach her it may be the worse for both of } ou." "O, I cannot leave her Pedro." "But you must. Do not throw away S life you may gain." "Heaven knows I should almost , -sh! Here comes the jailor. Saint Lorenzo. Wait for me there, s I may overtake you. There--God bless you, my master, and if we never meet again, you will not forget poor Pedro Bambino." Charles of Leon pressed the hand of his faith- ful servant, but teals alone spoke his thoughts. Mind and let your voice tremble as mine did. ear up, now. Courage." The door opened as Pedro spoke, and Tarik entered. "Have you finished yet t" he asked. "Yes," returned Charles. "I can almost love your Prophet; but yet I think I shall die a Christian," said Pedro, imi- tating the voice of his master. Charles of Leon placed his trembling band upon the head of his follower, and there it rested for a single moment. Then he turned silently away, and bending low down, as if with physical infirmities, he followed Tarik from the dungeon. In the office the dervish was requested to sit down and rest, but he declined. Tarik looked into his face, but he never mistrusted that his prisoner was hidden beneath that garb. Charles felt a new confidence as he saw that he passed so easily, and with a kind blessing upon the jailor, he stepped into the street. For several moments the knight stood and reflected upon the course he should pursue. H is heart turned towards the dwelling of Ben Hamed, but his ead said "Saint Lorenzo." When he moved on, however, it was towards the Darro, but he had decided upon no ultimate course. page: 58-59[View Page 58-59] CHAPTER XV. THNGS LOOK DARK.' "WELL," uttered Pedro Bambing, as soon as he was safely alone, "here I am." I know my master well. Now, had I told him I meant to have escaped when first I entered, he wouldn't have given up his chains. No; he'd have want- ed my tools to make his own escape; but I knew him better. Sir Charles is a wonderful man with open fight, but he's too hot by far for schem- ing. Now let us look.' San Dominic, I think that hole will let this body of mine easily through, if I can but get that bar out of the way. But easy, Pedro, you've been in prison before this. The Frenchman makes stronger places than this, but I've seen you make your way through them ere this. It must be a strong place that holds Pedro Bambing against his will." The day passed slowly away-dinner and sup- per were brought to the prisoner, but the ex- change that had taken place was not noticed. As soon as it was dark Pedro commenced his operations. The irons he easily removed from his feet and hands, and then he produced a sim- ple apparatus by which he struck a light upon the prepared wick of a small waxen taper. From the bundle he had concealed in his bosom he drew'forth a variety of implements that were the inventions of his own genius. First he produced a stout steel hook, or "crow-bill," to which was affixed a long wire that was worked into loops at short distances apart. This hook Pedro skilfully threw over the sill of the small window, and it fixed itself securely upon the outer corner of the stone. He then produced a sharp, small, file-like saw, and placing his feet in the loops of the wire that hung down from the hook, he easily made his way up to the window, and after some perseverance he succeeded in removing the iron bar. The way was now open, and gathering his imple- ments together, Pedro tied them up and placed them in his bosom-all excepting the hook and looped wire. Beneath the dervish's garb the esquire had worn a scanty Moorish costume-a sort of har- lequin's dress-and ere he left the cell he threw off the clothing of his master. Then he blew out his taper, and ascended to the sill of the window. He listened, but he heard no sound of any one below, and removing his hookjon the opposite side of the sill he let the wlie I upon the outside, and then descended to th asement of the prison yard. His hook he then jerked away from its hold, and by its means he scaled the outer wall. No sentjy interrupted him, nor did he see any one in his way. As he found himself safe without the prison walls he folded his simple wire-ladder together, and then moved quickly away. "Free! free!" ejaculated Pedro, as he got at a respectable distance from the Moorish prison. "Now God grant that I may overtake my mas- ter. 'I do not think he would have remained in the city." Thus murmuring to himself, Pedro made his way towards the northern gates. No objection was made to' his passing out, and his heart was lighter when he found. himself without the city; but he felt not sae while within sight of the Moorish capital, and with eager steps he hast- ened on. Before midnight he reached the Gua- dix bridge, and as he crossed over he stopped a moment to study upon his course. "The Jaen road is the shortest-the El Ajo the safest. I think Sir Charles would have taken the latter." "Pedro," spoke a vice, that seemed to come from a clump of low mulberries near the river. "San Jago 1" uttered the esquire. "No-it's your master, good Pedro." In a moment more Charles of Leon stepped forth. He still wore the dervish's dress, but he stood upright in it. It was too dark to distin- guish countenances, but between the master and man there could be no mistake. "God be praised that I find yon safe, at all events," fervently ejaculated Pedro. "But why are you no fartherthan this V" "Ah, Pedro, 'tis hard for me to leave Granada, even now; but while you were behind, the thing seemed impossible. Never was a mortal so lonely as I nave been to-day. It seemed as though the earth itself had deserted me." "Well, we are together now, and now let us hasten on." "Pedro, I cannot go." "And why not?" "Zehra." "You know that is impossible." "But upon my knightly oath did I swear to bring her safe out of Granada." "And yet you know you cannot. Why throw away your life for nothing?" "You may go on, Pedro ;' but I must return. I got as far as here'; but here my heart smote me, and I stopped. Zehra is suffering, and I may yet save her. The thing is not impossible. Go on, Pedro, but I cannot." The honest esquire was puzzled anddeeply annoyed. "You will go with me," he said at length. "No-I shall return to Granada." "Then, sir Charles, I shall bear you company." "But suppose I should forbid it?" "Then I should disobey you," The knight was silent. "Listen to me for a moment, sir Charles," continued Pedro, "It is madness for you to think of this thing. You have done all that man could do, and more than many would have done; and for the present you must rest where you are. What would you do to return to the city now? That dress you wear will betray you in a moment. You can gain nqne other, for ere morning the news will be ,out of your escape. There is not an eye in Granada that would not recognize you. Your first step within the gates of the city would be a signal for your arrest.' And what can you do for Zebra? Look at it, my master, and tell me if your further inter- position would not be dangerous to her? O, can you not see that it would be worse than mad- ness?" "What can I do?" "Keep straight on for the north,. and when once thbre perhaps King John will aid you.'" For some moments Charles was silent. He saw, and was gradually compelled to confess, that Pedro spoke the truth. Circumstances placed it beyond his power to return untaken to the city of Granada, and reason overcame his blindness. - "Pedro," he said, "I will go with you; but, O God I the cup is a bitter one. Zebra I Zehra would I could save thee, even at the risk of life; but Heaven knorIs'I cannot 1" The esquire moved close to his master and gazed kindly into his face. "Sir Charles, there are those in Leon who love you." "Peace, good Pedro. You know nothing of what I suffer. But move on.' If we go we had better make all haste." "So we will and perhaps we may find horses ere long." Twice Charles of Leon hesitated as though ho would have turned back, but at length he nerved himself to the task, and with quick steps but a heavy heart, he kept up by the side of his attendant. "Sir Charles," said Pedro, as they entered the wood, "do you know I think that Abdalla had something to do with your capture " "Ah," uttered the knight, starting with inter- est at'the sound of that name. "Yes. Some one must have told of our page: 60-61[View Page 60-61] movements, else how could such a party have been turned out at once after us " "The alcalde had plenty of men ready at his bidding, and he might have detected Zehra's es- cape in time to have given pursuit as he did." "I can't think so," persisted Pedro. "That Moor is a curious man." "So he is, Pedro; but he's safe in prison now." "Eh? In prison " "Yes." "Did you see him there?" "Yes. The jailor allowed him to come into my apartment; and he talked very strangely about affairs, too." "What did he say What did he tell you?" asked Pedro. "His whole thoughts were upon Zehra." "But would he tell you nothing of himself?" "No. He only spoke of Zehra; and he said that in her fate he had a deep interest. He said, too, that his fate and my own might centre in her." "San Dominic!" "I doubt whether he be a Moor." "A Moorl" cried Pedro, stopping short be- neath the weight of thought that had possessed him. "I think he is not," repeated Charles. "When did he say he was imprisoned ' "On the very night he met us in the street. Or, before morning, at least." "San Dominic!" "What think you, Pedro?" "San Dominic, my master, Abdalla is a strange man, but yet, I think, a Moor." "But do you suspect anything?" The night wind played with the thick foliage, and the words that Pedro spoke in reply were borne away upon its bosom, but the knight of Leon caught them, and he gazed into Pedr's face in wonder. His own mind ran back into the history of the past, and he thought carefully upon what he had heard. An exclamation burst from his lips, and once more he moved on; but it was a longtime before he spoke to his esquir again. CHAPTER XVI. Tl BiLOW. THE heavy lamps that hung in the great Court of Lions-the most magnificent apartment of the Alhambra-were half lighted, and at the head of the hall stood the Moslem king. He was pat- ting his daintily slippered foot nervously fpon the pavement, and- ever and anon his left hand would settle with a sort of convulsive grasp upon his dgger-hilt. Against one of the massive marble lions leaned Ben Hamed. A look of anxiety was upon his features, and he watched the movements of the monarch with more than ordinary interest. Several of the royal attend- ants were standing about the place, and they, too, looked anxiously upon the king. "Ah, Ben Hamed," said Mohammed, "I think, your fai daughter. likes this Christian knight," "Not with maiden love, sire. She only likes him because he would have borne her away from you." "By Allah! the dog needs to die i" "He must die," ventured Ben Hamed, in an insinuating tone. "Would you have borne such insult from a Moor i" "No!" "He has slain three of our knights." "He sall die!" "And soon, too," added the alcalde, with a look of triumph. t "Ay," returned the king. "Why not to-night?"Ben Hamed asked, mov- f ing nearer to the king, and speaking in a trem- bling tone. Mohammed strode half way down the hall an I back again. "Ben Hamed," he said, stopping near the al- calde, " you have some end to answer in this." "Only such as may benefit you, sire. Allah knowsI owe thee much." "In truth you do." "And by this will I in part make the pay. ment." "By what?"' "By urging the necessity of destroying the Christian," "I have said once-he dies!" "Thy judgment is just," "But I will have his head as a present for my bride if she prove restive." "A Christian's head will keep, sire." "How long will it keep, think you, Ben Ha- med, ere it will begin to go back to its native dust?" "If taken off to-night it will keep till long after your nuptials." "Think ye so?" "Most surely." "I have a mind to try the experiment." page: 62-63[View Page 62-63] The king had been speaking in a half uncon-' scious mood, his thought seeming to wander n about other matters; but as the last sentence fell from his lips he aroused himself and gazed fix- tl edly upon the alcalde. "By Allah 1" he continued, "I have a mind to try it." Ben Hamed could not conceal his satisfaction. "Our laws-make it death for the Christian who shall force away one of our people," said the king, half to himself. "Charles- of Leon knew M this, and yet he would snatch away my bride. Allah The Christian's time has come. Hu- sam Ben Abbas, go you to the prison and bid Tarik to take off the head of his Christian pris- oner. Let it be done at once." "I go, sire," returned a Moslem knight, who started up from one of the pedestals. "Hold, Husam. Stay you and see the work performed-then bring me word." Ben Abbas bowed assent and withdrew. "Now, Ben Hamed," continued the monarch, "the Christian's business is settled. On the day after to-morrow Zehra takes up her home here." "She is ready, sire." "And is she reconciled?" She will be." "She had better." "Yet, sire, it would pe well not to let her know at present of the Christian's death." "Hltl" "Not that she bears him any love, sire; but you know the nature of one like her. 'Twould move her to misery to see a beast suffer. There is no need that she should know of this-at least, for the present." "Well, well-I have no desire to annoy her." As the king thus spoke he commenced to pace the hall. Ben Hamed was too lame to walk easily, so he stood and watched his mon- arch. All that he at present desired seemed to have been accomplished, and his satisfaction manifested itself upon his countenance. Half an hour had passed away, when Husam Ben Abbas, returned. "You're soon back, Ben Abbas," said the king. "Tarik has been quick with his work. Upon my faith, Husan, does it affect you so to see a man die!" "I've seen no one die, sire." "Alh-so you took Tarik's word for it, I sup- pose." "There was no one to kill." "No one to kill? I said the Christian! I meant Charles of Leon!" "Surely, sire; but Charles of Leon is not there." "Not there! Did Tarik tell thee so q" "He did." "Then he lies The Christian dog is there. Go back and bid the jailor that he produce him." "Sire, the prisoner has escaped." "Escaped!" echoed the king, springing for- ward and seizing Ben Abbas by the arm. "Now, by the holy Prophet, lie not to me! Escaped, say you?" "Yes, sire. I went with Tarik to the Chris- tian's dungeon, but no Christian was there. The iron bar of the window had been cut off, and the prisoner was gone." The king let go his hold upon Husam's arm and started back aghast. "Gone l" he uttered. "Then he musthave had help." "So he may have had. Tarik let an old der- vish into the prison, and he thinks he may have done the mischief." "Go, Ben Abbas, and tell Tarik that his own life shall be the forfeit if the prisoner comes not back," shouted Mohammed, as he strode ner- vously across the hall. "Ben Hamed, hasten you and look to your daughter. By the powers of Heaven, the dog shall n6t escape me. He must have fled to the north. Mahmoud, off with thee to the Alcanaza, and have the signals ready for earliest daylight. Let the signls be made for Jaen and El Ajo that no trvuller be allowed to pass from the south; U toUdl ow far reach our signals now " ";To our northern frontier," returned he whom the king had called Mahmoud. "Then thou shalt take ch ge of the signals. O, Allah, give me back my prisoner. Let him be once more in my power and he lives not to escape again. Ho, there I Where are my officers?" At this bidding a number of attendants step- ped forward from among the marble statues and pillars. 5 "To horse at once!" shouted Mohammed. "Call ,up the guard, and set off. Stop at the prison and obtain from Tarik a description of the dervish, and then for the north. Spare not your beasts. Off, now. Let not a man on the - road escape your attention." The officers withdrew, and the king, had thought himself alone,when his eye fell upon a female who stood against one of the pillars near him. "Who is there?" "Your wife." "Emina?" Yes." "And what seek ye?" "My husband." "Then now that you have found him you can retire." "Not so fast, my lord," returned Emina, mov- ing a step towards the king. "I have come to speak with thee. I have come once more to beg of thee that thou wilt have compassion on me. Mohammed, thou wilt not take to thy bosom another wife to take precedence of me." "Go seek thine own apartments, Emina, and leave me to myself." "Answer me, Mohammed. I know the Chris. tian has escaped, and that you will try to recap- ture him. Of that you can do as youpleae; but, O, let me warn you not to move farther in your designs respecting Ben Hamed's daughter.'" "What , would you threaten me?" "No, my lord. Only would I warn thee. There's danger you cannot see. Give o'er this work-let Zehra. alone-and all shall be well with you." "Get thee gone I Away, Emina-else it shall not be well with thee." "O, Mohammed, I implore thee 1" "Out I I say." "Not until you have answered me." "Zebra shallP be as-I have chosen, and that, too, ere two more suns have rolled over us." "Then the worst be thihe." The king was maddened, and springing quick- ly forward he struck Emina upon the cheek. "There I now get thee gone," he gasped. Emina started back as she received the blow, and she turned as pale as the marble that was grouped about her. She did not speak, but with a step that was as firm as iron she turned from the king's presence. "Fool 1" murmured Mohammed; and when the woman's form had disappeared, he sought his own couch. He did not think he was a fool I page: 64-65[View Page 64-65] CHAPTER XVII. THE BIGNAL, AND THE MESBENGxB. IT was nearly daylight when Charles of Leon and his esquire reached the small hill where the former had been captured by the Moors. The east was already streaked with glowing red, and the stars were beginning to fade from sight. They reached the small wood at the foot of the hill, and here they stopped. "Now throw off your wig and beard, and cast away that robe," said Pedro, "for should those como after us who would trace our steps, such marks would surely betray us." "I had thought of that myself," returned the knight. " O, if I only had my good sword." ".Never mind-we have stout daggers, and we may find swords on the road." "Perhaps so; but horses come first," said Charles, as he threw off his robe. "We may find them at Xejal. That is not over a league from here, and there we will obtain refreshments and rest." "And even there we cannot remain long." "No. We must not make a stop of any length this side of Saint Lorenzo. Courage, my master; we will obtain horses at Xejal, and then we are safe." Charles of Leon hid the disguise he had taken off, and his appearance was now a puzzling one to define. Iis dress was half way between the Christian and Moor, while his face, which still retained the skilfully applied paint that Pedro had put on, looked Moorish enough, though as the daylight became stronger the esquire re- moved some of the wrinkles, so that the face might be in better keeping with the rest of the man. "At Xejal we may find a little wine," said Pedro, as they again started on. "That will revive us." "By my, faith, we both need reviving," returned Charles. "But I am not so faint yet but that I can keep the road, should there be danger near." "So with me," said Pedro; "and I fear that we are not yet clear of danger." "Let it come, Pedro. I fear no danger. By heavens, I am not done with the Moslem yet." Pedro made no reply to this last remark; but a dubious look rested upon his countenance as he gazed into his master's face. The sun was well up when the travellers reached Xejal. The place was but a small ham- let, situated in a quiet vale, and containing some twenty dwellings. There was a small inn not far from the road, and thither the Christians bent their steps. The keeper of the place was a lean, lank Moor, but yet good-natured in his looks, and' as the travellers entered he bustled - about with an accommodating air. Pedro asked for refreshments, and the Moor showedlthem to a small apartment in the end of the building, and ere long such things as the place afforded were set before them. "Selin," said Pedro-for he had heard oneof the inmates address the landlord thus-" can you not afford us a little wine V" " ine " uttered the keeper, raising his hands in holy horror. "The Prophet defend me. Are ye good Mussulmen, and yet ask me for wine 1" "We are good Mussulmen, but we are weary, and we ask wine only for medication. Think not hard of us, good Selim, for Allah knows we abhor the infidell'everage." "I am a good Moslem," said Selim. "We know it," returned Pedro, "for even in Jaen they speak of you as one upon whom every virtue rests with honor?' "Do they " cried the Moor, while a flash of gratification lit up his swarthy features, "In truth they do." "And are you from Jaen!" "Yes; and going to El Ajo. I tell thee, good Sclim, I shall speak well of thee to trav- ellers. This bread of thine is excellent." Pedro worked hard upon the bread of which he,spoke, and one could almost have fancied that he spoke the truth. "We would have paid a high price for a bit of wine," continued the esquire, as he sipped the washy, sherbet-like drink that had been set be- fore him; "but we must do without it, I suppose." The Moor walked to the window and looked out. He played a few moments with the lattice work, and then he turned towards his guests. "Ah," he uttered, with a comical attempt to appear as though a sudden thought had struck him, "now I 'remember me that some time since I set away in my cellar some juice which I myself pressed from the grapes. It may not have become strong yet. I will get it, and you shall see if it be proper for beverage." Slim left the room, and ere long he returned with a stone bottle. "Ah, that is sweet and innocent," exclaimed c Pedro, as he placed the bottle to his lips. "I am glad," returned the Moor; and as, he thus spoke he again withdrew. J "San Dominic, sir Charles, how old should you say that wine was?" uttered Pedro, as he h poured some out into his master's cup. "By my faith, but it's good," said the knight "The Moor must have been a very small boy E r when he bottled it," added Pedro, as he smacked f his lips. e "So he must," returned Charles, "and he must have stolen a French vintage, too." f Pedro laughed over the wine, which sparkled a merrily after its long confinement, and beneath its exhilarating influence he almost forgot that a such a thing as danger existed. e "If we can but find horses as strong as is this wine, we need have nothing to fear," said , Charles, as he pushed the bottle from him. "Wewill see," returned Pedro. "Suppose I 9 go out and see Selim? He may have some himself. I look more plainly the Moor than you do, and I shall not be so easily detected." "You are right there, Pedro. Go at once, r for we had better not remainlong here." The esquire started off to seek the landlord, and Charles of Leon began to pace the apart- ment. He was miserable when left alone to his, own reflections, for he could think only of Zehra, and of the misery she might be doomed to suffer. Bitter disappointment had made his love more fervent, and the fire burned within him with an almost consuming power. The large dark eyes of the maiden he loved were constantly before him, and he could fancy the tears that flowed from them. One with less of religious trust would have cursed the fate that hung over his way; but the Christian knight only bowed in anguishrand longed for the time when he might meet the Moslem in fair combat. While the knight's thoughts were thus en- gaged, he heard a horse come galloping up to the door of the inn. He went to the window, in hopes that it might be Pedro who had re. turned successful; but be was disappointed, for the new comer was only a Moorish traveller. Shortly afterwards Pedro re-entered the apart- ment. He looked flustered and uneasy. " Can you obtain horses " asked Charles. "'I have found some that will answer; but they may do us no good after all." "Ah. Are hey poor!" "No, no-not that," quickly returned Pedro, casting a hurried glance about him. "We are detected!" "Detected!" repeated Charles, with sudden alarm. "Not here, hut we shall be. You heard that horse gallop up a moment ago." "Yes." " He has come from tfie height of El Ajo. Signals have been made from Granada for the page: 66-67[View Page 66-67] stoppage of all travellers, and of course we shall not be allowed to proceed." "But they think we come from Jaen." "That's nothing. The messenger asked if there were any travellers here, and Selim told him of us." "And did he say he should stop us in our journey?" "Yes." Charles gazed a moment upon the floor. "Pedro," he asked, "what men are there about the house?" "Some half dozen loungers besides the land- lord and messenger." "Where are the horses you have seen that we could have had?" "They are in the small stable back of the house." "Are the bridles handy?" "es." "Then stand by me, Pedro, and wewill make our way through the small number that will op- pose us. Ere long a host will be down from Granada. Come, our daggers will serve us." "San Jago, I'll stand by you, my master." "Then lead the way to the stable." The two passed out from the apartment and entered a narrow hall that ran through to the back yard. At the stable they found Selim and the messenger, together with five of the people who belonged to the hamlet. "Are our horses ready?" asked-Charles. "No," hesitatingly returned Selim. "Then let them be so at once. I will pay you your charge." "You will have to remain here for the pres- ent," said the messenger. "Ah I How so?" uttered Charles, gazing upon the speaker, who was an oldish man, and armed with a cimeter. "We have received orders from Granada to allow no one to pass." "That order must have been meant for some one who has escaped from justice and not for us. Let us have our horses, good Selim, for we are in much haste." "No, no," interposed the messenger. "The orders are from the king, and they are impera- tive. Officers will arrive ere long from Grana- da, and if they are satisfied, then you can pass." "What have I to do with your officers!" ex- claimed the knight. "Selim, lead forth your horses." "I cannot" returned the landlord. A moment Charles of Leon gazed about him. None of those present were armed excepting the messenger. Near him stood a long, heavy oaken club, which seemed to have been used for beat- ing grain. Charles seized it, and then turned to his esquire. "Pedro," he said, "lead out the best horse you can find, and he who dares molest you falls on the spot." Pedro knew his master too well to hesitate, and he moved towards the stall. 4 ",Shall I take one for you!" he asked. "I will look out for myself. Be quick about it." * "If you attempt to resist the king's authority the worst be your own," uttered the messenger, at the same time drawing his cimeter. "I have studied the cost, and shall abide by my judgment," returned Charles of Leon, grasp- ing his heavy club with a firmer hold. "For heaven's sake, gentlemen, let there be no bloodshed here!" cried the landlord, who trembled from head to foot. "Hol all of you: I call upon you in the king's name to assist me," shouted the messen- / ger. "Back from that horse! back, I say, or you shall rue it." The last sentence was addressed to Pedro, but he noticed it not. He had backed a horse from the low stall, and had taken down a light saddle and thrown across the animal's back. His hand was upon a bridle that hung near when the mes- senger spoke, and he threw it at once over the horse's head. "Back yourself!" exclaimed Charles, as he raised the club above his head. "We go from this place at our own will, and woo be to you if you interfere." "Now by the Prophet you have gone far enough. You dare not touch a royal officer in the discharge of his duty. Leave that horse." A curl of derision broke about the lips of the Christian knight. "Mark me," he said, "I but protect myself. To do that I have often dared even death. I can dare it again 1" "For Heaven's sake, gentlemen," urged the poor publican. "Come on and aid me," cried the messen- ger, turning to the Moors behind him, some of whom had armed themselves with clubs, and seemed ready to show fight; "in the name of the king I bid you come." "And in the name of the Christian's God, I bid you stand'back!" shouted Charles of Leon, swinging his weapon above his head. "Ha! you are a Christian, then!" "Yes." "Then you are the very men-" The messenger's sentence was not concluded, for as he spoke he moved towards Pedro, and one blow from the knight's club brought him to the ground. Those villagers who had collected around had no interest in the present business, and they shrank back from the presence of the Christian. None cared to come within the reach of his club, and now that the officer had fallen they seemed inclined to offer no further resistance. "Mount! mount!" cried Charles, as Pedro led the horse from the stable. "But you, sir Charles." "The Moor's horse will do for me." "Allah defend me!" ejaculated Selim, clasp- ing his hands in agony. "O! the king will 'blame me. Good gentlemen Christians, do let me entreat you to stop. You must not go. The king will-" "Peace, Selim," broke in Charles, as he drew a small purse from his bosom. "Here's gold enough to pay thee for thy horse, and for thy good wine, too." "No, no-you had no wine, good sirs." "Thy juice of grapes, then. Here, take the purse, and tell the messenger, when he finds his senses-if such a fortune should ever be his- that ere long his horse shall be set upon the road with his face turned homeward." "By Allah " cried one of the bystanders, "that's the very Christian knight that beat down the alcalde of Granada in the lists." This exclamation produced a marked sensa- tion in the crowd. Two of the Moors who had moved forward as if to offer some further re- sistance, dropped their clubs and shrank back again. The Christian knight looked almost thr- rifle in his wrath, and those around could not fail to read a death warrant in his countenance. for the first who should oppose him. Pedro had mounted the horse he had chosen and rode outinto the yard. Charles sprang to the side of the fallen messenger and seized the bright cimeter, and also possessed himself of the :scabbard. The owner moved heavily and open- ed his eyes, but before he could speak the Chris-, tian had gone. 'The Moor's horse stood by the inn door, and with a single bound Charles of Leon vaulted to the saddle and drew the rein. Pedro was by his side in an instant, and together they started off. Selim cried after them to come back, and some of the others seemed half ashamed of the inaction they had shown; but it 'was now too late; and just as the Christians disappeared the messenger came to himself only to find himself worse off than before. page: 68-69[View Page 68-69] CHAPTER XVIII. tHB DEATH DUNGOON. CnARLES OF LEON found himself in posses, sion of a good horse, but it was ere long evident, that the beast had been hardly ridden of late, for he labored hard in travel. The horse that Pcdro had taken was not of the best quality, al- though probably the best one that could have been obtained of Selim. "San Dominic, my master," uttered Pedro, as he applied the whip to the side of his beast, "'tis well we have no pursuers very near our heels." "True; but yet we are likely to have," return- ed the knight. "I would give much to know at what time our escape was discovered," said the esquire. "If not until this morning, we mty yet be safe, f)r that messenger is of course from El Ajo, and him we have cut off. There is, I think, another signal station at Jaen, but from there we shall have no trouble." "Perhaps my absence was discovered last night." "If that is the case we may look for trouble. San Jago, sir Charles, we must have better horses." "We must make the most of these for the present. Don't spare the lash." "rll not spare it, but my horse don't notice it much. He's used to it, I should judg," The Christians had now entered a tract of country that had few inhabitaats, and there was no such thing as turning from the beaten road. To Charles it was evident that a long race would be his only means of escape should he be now pursued, and he expressed the opinion to his esquire. "True," returned Pedro, "for there's no turnout till we cross the Guadalquivir, and that is several leagues ahead. It will be near noon before we can reach it, at all events." Nearly two hours had elapsed since the two left Xejal. At the foot of a long, steep hill they allowed their horses to come into a walk, and leisurely they made their way up. At the top they instinctively turned their gaze back, and they could plainly see the little hamlet they had left, snuggled cozily in its quiet vale, but most of the road between them and the village was hidden from sight by its devious way through the wood. "I hear no sound," said Charles, as they stopped to listen. "No-we are safe yet, so let's push on." "Hark! Was that a bird, or the thumping of some swinging limb V" "'Twas nothing," said Pedro. -"It certainly was," insisted Chadres, at he same time bending his ear attentively towards the way he had come. "I distinctly hed a noise." "et's not wait here todecde. If it mea evil for us we shall discover it soon enough." "Hark I There it is gain. Don't you h4r it, Pedro?" "San Dominic, I do; and it is the gallop of a horse, too." "More than one horse," uttered Charles, a he drew is rein. '"Let's on again." "On it is," shouted Pedro, lying the lash upon the shoulders of his beast. For some distance ahead there was a gradual descent in the road, and though the horses rode hard yet they were kept at their utmost speed- a speed, however, that was far from satisfactoy. Not over two'miles had beengained from the top of the hill when the tramp of pursuing horses was plainly heard, and at length, from a oie$ that commanded a view of the rood for nearly a mile back, Charles caught a glimpse of some dozen horsemen coming after him at full gllop. "We are lost again," said Pedro, as his ee caught the scene. "Unless we take to the woods,' rtmarked Charles. "' We cannot go in with th4e hoTrx Tey would not work their way at ll with riders o."' "But we can take to the wod on foot, Pedro." "San Jago, we can pake the trial, and we cas but be taken, at all event; thpouh I thick the chances are against us." "Ah, that hope is gone. e there, he opens the plain towards Jaen. We Imut rid as far as possible and trust to : c. a We cannot fight them," Charles and his esquire glldpe4 op, bp# tey knew the pursuers were rapidly approachg. "My master," said Pedro, while a look of, unwonted determination rested upon Me coQn- tenance, "for once I am gojng to bo r h w" "Ah, Pedro." "Yes. If we are tken by these Nl4l Moor we sh411 most assuredly be pt to 4et*. We can die here." Charles of Leon made no repy for sevrl moments. "What think you, mr master t"WasPelr lq, "IfI had my armor, or even a shield, I Wl face them; but 'I am almost unarmed. I 5 ' cieter is ppthing for me, and you have nothing but a dagger. 'How can we fight them-" "We Wcanot, o own." "So it appears to me. We have made our trial, Pedro, and I fear we have failed; yetX will fight, tf you say so." "No, sir Charles-it can do us no good, and - may do us harm. - If you are willing o be tried back to Granada, I can surely go with you." "We must be carried back."' "Then so be it'" uttered Pedro. Charles of Leon could not have told to hi esquire all the thoughts and feelings that act- ted him. His hert was the home Qf trange emotions. He thought of Zehra, and he thought he should once more be near her; and then he thought of Abdalla and his strange words, nd though he still held some vague doubts respecting the Moor, yet he looked upon the brighter 4ide of the picture. The human heart is a strage thing. The gentle god of love can enter there and make new the work of years; and while the tiny deity of the bow and quiver holds rule there, question of mighty import are sometimes decided, wih a blindness that would seem madness ina butes, even. Lov, once seated in the heart, beoome a queprju! ge, and pending questiops turn ip their decision upon points unknown to all pther qourta. Now, under any other circumstances in he world, Charles of Leon would not for a moment 'have thought of placing any trust or hope in Abdalla; for even had the strange thotught wibs- pered by Pedro bee- true, the Moor had no power to aid even himself, much less any oU else. Yet the Chris1tin allowed Cupid to ddivea judgment, and he tried to feel satified with the verdict. The Christians had now reached an open country, nd upon looking back they planly e w thatthey could have gained nothing by taking to the woods. Their prsuers were almost upon them, and as Charles saw that some of the ioors were armed with spears, he knew I t once at resistance would -be- nothing les than iu- ride. "We may as well stop, Pedro." "It is hard, but I suppose it must be done h "If we don't stop now re may get a taste of the Moors' javelins, and tht would be by no means desirable." Jutt as the knight ceased speaking the Mbor ish leader shouted 1br te Chrhstians to mp, page: 70-71[View Page 70-71] and of course the call was obeyed. It was Hu- sam Ben Abbas who led the pursuers, and I Charles recognized him as a knight who had taken part in the tournament At Granada, and who had been worsted by the S4calde. Art thou Charles of Leon .*s asked Ben Ab- bas, as he rode up. I am." "You are most wonderfully altered." "Because I have been disguised." "I understand. Now, Charles of Leon, in the king's name, I command thee to yield thy- self a prisoner." "And, in the king's name, I refuse." "Ah!" "Hold; Ben Abbas. Thou art a brave knight, and I yield myself to thee, but not to Mohammed. You see I cannot resist you." "You resisted the messenger." "Ay-and I might have resisted you had I hopes of victory." "I believe you," returned Ben Abbas, with a smile. "But if you yield to me, of course you will return with me to Graiada without further trouble." "If such be your wish," 'aid Charles. "And how is it withyour companion? .1 have orders for him, too, for he is suspected of hav- ing-" "Gone into your prison and stolen away your king's prisoner," interrupted Pedro. "You are right there, and I will assure you I will keep my master company now." ' Ben Abbas," said Charles, some time after they had turned back towards Granada, "what, think you, means the king by thus-" "Hold, sir Charles," exclaimed Ben Abbas, with a quick shudder; "ask me no questions on that point." "Do not fear to tell me all you know," hesita- ted the Christian, " for I shall not fear to hear it." "Then you can guess the truth." "Perhaps so. I should guess that the king meant to put me to death." Charles of Leon, you have spoken the truth!" The Christian started, and a cold shudder ran through his frame; but soon he became calm again. Mohammed had better count the cost ere he does that deed," he said. "Hi seldom stops for that," returned Ben Abbas. " le has done things more fearful than such a deed would be." The subject was dropped, and nothing more was said till the party arrived at Xejal. Here they fond' the messenger sitting at the door of the inn, with a big bandage about his head. He came out and shook his fistin Charles's face, and Charles knocked him down. When he got upon his feet again he claimed 'redress of his injuries from Ben Abbas; but Ben Abbas only told him to mind his own business, and not meddle with quiet prisoners. Then the good Mussulman swore terribly, and made use of some heavy threats, but as no one seemed inclined to take his part he moved back to his seat with an extra pain in his head. Ben Abbas remained long enough in Xejal to rest the horses, and then, having exchanged the messenger's beast for one belonging to Selim, he started on. Little was said on the way, for Charles felt more and more depressed in spirits the nearer he came to his journey's end. It was evident that Ben Abbas sympathized with him, though it was not in his power to aid him. He sympathized with him because he knew ,him to be a true and good knight, and because he had overcome the braggart alcalde. It was night when the party reached Granada, and the prisoners were at once conveyed to the prison. A beam of joy lit up the countenance of Tarik as he saw the Christian returned, for his own life was saved. Charles and Pedro were both conveyed to one dungeon, It was one from which there were no means of escape, the light coming in by only one small hole, not over six inches square, at the top of the wall. They were both securely chained, in opposite covers of the dungeon, and their daggers were taken from them. ,." You abused my kindness, Christian," said Tarik, after he had seen all secure. 'I Hold," exclaimed Charles. "You may strike me, but do not tell me that." "I tell you but the truth. I was kind and indulgent, and you abused it." "No, no. Look at yourself, Tarik. Suppose you were in a foreign prison, and under sen- tence of death, from a remorseless tyrant. You have a mother at home-a gentle sister, and a brother; what would you do when some kind but unexpected chance threw open your dungeon door t" "I would go out." "So did I." I "Well-I can forgive you; but you will be safe now." "Hold, Tarik. Let me askyou one question. Is Abdalla in the prison ." "Yes, and chained as securely as you are." Chares would have asked more, but Tank turned away. There were two doors to the dun- geon-the inner one of iron and the outer one, which closed over its mate, being of riveted oak. These the jailor closed and bolted, and the, prisoners were left in total darkness. " are in for it," said Pedro, as he rattled his heavy irons. "Yes," fell from the lips of the knight, in a heavy tone. L ".Where do you think we are!" asked Pedro. "In a Moorish prison." "More than that," said the squire, with a strange meaning in his tone. "Did you notice the place while the jailor was here with his light"V , "Only that it was strong." "I noticed more than that." * "What " uttered the knight earnestly, for the tone of Pedro was portentous. "Did you not see the floor of the dungeon!" "I noticed another ring at the corner on my right." "So didI." "It isfor securing prisoner said Charles. "Not exatly/' returned Pedro. "What then ". z s f "It affords a hold for lifting the stone to which it is affixed." C, Ah." i Yea, my aster." "Your, eyes are keen, Pedro." "That's because I use them." "Then what think you of the trap-dor you discovered ." "I think it is a pronmav!" "A what?" cried Charles. "It is the place to which there is one en- trance, but never a return I The floor of our dungeon is covered with blood!" "Good G !" ejaculated the knight, whose chains shook with the emotion that moved him, "what mean you" "Simply that we are in the dungeon where those are put to death whom the king never wishes to see again.' :!'erh , oPedro, we were put here fom ne- cessity." "It may be." "Ad yet there must be room enough in the prison without bringing us here." "That may bre,*o." "Pedriper ,we hate cme hlere t1 die!" "That is w likely to be." "God have'mercy on us!" "Amen I ' page: 72-73[View Page 72-73] *CHA, TER XIX TW WUWA IU AL "SAIt Safe, did yftu sajBen AbbMti" tm"4ttr Grmsad Mh", pio t his seat as Husam entered rsMt -e . "Yes, sire,-and'in Ihoprio'et "Are they in the dath-dungeon "Yes." "Then there let them be. O, I've sat up late to-night, but this makes me wink at late hours. It makes the very noon of night like day. Did the Christian resist you, Ben Abbas "' "No, sire. He yielded at once." "t Then he was stopped before you found him." "No. He had passed Xejal, and I overtook him upon the road." "Then he must have had an early start, to have passed Xejal before the signals reached there." "He did not, sire; but the messenger was alone, and the Christian escaped him." "Never mind; he is safe now. You saw him in the dungeon, you say." "Yes." "Then he shall die the death i The dog sees the sun no more. By the Prophet, he is mine now, and no power can avert from him his doom. There is another, too, that I must look after." Hsam Ben Abbas looked his master in the face with an earnest gae. "They shall die together." "Be careful, sire," said Ben Abtsh, i tow, hineaig thi*. T ts m aeasy thul it died blood, but some blod may not be s*ed i4th- out a fearful cost." "Cost Do you talk to me of cost? To me, who am king of Granada . Out upon you for a prating coward I By the Moslem Paradise, that man shall die-the Christian and-" "There are two Christians, sire." "Both of them shall die, and so shall the other. There shall be three deaths at once." "Are you fixed upon this, sire 1" "Fixed upon it? Ay-as the Nevada is fixed upon our realm. Dost think I fear to do it ." "No, no, sire. I know you have no fear; but there may be consequences you wot not of." "Get thee to thy rest, Ben Abbqs. There- say no more, but go. Tarik shall have his work to do full soon." Ben Abbas obeyed his monarch without fur- ther remark. "By Allah 1" exclaimed Mohammed, as soon as he was alone, " do they think I will fear to take the life of whom I plase I No. I'll see them dead, and then I shall rest the easier. - Whiho Slaves!" p!r9i esen. e . I: I f e.. , ,: .WwQe .,amnt, .:she: .mt upn I* low ric caactes S t i Itwore t rac upon a piece tpR Z . c}nt4 $he - ems4oswm #4i4 longw upon them, and ait leth ahe folded up * t Ietc and placed 4ia he bAospm. . "To. Wrowp" se murn rdatsbeaw ret her feet mAd, plet Aer isad upsO hemr ;bw, " es rao the pace. Q w hys 9w b ch ot thin t )3utt hw npid a ies4o4d it, not, ,Courage, Bin urag,)l ThXe tihltihiq owan and not yourpd , , X ^, OQdohsinpte^ I coul4 airom fowavet O Wow y o, gyq mns. would you but rtI *me once more. T4ey tell me he poaphet ha e yq. man t, bp, ae erat ofp man. Thtnmy be true-for even now I would serve med mseet'it lly; butwhei the? tell meethat Allah mado wqma to be mre slave, I k*wf, thy e., fw iq God haid t i teni bd be won not have made womnam with nuch a ea4 as m minre. If it had be intended by eod that woe: ra hould be w mre nble of fo, to be worn ad eagt off at Ipas, whe were not made with souls fitted fer stcih he t* 01 they lie to m6 when theytell m that wotan's ph rereteal eirvitud, sad 'l proc it to them, too.----Mohammed, you have amt m I off, and you have struck me! You shall not gain your end, though. "To-morrow Zehra comes, and then they think poor Emina will live on the favors of the past, and rest quietly beneath the injuries of the present. They do not know me truly who say or think so." For some moments after Emina had, done speaking she stood in a thoughtful mood. A variety of expressions passed over her counten. i ance, but at length her features settled into that marble look which we have seen there before, s and the eyes beamed with that deep, intense fire which speaks of feelings that the eyes alone can telL. The thin lips sometimes moved, but no sound came forth. When Emina arose from her meditative pos- 8 1 i6g0.taifd, Amdhtdak t teenll Pl . ui 4 and eu fubs bt 1i ehesH. hqif Hum tpem Imi eals4 me, ;we { ng th. -l /tp al tol hei idtu^9,* tq4NWi bbxtI. Fro* oti *Mhi e i' MAr ,fl; Xta16itk, imk l, ns, up M* , like spoon, and into this she poured Awl, qd thet w s#i f @ Th sh, Teawes- 4thl quiiow at t e g , p uWw in .nto i wtvey um i qaiitt" of-t*powir ders contained in the bX ,. . ;', ,t, . . Soon e .itu bea to si end, the mess wi a ,h ey, al n e (v, 'o sihe wouddroaa ito h *t d .. *4 w - ticlo fropR ,one of the ' , * !bP9i h3 i beti firs ot, a w4#1, oolA-t) lt,rpl nearly. baclh but with . gnovenett( Wand -1 r.? +em^dn di d fne teqtw. 4p ed tlkeppf I i nng ef's as 8ww t nay i qU.0 Tts o n .e9w..- ^And'yel owiil" ' ' ' ', 'l I , '" Anpoer mite 9f powder a carofaUy drped into the S1on-ke di 4 and the tWoman's es aed with hope e te vpor bgs to dqrken. in monoeiht the litte vapor colu W,?f a green color, and with a murmur of uiat tion 'Bnamn quickly mbve: th5 dish way'h the lamp. The mixtui thus pre d 4 pod into s pAhil, aed t-el* the remainder of the Bgs wetS put bactk Irmi whence they W* taken. "Now, if Mohammed drank the beverage I prepared-for him he will sleep soundly to-night," Emina murmured to herself as she closed the case after she had returned the boxes. "Per- haps he missed it. Ah, had I been sure of his getting it, I might have made that more power- fidl; but it is better as it is. Now aid me, kind Prophet, and I shall not fal." As Emina spoke she placed the phial in her bosom, and took her lamp. She slipped the light shoes from her feet, and then opening a small side door, she passed through into a nar- row passage. It was a passage the king had often traversed in his visits to the apartment of his once favorite wife, and that wife knew it well. She moved carefully along; several doors she opened and passed, and at length she came page: 74-75[View Page 74-75] to one at which she stopped. She bent her ear to the keyhole and listened. A deep, heavy snoring fell upon' he ear, and a ray of satisfac- tio p"ased over her features She sat down her lamp and took a key from her girdle,*hich she applied to the lock. The lock moved with- out noise, and slowly, carefully she pushed open the door. In a moment more Emmn had crawlbd into the apartment of the king. The guard were in te pMssge that opened from the other part of the room, and the sleeping monarch was alone with his discarded wife i The woman assured herself that Mohammed slept soundly and then she crawled back and pulled her lamp into the room. As soon as this was done phe crawled back to the bed, and slowly arose to her feet. She looked lkea ghost standing there by. the bed of the unconscious monarch, for her face was as white as the pure linen she wore. Onco the king moved heavily in his rest, and the name of Ze*a fell from his lips, but he didnot awake, A troubled, unquiet sleep held the monarch, and he seemed to be under the influence of some dieam that sent various shadesflitting across his stem counten- ance. Emina had settled down as she noticed the first movement, but when that name fell upon her ear she started aS though she had felt a shock of lightning. ( O, Mohammed l" she half murmured, as she gaze into his dimly revealed features, "would to Allah you had never-heard that name; but it is too late now. The alcalde's daughter has found that truant heart of thine when she sought it not. You love her as you once loved me. O, madness 1" ' Emmia looked for a momentt longer diin the king, and then she drew the phial ftrm her bo- som. She took out the stopper, aid then gath- ering the edge of the sheet in her hand she let fall upon it several drops of the liquid she had prepared. That part of the linen pn which the liquid had fallen wa pl-aced carefully over the sleeping man's mouth, and then Emfna let a drop fall upon his upper lip, just under the edge of the nostril; After this was done she sought Mohammed's kerchief, andiupon this she put some of the preparation. ' The woman placed the phial back into her bosom, and for several moments she'Ostood and gazed upon the sleeper. A look of sadness stole over her features as she gazed, and a tear trem- bled upon her long, dark lashes. She felt the drop as it fell upon her hand, and:quickly start- ing from her position she wiped away thq tell- tale tear, and turned towards the door. She took up the lamp and carefully closed the door, and having turned the key and taken it out from the lock, she stealthily glided back to her own apartment. One of the guards at the outer passage thought he heard a noise, and he opened the door and looked in; but the king was sleeping soundly, and all was quiet. The soldier won- dered that Mohammed slept so soundly, but he did nothing more than wonder, and when he re- closed the door and resumed his station out- side, he thought all was safe. And Mohammed,-he dreamed not of the visitor he had had, but he dreamed of the beau- 'tifl Zeral / CHAPTER XX. THB POOR DBOnIVBD. IT was towards noon of the day succeeding the events last recorded. Ben Hamed was in his own dwelling engaged in examining some papers that related to the affairs of justice that came under his official supervision. It was cer- tainly not easy for him to fasten his mind on the business he hadi in hand, for ever and anon he would push the documents from him, and start to his feet as if other matters usurped his thoughts. Ben Hamed was far from being a happy man. It is not certain that his con- science troubled him much; but he knew that he was playing false cards to every one about him, and he could not but fear that detection might, sooner or later, overtake him. Detec tion from the king would surely cost him his office, and detection from amy one else would fasten upon him a shame that he could not over- come. He knew that he was hated by most of the knights of Granada, and though his arm was strong in battle, yet his heart was weak in honor. Again and again did the alcalde seat himself to his official task, but no sooner did he begin to reason upon the matters before him than his brain became confused, and he was obliged to give over the trial; so he folded up the doc- uments, and sat and gazed upon their outr blankness. Thus Ben Hamed sat, when the door of his apartment was opened. It was Husam Ben Abbas who entered. "Ben Hamped, I bear thee a message from the king," said Husam. , "I listen." "Mohammed awaits the coming of your daughter, and he desires that you will haste to bring her." "Husam, in what mood seems th king this morning s" "As usual, ave, perhaps, that he is more testy." "Testy I I think he should be different from that. The Christia is in his power, and Zebra is soon to be his." "Nevertheless, he is out of sorts this morn- ing, and I, for one, was glad to get lear of his presence." Ben Hamed looked troubled. "What ails him 1" he asked. "In truth Ijnow not." "Has he seen the Christian knight sneo is. re-apture " "No, nor will he be likely to." "Ah,-Charles of Leon has not agaSa e caped." "No; but he is soon to'die." page: 76-77[View Page 76-77] "Good 1" uttered the alcalde. He was un- able to conceal his gratification. "It's very easy to say 'good,' "returned Ben Abbas, in a meaning tone, " but all is not good that sounds so. If I am not much mistaken, there is a counter current to the affairs about us, and the waters may not run so smoothly as you think." "I do not understand you, Husam." "I mean that Mohammed is playing at a game too high for him. 'T is well enough to trap a hawk, and even a child may do it, but that child must beware when he thinks to kill his game." The alcalde started, and gazed earnestly at his visitor. "Do you understand me, Ben Hamed ." "Not quite." "Then you must wait. But for the pres- 'ent you had better hasten to the king with your fair daughter. He is anxious for her presence. Ah, Ben Hamed, you are paying a good round price for your office." "Ben Abbas!" "O, take it not unkindly, for I mean what I say. Of course eternal peace of the gentle itWeg you would sacriflce is nothing more than meet for the kingly favor you get in re "Now by Allah, Ben Abbas, If you mean to beard me with taunts, you shall knawer for it," cried the alcalde, starting with passion. "Look ye, Ben Hamed," returned Husam, his whole countenance beaming with pride as he spoke, "you can call these things taunts if you choose, but let me tell thee that every hon- est knight in Grenada abominates the act you have bound yourself to perform. Zebra is the fairest maid in our city, and we .like not t2at she should be sacrificed to Mohammed." "You shall answer for'this." "So I will. Go carry your daughter to the kng first, and theft you may seek me if you hbodse. Mohetned waits to msnu the fra- grance of the fair flower you have plraake to him." As Ben Abbas spoke, he turned away and left the alcalde to himself "By the holy Prophet, they shall 6t beard me thus," BenHamed exclaimed as he was left alone. "They shall yet find that my arm has Mnt wNaned." For some moments the alcalde paced up mad down his apartment in an endeavor to calm the passions that had been aroused in his soul. He knew not exactly what Ben Abbas meant by the hints he had thrown out, but yet they had much influence upon his mind. He knew that he was staking his all for the king's favor, and should he lose that hQ would have no friend towards whom he could turn. "However, ie at length contrived to quiet himself'upon the hope that Mohammed would be true to him, and in this mood he went to seek his daughter. He. found the fair girl in her apartment. "Zehra," he said, with as much kindness of tone as he could command, " you must prepare to accompany me to the Alhambra. The king has sent for you, and he is anxious for your coming." I The effect was like a palsy shock to the poor girl. She sank back upon the couch and cover- ed her face with her hands. ' Come, Zehra,--heer up." "O, is there no escape from this V" "Escape I What mean you Did you not promise mne that you would go calmly and quietly$" 'Perhaps I did, but O, I thought not of the pangs I was to suffer. The poor prisoner in his dungeon may think calmly of the stake and the fire, but when the- flames that are t consume him begin to crackle in his ears, his heart may quil. O, save me from this." "Conie, ome, Zehra,-you have ere this ex- haisted my patentce. Beware bow you trifle with am more." The maiden remnained:for some titne with her hand upon her bro*, and at length she aroS to her feet There were no tears in her eyes, -r *hatovet of grief and anguish she may hate fStwas too keen, to deep, for tears. She was pale, and the i mcles #bbut her mouth were till and quiet. 8he had piasions at work, but thy , *ore like the hi Mdden res of the earth that find no drater. VTh* lived upon the soual wthein they rged. "I will g ," he said, in a voice too tlm to be usal. "Then make your preparations, and I ll call fo you." '"Oe' question, Ben Ikmed. Where i "i the prison." # An willhe be releas&a when I am Onae at 6e palace" "You do not receive mne now "O "Why should i.'. "You spoke with a strange accent." "Did I ." kYes. " . "Then it was because your question was a strange one." "Ben Named, yoi know thatI make thts sac. rifice because you have told me it wouldsave the life of the young Christian. "And. suppose it would not save s ife i" "Then I would not make it." The alcalde thought ot speaking harshly, but his better judgment prevailed. He would not have Zehbra appear before the king with her eyes swollen with tears, and so he dropped the subject and withdrew. In less than an hour the fair maiden was prepared for her departure from the home of'her youth, and she had two femalA servants to at- tend her. "You look exceedingly beautiful," said Ben Hamed, as he led her from her chamber. "The king will be overjoyed." "At my misery ." "Hush, Zehra. At your beauty, I meant." "And when that fades!" " It will not fade. You are young, and your beauty will outlive the king.' "O, what a hope for a pure soul is that!" murmured Zehra. "That her beauty may out- last her husband's life I Say no more to me, if you would have me calm." Ben Hamed obeyed the girl's injunction, and without further remark he led her to the palan. quin which was waiting to convey her to her destination. As Zehra stepped into the gaudily arrayed vehicle, a low groan escaped from her lips, but Ben Hamed did not hear it. -The silk- en curtains were drawn, and then the maiden was born:arway towards the Alhambra. Whe iUr bearers reached the royal residence she was lifted out by the alcalde, and messengers from the king were waiting to conduct her to the apartments that had been assigned for her use, while Ben Hamed went to report himself to his monarch. When Zehra entered the room that was to be hers she was for the moment dazzled by the mag- nificence of things about her, but the reality of her situation soon came upon her, and she sank into her own gloomy reflections. She was left alone with the two attendants thai d, ac- companied her and as soon as, tley ,wa- .een ,their young mistress relieved of Per ravellingg roe they retired to the adoining ptio et where they were to find sheir own quarter' " Hardly had thfe servants disappeared, Nwh& a small door, which had been hlddon by a ihivy silken aras, was opened, and Emina glided into the apaitnent ; ., "--.sh l" uttered the new comer, a she gazed quiclai about the room. "So you have come to the palace." "They have brought me.' "I had thought you would not have been brought," said Emina in startling accents. "O, I have come to save the life of one I love! Did you ever love ." "Yes,-almOst madly." "Then you know my secret." ' But who is to be saved I and how?" "Charles of Leon." "Who told thee that? "Ben Hamed told me so. He said if I would come quietly to the king, the Christian should go free; but if I refused-he should die." "O, curses, curses on them I Zehra, they have lied most foully to thee!" "Mercy!" "--...sh! We shall be heard." "O, tell me, have I been deceived I Is Charles of Leon to die O" "Yes. The king has set this very night for the deed." "Impossible! O, monstrous! It cannot be!" "It is as I have said." "But to save him I will sacrifice my happi- ness forever-I will embrace the king though his very breath breathed deadly poison 1" Emina started with a wild look as those words fell from Zehra's lips, and for a moment she gazed into the maiden's face as though she would have drawn forth more Words than had been uttered; but soon her feature grew calm again, and with a most strange meaning she said: - F "Few can breaMe adly poion and live!" "Then I could die to save the Christian. O, go tell the king that I will be all he can ak, if he will but spare the life of Charles of Leon." "It cannot be done. They have deceived you. It was but atrap to entangle you." "O, misery!" "Will you be the king's now " page: 78-79[View Page 78-79] "What Hand Charles of Leon dead?" "Yee/ "Nol I have a fairer husband who shall woo and wed me. I have. another to whom I will give my heart!" Ai Zebra spoke she half drew a small dagger from her bosom. ":-h!" uttered Elmin. "Some one ap. preaches. Use not your dagger hstily. Let it rest where it is." The king's wife glided back rough the small doorway just as Ben Hamed entered from an- other direction. He had come to speak flat- tering words to Zebra, but she turned from him in disgust. She knew that he was black with falsehood, and that his breath was hot with foul deceit. She did not tell Ben Hamed what she bad just learned, but she begged of him to leave her to herself. He wondered at her course, but she gave him no clue to its cause, and at length. he left, remarking, as he turned away, that when he came again te king would ac- company him. CHAPTER XXI. THn DBATl-WAUAINT. PBDBO AT WORK. Tn day. wa drawing to its close, and Mo- hammed war seated upon a a prple cushion in one of his audience chambers. Ben Hsmed was there, and at a short distance stood. Huam Ben Abbas. There were a number more of at- tendant present, nd all seemed hanging with more thn wonted anxieAty pon the words which were about to fal from the king's lips. "Husam Ben Abas," said the king, " preach me." . The noblewent nearer t thoe king. "Ben Abba, you do not bow so low as ws your wont." "Ah, dre." "I speak the truth, Husam. -You do not look me so kindly in the, face you have done." "It may b that matters of gra:e import show them wlves upon my features, ir.' "Hark ye, Ben Abbas. Beware that rebellion fnds no home in thy bosom, or, by Allah, you'll repent it." "You know me, sire, and you know I have been faithful." "The why those peevish looks " "I am sad ad heatsick." "bAh, san by heaven, , too, m heartsick. Allthil day Ive felt a gpawng my very vi tau, I tell thee, Be Abbaso I fel most trangely." I " . Ben Abbas turned away his head .to hide a look he could not suppress. The name of. Bmi. ' na dwelt silentlyupon hi lips, and a look ofjoy passed over his fatres. "My head, too, feels wonderfully uneasy, continued the king. "But shall overcome it." "I trust you may, sire," said Bea Abbas. '"Ay Allah protec theel" added the al- calde. "Bult enogl of ths," uttered Mohmed, showing by his manner that he was ill at ease "Ben Abbas, I have mae up my mind." "Allah grant ht you may be meful 1 said Husam. Merciful " repeated the king, with a bittes laugh. "Let mey for tho who need it. I want none of it. Huam, Abdalla imu du!" Those preset started at the words. "Have you thought of ts, sire " asked Ben Abbas. "Have ou thought of what might be the consequences of sah--," "Silence!" cried Mohmmed. "I have thought of nothing avr what 1 should do, and 'upon that I have determined. Abdela must die er another sun shall rse " , "You certainly hav the pwer to do you please," aid Ben Abbas, ii a low tone of "Ay, and none shall prit. of my doings, page: 80-81[View Page 80-81] after the deed is done. Mark that, Husam, and ' beware. Do you understand 1" "Yes, sire." "Then I shall look for you to be wise." "I am wise now, Mohammed," proudly re- turned Ben Abbas; "and from my wisdom would I speak to thee. Thou must not wonder that I speak plainly, for it is the province of a true friend so to speak. Ah, sire, those are one- mies who look blindly on our faults, and flatter us in our evil." "Go on, Ben Abbas, for your speech has a smacking of honesty, though I must say that it is not always wise to be honest." "I have but a word more to say. I advise you not to lay the hands of death upon Abdalla; and it will be for your interest to let the Chris- tians go free from Granada." "You have spoken,-and, I suppose, honest- ly," said the king, with a sneer. "I have, in truth, sire." "Then let me tell thee that I need not thy advice. I'll talk with thee another ime, Ben , Abbas, but it waxes late now, and I must to business. Ah I that pain at my heart. I have overtasked myself with thought,-and yet that feeHlig Is a strange one." ^ The monarch pressed his hands upon hi bo som as he spoke, and as the pain seemed to pass off he raised his head, and reahehd forth for a bit of parchment that lay ltiar him. "Mahmond," he said, addressing an officer who stood near him,; take this to -the prison and deliver it to Tank. Therein he is comrn- manded to put to instant death the two Chris- * titans who are confined there. Then his other prisoner Is to follow. He will-*' Mohammed stopped and pressed M hand upon his bosom. A slight groan escaped him, and then ie resumed: f Bid Tarik that he obey my order. Let Ab). dalla die dose upon the death of the C4ristians; and let it all be donE quickly; too." "Sire!" interposed Ben Abbas. "Silence' eIclaimed Mohammed. "4 Allah, if you speak another word, you, too, shall visit the prison.' Men hall know who Is king of Ganada If they think to rule me with their prat- lng I Go, Mahmud." Husam Ben Abbas bowed his head, and with a low murmur upon his lips he turned away from the royal presence. i There was much pain in his look, and he trembled violently as he walk- ed towards the door. "Come back, Husam," cried the king. "By my faith, there is rebellion in thy very look, and I'll not trust thee from the palace till Mahmoud has performed his mission." If Ben Abbas had thought of intercepting the king's messenger, he was prevented now, and he folded his arms across his breast as Mahmoud left the hall. Let us, while the messenger is on his way, look into the prison, and that we may the better understand things that transpired, we will go back a few hours and take our view by day- light. In one of the strongest dungeons, but one to which considerable light was admitted, sat Ab- dalla. He was firmly chained, but yet he had a good scope for exercise. He now sat upon the stone which served him for a seat, and his face was bowed towards the floor. His hands were olaped together, and his lips moved with a sort of inal-uttered prayer. He was cahli, but yet sorrow and suffering were traces in every linea- ment, Qfhio cOuntenance. He seemed as one who looked hourly for death/, and who had made up Wis mind to meet the king of terrors calmly. T iere might have been ome ray of hope ini his counteenae, but they wer so dim a iot to be easily dIstinguIshed . In, the lower dungeon, where iast we saw them, sat Charles of Leon ad hiesqi re. Thi former seemed to have been ot long smused from slumber. .Th e t at the top of the wall admitted light enough to enable the in- mates to disntguish objects plaInt about them, and Charles had discovered all that Pd- had previously spoken of. The deep stads of blood were all ver the eor-he* appata wai there for binding prisoners for the death-troke, and the trap-door, too, was easily distingtMhed. "My Boaster,"' sat Pedro, *'tyo have en. joyed a good long sleep. "Ay, and b my'eul, Pedro., bd a whn- derfully pleasant dfeat for efh a pleeof sleep as this." That maybe agod omea, for I semetlmea believe in dreams." - ] Especiy when lly h re p tleant ,eA, I suppose." "Nay,notse, my master. I woltdat efuse t to believe In a right pleast dream, but tny good o14 mother always learned in parterlaly to believe n allthe bad ones; ad,ff if I take not, hb had'a wrethed ending br al the good ones." "That would be hard, Pedro." "So it would; but while. you have been 'dreaming, sir Charles, I have been at work. Look at that" As Pedro spoke he arode from his seat and walked freely across the dungeon. "What means that, Pedro " uttered the knight, in astonishment. "Simply that they didn't discover my case of instruments. I have them all here, and you see how they have served xie." "But there can be no such thing as escape, even if we get rid of our irons," said Charles. "There can be no such thing as escape with our irons," returned Pedro; "so let's have them off, and then we shall be ready for, the first chance. And let me tell you one more thing: we are put here to die-there is no doubt about, that. Now if we have our irons free we may use them to advantage. Not more than one. man can enter our dungeon at a ttnie, nd- wd can sell our lives .dearly, at all events. But there may be a chance for 'scape. Suppose we are visited by night; we can kioctk down the keeper, and perhaps make our way out." "I understand ymo, dro" said Ches, with a ldght tinge hope his bit . 'u "Then 'you must take thbl' sawwnd dearirty hands. ' I worked upon myifeettrye msily,itat you see I cannot work atoundtaywrts'. 'Sep. arie these bei, and -tun 'f hate you fMe ini&wtklin '. .. . ' .. .. '. The knight took te ksn in ent from tl^ udi of t bi esqui*' "e1lon10 the ibblts that held the aela zm Pedto t hand were cto4W t;I - tait fu hfll, w sw'* at liberty so fsiiwu uweremononi d. . "56*, Vgoodimatter, old you sti f* *w moments; and your limbs shall be relieved of those ugly trimmings." As the esquire thus spoke he knelt down and commenced operations. His tongue kept pace with his hands; and if the humble follower had not so much of the lion bravery in his compo- sition as had his master, he had at least more of shrewdness and cunning, and rather more of pa- tience under difficulties. "There," uttered Pedro, as his master was clear from his shackles, "now we fre ready for visitors. Suppose, for the curiosity of the thing, we raise this trap-door." Charles agreed to the proposal, and both of the men laid their hands to the task. The ring af. fixed to the slab was a large one, and there was plenty of room for both of them to obtain a hold. Slowly the heavy stone slab was raised from its place. The Christians bent over the place, ]bi they Started quickly back. They had gazed only into a dark abyss from which came forth a told, noisome stench almost overpowering. It was the malari of decaying fish I "Down, down with the door again!" uttered Cares "y heavns, wo shall 4d with the a po tona vatpo." ".It's trn. plam," turrmu tedro, a be hldpepl4 Oer sepUoo the sab. "d saw uch on? Rt orlova; and IawFhuma bhinps tCles Wa nseWa^swe gt" Charles made no answer to Pedros revari , but gazed upon thi stone he hdlifted. LThee was cold shuidda rn shromigh ht frtme; but 4wn it 'pawe4d *way bands were catted with a nervous -powr,* d &ke name of God ,trepbed upon is i'Mps. page: 82-83[View Page 82-83] CHAPTER XXII.. TS aiMs Of 0Bs--Tfm COBffSTIB'S DUQEOON. NIGHT had closed over the Gaadan prison. Abdalla was in his dungeon pacing to and fro at such distances as his chain would allow, aid as the sharp clanking of the link fell pon his ear, he seemed stiding out wild music from their notes. While ho was thus engaged Tarik entered the dungeon, bearing beniath is arm a chel board. * "Do you feel like a game of chess, this even- ing " asked the jailer, as he sat his lamp down. "Yes, good Tarik. Anything to drink up the dull moments that hang about me." ," Then I'll spend an hour with thee. Every- thing is quiet about the prison-the prisoners are all safe, and the guard set." As Tarik spoke he moved a cushion up to where Abdalla stood, and having set the lamp down in a convenient place he unshackled the prisoner's right hand, and then seated himself. Abdalla did the same, and having placed the chess-board upon their knees they arranged their men. "Tarik," said the prisoner, " something tells me that this may be thelast game we shall ever play together." 'No, no-we will play often." "I think not. The king will not keep me much longer." He will not dare to-" "-hl' He ill dare, do what he pleaaes. But never mind that now. You shallmovelrt, and I wil beat you" "Not so easily. There." "That's your old moe." "Yes, and- I ean it for a victory By Al- lab, if you were playing for your life I should hardly let you beit me this timb." "I tell thee, Taik, whatever I play forshall be mine.. Life id nt mine to stake": They played, and they played.,;to,tas m who understood the game. Theminuts lipped rapidly away, and yet the two chess-players moved their pieces with but little effect. The prisoner forgot his chains, and the keeper forgot his office. "I have thee," whispered Tarik. "Not yet," returned the prisoner, ashe backed up his queen by a dqxterous move. The players were again buried in the game, when the door of the room was opened, and Mah- moud entered. "Tarik, here is an order from the king," aid the messenger, placing a bit of parchment in the keeper's hand. Tarik?pened the scroll and read. His face tumed pale, and a fearful tremor shook his frame. "I am to wait," said Mahmoud. ' Then Iwill join thee below," returned Tarik, placing the scroll in his bosom. "What ails thee 1" asked the prisoner, as the messenger withdrew. "Only a sudden and unexpected order,' re- plied Tarik, in ai thick, husky tone, while he trembled as though the death-ane were hov- ering over him.' "Let's finish the game." "No, no-I cannot play more." "If can play, why should not yow t" asked the .prisoner, in a tone of strange calmneis. "I feel that I have more interest in the king's mes- sage than you have." The two men continuedthe game, but Tark played wildly. "Ah I there goes your queen, and the game is mine!" uttered Abdalla. "Yes--you've won!" murmured Tarik, and as he spoke hd trned away to wipe a tear from his cheek. The eeper arose from his seat and sat the chessboard against the wall. He replaced the manacle upon the prisoner's hand, and then tak- ing up the lamp he left the apartment. "O, Allah forgive me!" he murmured, as he closed the prison. "I would rather die myself than do this deed. But I wh not shed all this blood myself. Him I must kill ith mine own hand, but the poor Christians shall fall by anoth- er's. Ah this is truly his last game. Pro. phetic vision!" When the jailor reached his office he called up two of his attendants. They were sinister look- ing, powerful fellows, and those who knew them knew them for the Grandan executioners. "You know the'place where the Christias are. confined," said Tarik. "Yes," returned one of the executioners. "Then take your cimeters and go to their dungeon. Here is the king's ordeorfor their im- mediate death. Do your work well now, and be quick about it, for I would not have them suf- fer pain. I have further use for the place when you have done." And the bodies?" "Into the pit." The executioners took down two heavy cimes ters that hung against the wall, and having taken a lamp they departed on their fearful mission. The Christian prisoners were seated in their respective places, and their chains were gathered about them. Utter darkness surrounded them, but they thought not of sleep. "Hark " uttered Pedro. "I heard a step approaching." "So did I," returned Charles. "What means a visit at this time " "We will find'out if they come." "They have stopped. Al I there goes the bolt of the outer door!" "Yes,"a ttered Charles, with a quick breath. "Gather your heavy' hain for action, Pedro. By heavens! if they've come to murder us they shall find our lives dear." "I am ready," whispered Pedro. "Be sure and look to it that your feet are clear." In a moment more the inner door of the dun- geon, was opened, and the rays of a lanp shone in upon the prisoners. Charles saw twi men, and he saw, too, thatthey were both armea. He guessed the mission upon which, they had eome, "What seek ye here" the knight asked, as the man who bore the lamp sat it down at the door. "You'd better not ask any questions," re. turned the foremost of the executioners. t "Back, till you tell me wherefore yo are here," shouted Charles, springing to his feet and' raising his hands over his left shoulder. The man did not see how the prisoner's rons were fixed. "Don't think of frightening us," he aid, " for we have come to put an endto your su'eings., Come, put down your hands, and sit upon your bench, for you'll die easier if you do." Charles half lowered his hands, and the execu. tioner took a step forward; but he cam. no nearer, for with a fU, powerful sweep the night brought his heavy chain upon the intruder's head, and he sank upon the pavementlike a dead ox. At the same moment Pedro sprang upon the' second executioner, but his blow fel upon the Moor's shoulder, and with a loud cry the lamed man sprang back from the cell. The lamp was upset and extinguished in the froy, and the prisoners were left in total darkness. They heard the second executioner as he hurried away, but they knew that one lay senseless near them. "Shall we flee " cried Pedro. "No, no-not yet." "Yes, yes. The way is open. Come." "But we shall-" "Be killed if we stay here," broke in the es. quire. "Come-follow me." Charles hesitated no longer, but grasping his stout irons more firmly he groped his way out from the dungeon. page: 84-85[View Page 84-85] "This way," said Pero. "I noticed the way v as we entered. This leads to the jailor's room, and we must fight our way through, and run." Hardly had Pedro spoken when atorch shed through the darkness, and a number of men, at the head of whom was Taik, were seen ap- proaching them. "Hold!" cried Tark bea came ner t the prisoners. "Back to your cell." "Let u pass," firmly returned Charles of Leon. "I know your purpose, and will defend myself," "One moment, sir kniht." No-not an instant. Clea the way." Tarik was a powerful man, and ued to dan- gers, but he hesitated before the Christian. "You must surrender," he said. "Never while I ive I Back!" The jalor saw that words were of no more use, and he bede his foilowers-4our in number-to assist him. He sprang forward. The knight swang his heavy chaln,but it scek the wall in its descent, andias it fel powerless, short of its mark he ws seized and thrown upon the eloor. pedro made a stmu resstane, but be was over- come by a superior force, and re long b two Chrbisnia were bound and onweye back to the cell from whence they had escaped. Cbrles of Leon," said Tarik, ts the pris- oners were forced down upon theirseats, "Allah knows that I am pained to do histhing. 1 would rather ten thousand times set you free; but it - no will of mine." "And do you really mean that we must die." uttered Charles. ' "e. So the king hath ordered " "And what have I done What thing rests upon my head that deserves this!" "Many have asked tlht same question in this ery place; but I had no answer for them. You must die!" "Tarik," said Pedro, elasping his hands to- gether, "let me die, and spare my master. 01 one death is enough." "You appeal to one who has no authority," returned the jailor. "Then let us die," murmured Charles. "Come, Tarik, if the deed must be done, lt ther be haste about it." "You will forgive me, sir .night." "Yes."' Charles saw that resistance would no longer avail him, but only make matters worse for him, and with a calm look he awaited the stroke that was to end his life. "Let us both die together," urged Pedro. "That I can grant; and would to Heaven I could grantmore. Charles of Leon, bow your head, aridthe stroke shall be a smooth one." "God forgive me for my sins!" ejaculated Charles; and then folding his hands aroseshis breast, he closed his eyes and bowed his head. "What oise is that" uttered Tarik, just as he drew his meter. "What ho, there Tarik I Tank " shouted some one from without. th jailor started, and let his ciceter fall. "Tak I Tarik" In a moment more iuamo Ben Abbas, all covered with dust and sweat, .rushed into the dungeon. "Is there blood spflt yet!" he gaped gaig wildly about him. No," returned Tahaf stupefed. "Not a drop " "No.' "Heaven be praised1" fell firo the lips of Ien Abbas; and he sank seneess into the arms s of the jailor. i CHAPTER XH. TH VIRGIN BRIDE. ZIBRA was alone in the gaudy apartment that had been prepared for her. She looked like a queen in her dignity, for her soul had be- come the home of a purpose that lifted her above the clods of fear. Three heavy lamps were burning in their swinging frames, and their combined power gave -the lustre of mid-day to the scene. Choice and fragrant flowers were blooming in crystal vases, tiny birds were sing- ing in their golden cages, and a silvery fountain sent up its sparkling waters from a marble basin in the centre of the room. Art and nature were strangely, wonderfully combined to charm the senses, and the sensualist might almost fancy that there could be no sweeter a heaven than this 1 But all was lost upon her for whom the plea- sure had been intended. She noticed not the luxury of the place, nor did she appreciate the incentives that had arranged it for her. She did once bathe her feverish temples in the cool water, and at times she would listen abstractedly to the cheerful warbling of the little birds. It was getting late, and Zehra sank down upon the soft couch. She had almost lost herself in a dreamy 'unconsciousness, when she was aroused by the opening of the door of her apartment. She started to her feet just as Ben Hamed entered. 6 "My daughter," he said, " here omes your husband. Smile, now." . But Zehra could not smile. She looked up, and she saw the king. "You can leave us, Ben Hamed," said Mo- hammed. The alcalde cast one imploring and half- threatening glance at Zehra, and then left the apartment.. The maiden was alone with the man who had wrenched from her all that could make life worth living for. "By Allah, sweet Zehra, but you look ex. ceeding beautiful 1" exclaimed the king, as he sank down upon the couch. The maiden made no reply. "Come and sit thee by me." "I would rather stand in the presence of the king," returned Zehra. "But the king is now your husband." Zehra trembled, but her features were still calm. "Come, sweet Zehra." "I am unworthy to approach my king." As the maiden spoke she thought she saw the silken arras at the end of the apartment move, and she also thought she saw a burning eye peering forth from behind its folds, but she gave it no attention. page: 86-87[View Page 86-87] "Ah, fair maiden, I shall think your coyness d takes color from your will. Come, dearest, and p sit thee by my side. I have felt quite ill this T evening, but your radiant beauty revives me. Come." 8 Zehra moved not. "By Allah, maiden, this smacks of stubborn- c ness. Now I command thee to come. O!" Mohammed suddenly pressed his hand upon t his bosom, and a pain-mark rested upon his i features. I "What Will you not obey me Then I will try other means." { "Hold, sire 1" uttered Zehra, as the king start- ed to his feet. "Touch me not!" "Ah I How is this?" exclaimed Mohammed, 1 showing by his manner that the maiden's con. duct was as unexpected as it was strange. "Approach me not, sir&" "What mean you? By the beard of the Prophet, but you act your part curiously. Are you not mine?" "No!" "Ah I Now I see thee as thou art. But such beauty as yours is only fit for a king, so I needs must have thee." "Another step, and tlis dagger shall find my heart 1" pronounced Zehra, as'she drew her bright weapon and raised it above her throbbing bosom. Mohammed was for the moment awed by the appearance of the noble girl before him. She trembled not, nor did her features move, but she stood calmly before her king, and her bosom was bared for the stroke of the keen instrument of death. "Put up that weapon, Zehra. This is some sudden freak of madness. Your father told me that you came freely." "I came by force, and even then I was de- ceived. I was told that if I would make sacri- fice of my peace in becoming your wife, Charles of Leon should live." "Ah " uttered the king, while his frame shook with rage. "And do your affections still run there? Then I, too, have been de ceived; but it matters not with you. I take not a wife at her own whim, so come to me at once." "Beware, king I Lay not a hand upon me I loathe you, and I have made my choice be- tween you and death. For me the grave offers more rest to the soul than does your embrace." "But hold, Zebra," said the king, with a sud. den change in his tone and manner. "' Sup pose I would send thee back to thy father. When I sent for thee I thought thou wast-" Zebra knew not the king's intent. As he spoke she let the point of her dagger fall, and on the instant Mohammed sprang forward and caught her arm. "Now I'll see how the love of a king shall be treated," he exclaimed, as he gazed exultingly into the maiden's face. "Ah, you are mine- mine-mine." Zehra struggled, but the king caught the dag- ger and cast it away. He turned again to gaze into the beautiful features of the maiden he so much coveted, but the expression of his coun- tenance suddenly changed, and instinctively he carried his right hand to his bosom. Mohammed's left hand was fixed like the grip of a vice- upon Zebra's arm, and she uttered a cry of pain as the fingers sank into her flesh. " ! O 1" groaned the monarch. Zehra thought it was rage that made him look so strangely; but the expression of his counte- nance soon became dreadful to look upon. He gasped for breath, and gradually his hold upon the maiden's arm loosened. "O, torture "' gasped Mohammed, as he car- ried both his hands to his heart. "Zehra! Zelhra 1" The maiden started back aghast. :She, was terrified by the fearful look of the king. His countenance was turning to an ashy paleness, and his eyes were rolling wildly in their sockets. "Zebra I Zebra!" he gasped, "you are mine mine I The fiends shall not snatch you from me. What ho, there I Ben Hamed! Mahmoud! Husam Ben Abbas I Where are ye all? Off! off I Tarik! Tarik! see that your prisoner dies H!t hal hal Abdalla must die! He shall die! Where are my attendants? Ben Abbas, where art thou?" Wilder and more wild grew the frenzy of the king, His gaze at length fell upon Zebra, and he sprang towards her. With a low cry she eluded his grasp-he took a step beyond her- tottered a moment, and then fell heavily upon the marble floor! Zehra uttered a shriek of t alarm, and while its tones still rang wildly through the perfumed air of the apartment the silken arras was thrown aside and Emmina glided into the room. She approached the spot where s lay the king and kneeled over him. "Mohammed is dead!" she said. "Dead!" cried Zebra, starting forward. "Yes. O, Mohammed! Mohammed! This is the end of thy race-the goal of thine unfaith- fulness! I told thee thou shouldst never take another to thy bosom. Hadst thou been true I could have died for thee; but when thou didst prove untrue, death was for thee alone. O, how few there be who know the human heart!" Emina arose to her feet and gazed into the wondering face of Zehra. "You are free," she murmured, "and so is the king!" "O, this is dreadful!" murmured the maiden. "But not so dreadful as it might have been had Mohammed lived," said Emina, as she moved to the wall and touched a cord that hung from the ceiling. In a few moments a servant entered. "Haste thee to the court and tell the officers that the king is dead," said Emina. "Stop not to gaze here, but go." "Ere long the cry was echoed through the Alhambra-"The king is dead!" The passages leading to the royal apartments were thronged, and soon Husam Ben Abbas came rushing into the chamber. "Dead! dead I Is he dead ." he cried. Emina silently pointed to the stiff body. Ben Abbas bent over it and placed his hand upon the marble brow. "Great heavens " he uttered, "death may not yet have done its work!" "Yes it has," said Emina. "Here-here--it has; but I meant at the pris. on! O,' for the wings of a falcon now!" Madly did Husam Ben Abbas dash from the death-chamber. All who were in his way were overturned as he hastened to stay the sword of the executioner. #Hope lent him her speed, and with every nerve and muscle strained to their utmost he flew away on his self-taken mission. "He spoke of saving some one, did he not?" tremblingly whispered Zebra, grasping Emina by the arm. "Yes." ' "Did he mean Charles of Leon!" I' He meant any whom the king had doomed. The Christian may yet be saved." "O, Heavqn bless him if he succeeds!" "Come, Zehra," said Emina, as she looked once more upon the form of the king; which the attendants had raised to the couch, " let us away from here." Emina took the maiden by the hand as she spoke, and led her away. The old physician came and gazed upon the corse of the king. Ben Hamed accompanied him. The alcalde asked what had caused the catas- trophe. The physician shook his head. "I fear it was the bursting of his own passion- ate heart. The fit was on him to day." Thus spoke the physician, and those who stood around believed him. They dreamed not of that neglected wife who had saved a fair maiden from the foul grasp of a sensual, monarch. page: 88-89[View Page 88-89] CHAPTER XXIV. OONOLUSION. THi sun had again risen over the city of Granada, and the light of day once more peeped through the chink-like hole in the dungeon of the Christians. They had for the time been spared from the cimeter, but their chains had been re- placed, and Pedro's case of tools had been taken from him. An attendant had brought them food and drink in the early morning, but he would answer no questions; only shaking his head in mysterious silence. The forenoon passed away, and yet the pris- oners were left to themselves. They spoke to each other, and wondered what was to be done with them. They knew not the message which Husam Ben Abbas had brought the night before. They only knew that the fainting messenger had been conveyed from the dungeon, and that shortly afterwards they had been re-chained in their former positions. Noon had passed, when the door of their dungeon was opened, and Ta rik entered. "Iow now, Tarik V" asked Charles, as he saw that the jailor bore in his hands a hammer and wrench. "You must accompany me to the Alham- bra." "Ah,-and what is that for V" "I know not-only that I am ordered to con- duct you thither." "And Pedro." "Ho will accompany you." Tarik proceeded to take the irons from the feet and hands of his prisoner, and when the work was accomplished, he bade them follow him Charles hesitated not to obey, for there was something in the manner of the jailor that gave him a strange hope. When they reached the keeping-room, Tarik pointed the Christians to a small closet. "In there you will find water and napkins," said he, " and also some of the clothing which ,you left behind you when you made your uncer- emonious exit from my keeping." Charles and Pedro entered .the closet, and when they came forth, they were conducted away towards the Alhambra. The great Court of Lions was a scene of magic grandeur. The great fountain in the cen- tre was sending forth its towers of diamond sparking water, and even the massive marble lions that layxcrouched upon its basin, seemed endowed with life. Richly-dressed knights were collected about the numerous pillars, and busy messengers were hastening to and fro. Into the midst of this scene were Charles of Leon and his esquire ushered. "Ah, sir Christian," uttered Huasam Ben Abbas, stepping quickly forward as he noticed the entrance of the prisoners, ",you are waited for."' "And wherefore?" asked Charles, gazing about him in a state of utter bewilderment "Follow me, and see." . Those who stood around made way for Ben Abbas, and as they moved aside they gazed curi- ously upon the Christians. "Sire," said Ben Abbas, stopping before the golden throne, upon the soft downy cushions of which reposed a man bearing the brilliant garb and glittering crown of the Granadan monarch, "here are the prisoners." "' Charles of Leon." The Christian knight started at the tones of that voice, and gazed up at the king. "Charles of Leon," repeated the king, "we have called you here to know thy business in Granada." "Abdalla!" fell in doubting accents from the Christian's lips. "You recognize me, then?" said the king, with a smile. "San Dominic!" ejaculated Pedro. "Ah,-and 'you, too, wonder. I remember thy good advice, Pedro, which you once gave me,--it was about running after the sun when I ought to be in bed." "O, mercy!" cried Pedro. "I forgive thee; so fear no more." Then turning to the knight the king con- tinued,- "You wonder why I am here, and I suppose, too, you wonder why you have seen me in strange places before." j "I do, most assuredly," returned Charles, gaining courage from the kind manner of the king. "Some others here may not know all that has transpired," said the king, as he arose from his seat and gazed proudly, happily around upon his subjects. "I am Jusef Abdalla, and Allah knows how cruel has been my fate. Years ago this throne was mine by right. Mohammed was my brother, and he foully cast me into prison and usurped my throne. Ten long years have I lain there a prisoner, while my unnatural kins- man revelled in these halls. You look wodder- ingly at my statement, sir Christian, but it is nevertheless true. Lately, good Tarik took pity on me, and sometimes at dead of night, and deeply disguised, he would allow me to walk forth and snuff heaven's fresh air. He trusted to my oath that I would not trespass upon his kind. ness, and that I would not betray myself. Once he let me out in the daytime. It was at the tournament. In such a crowd I was safe. Tarik ran a great risk, bet while I live; and he 'lives, he shall never have occasion to repent of his kindness. "I mistrusted your errand, here when I met you on the road. It was a freak of chancesure. ly, that you gape me the thought, but when I once entertained it, I knew enough to convince me that I was right. I was not anxious thatyou should carry Zehra away from Granada, for in her had my hopes of regaining my throne cen. tered. It was a strange thought, but yet it be- came almost a revelation to my mind. I knew the circumstances that surrounded 'the usurper, and I believed he would not live long after he had taken Zehra to his palace." The king hesitated a moment and gazed into the Christian's face. He would not betray to those about him his suspicions of the part Emina had acted, but he knew that Charles suspected as much as he did. "However," continued Jusef," the matter has ended as well as could have been wished, though we both of us had a narrow chance. Husam page: 90-91[View Page 90-91] Ben Abbas took advantage of Mohamtmed'sw death, and he arrived at the prison just in sea- o son to stop the fatal work the tyrant had planned. al Now, Charles of Leon, about thy mission to bh Granada, for you are in my power now." of Charles started, and the rich blood mounted s1 to his temples. "You know my mission, sire," he tremblingly aid, as he sank down upon his right knee. t "In truth I do, and let me give thee joyous - w news, too, sir Christian. The fair being you n seek'is yet pure as the virgin snow that glitters in the sunbeams from Nevada's crown." t God be praised!" ejaculated the knight, in a fervent tone. " O, you will give her to me,-- I know you will." "That depends upon the maiden's own choice," returned the king. "Arise, Charles of Leon, and you shall hear the answer from the lips of the fair girl herself. Husam Ben Abbas, let Zebra approach." In a few moments, three females entered the hall and came near the throne. She that was in the centre stepped tremblinglyto the throne and sank upon her knees. "Arise, lady, and lay aside your veil," said Jusef. "Fear not, for no harm hangs over thee." As she arose, she put back the veil from her face. A murmur of admiration ran from lip to lip, as the beautiful Zebra gazed forth in allher blushing, trembling loveliness. Zehra," said the king, " the Christian knight of Leon, Charles, Count of Valladolid, claims thee at our hands. Tremble not, for your fate rests in your own hands. If you would rather stay in our own sunny Granada, you shall be protected; and if you will go with the knight of Leon, you shall go as you will it." The maiden attempted to speak, but the words failed her. She heard her name pronounced by a well-known voice, and she turned and met the earnest, imploring gaze of her Christian lover. She forgot that the eyes of the king were upon her-she forgot that an hundred brave knights were watching her,-she thought of the darkness of the pasta-of the fearful doom she had escaped, and while the sweet light of the new-found day broke in upon her soul, she uttered one low cry of joy, and sank into the arms of him to whom she had given her whole heart, with all its price- less love. "Now, by Allah, there speaks an honest, truthful heart," exclaimed the happy king, as he wiped a tear from his eye. {"What man in all my kingdom can tell so plain a truth as that?" "O, she is mine!" cried Charles, gazing up through his tears, at the monarch. "Yes, Charles of Leon." "Then may the choicest blessings .of kind Heaven be ever yours," the knight murmured, as he sank down upon his knee, "Hold, sire!" cried Ben Hamed, starting forth from among the crowd(Wf Moslem knights. "You have no right to give away my hild thus 1 Charles of Leon started to his feet, and Zebra clung more closely to him. I "Ben Hamed " pronounced the king, while his eyes flashed, and his countenance wore a ter- I rible look, "how darest thou drag that villanous r body of thine into our presence What one thing dare you claim at eur hands!" r "My child, sire," uttered the alcalde, cower- o ing beneath the march's gaze. r "Out upon thee, base liar! IThou knowest well that Zehra is not thy child, and that she is it not Moslem born. I was on Almanza's bloody is field when you out down the servants who bore e a helpless child. One woman you saved, and er with the child you bore her off. You knew that be child was the daughter of Henry of Leon and of Castile. You remember the bloody affray, Ben Hamed, for you led the attack while Henry was as on his way from Valencia to Segovia. Though by you might hide your little prisoner from others, he you could not hide her from me, for I saw the r. deed. You know you feared to tell my royal on father on your return what you had done. Zehbr its is the sister of King John of Leon and Castile, and knowing this, you have thought t sacrifice her to the desires of my wicked brother; and more too,-you have tried to have Charles of Leon put to death because you feared he had come for her. Get thee now from my presence, and let me see you no more. I scorn to take full revenge upon you for the wrongs you did in helping me to prison while the usurper seized my throne; but beware how you throw yourself in my wayagain. You ar no longer an officer in Granada. Husam Ben Abbas is alcalde in your stead!" As the king ceased speaking, the people-made way for the disgraced man, and Ben Iamed shrank away like a whipped .cur from the pres- ence of those who he well knew despised him. "' Tell me, sir knight," said the king, after Ben Hamed had gone, as he turned towards Charles of Leon, " how did John discover where his young sister was Q" "He knew not for a certainty, sire," returned Charles. "Zehra's mother was in Valencia when she gave birth to her child, and Henry went there, with a considerable force, to bring her home to Leon. His party was camped at Almanza, where a party of Moors set upon him. He looked in vain for his child after the affray was over; but he found the bodies of three of the female attendants, and as the fourth was missing, he feared she had taken the child and fled. Much search was made, but all was fruit- less. The old king died, and he believed he should find his child in heaven. However, a few months since, two French knights, on their way from Granada to their own country, stopped at our court. They saw the portrait of Henry's queen, and with much astonishment they spoke of a maiden they had seen here who seemed its very counterpart. They said, too, she was too clear in her blushing whiteness for a Moorish maiden. They had only seen her at a tourna- ment, and they knew not her name. "This, sire, was enough to excite king John's curiosity, and graduallyy the hope found a home in his bosom that he might find his sister. I was chosen to perform the mission. The rest you know" Whe .I first aw Zehra, however, her oexeeding beat prevented me from otic- ing tse likeness I sought,'and the cirestaenoe, too, were strange; but - have seen it sine, and I have triumphed In my work." "Ay," added Jusef, with a kindling eye, " and you have not triumphed alone All that is good has triumphed, while evi1 ides its foul-head." As the kingspoke, he stepped down from his throne, and placed ope hand upon the head of the knight, and the other upon Zebra. "Thee," he conti ud, "I can do no more for your happiness. What remains must be the work of your own king. This is the first act of my rule, and I can only pray that every future act ofmy life my be as jstas this. Hnum aBen Abbas shah accompany you, homet and other of our knights shall go with him. O, in after times, if history speak of Juaef III., it shall, at least tell to the world that he *as a good and just king. I wish it to speak no more." The monarch bowed his head as he spoke, and those who stood near him saw tears in his eyes. The prayers of the Moslem king were truly answered. He had been taught by adversity, and. he. was a generous, noble sovereign, and Granada was never so prosperous,-never so happy, as while Jusef III ruled her destinies.. Emina lived all alone in the apartments that were hers in the Alhambra, and few knew how much she had done towards relieving Granada of the tyrant king; but if she sometimes felt sor- row for what she had done, the increasing peace of those about her helped soothe the wound, and in her heart she felt that she had not done much wrong. , Ben Hamed soon found that Granada wasno ,place for him, and he soon made his way to Al- mcira, and from thence across into Africa. * * * * * O what shouts of joy-so wild, so loud, and so prolonged-rent the air at Valladolidl In the royal palace all was joy and festivity. Knights page: 92-93[View Page 92-93] and ladles were shouting, and even the servants and humble esquires were joining in the loud chorus. Perchedupon a marble pdetal, by the side of an Italian state, stood Pedro Baubino. He was swinging his cap in mad delight, while big tears ef joy were coursing down his sun- burned cheeks. An aged bishop had just been performing the ceremony that made Charies of Leon and Zebra one for life. King John clasped his sister again and aan to his bosom, and he blessed God for the joy he-had found. "You will not be ealous of a brothers love, sir Charles," he said,- ashe at length resigned the blushing bride to her husband. '^No, no, sire," the knight returned, with a beaming look. "I would have all love her; and were she not my bride, your happiness would repay me for all that I have undergone. As it is, this happiness is almost too much." "Then you must look to it that you malk it last." "Ah, sire," returned Charles, clasping Zera to his bosom, "while this gentle being lives, my happiness'cannot grow less." "Heavengrant it 1" uttered a ddep voice, and Husam Ben Abbas took Zebra by the hand. "Fair lady," he continued, "I must leave you now. My stay has been as long as is proper. When I $o to Granada, what shall I tell your friends i" The fair being looked at her brother, and then r upon her husband. Then she turned towards Ben Abbas, and with a voice made tremulous by joyful emotion, she said: "Tell them that Zehrais happy. But O, Ben Abbas, you cannot tell them all the happiness I feel I Words cannot express it all, no more than an earthly minstrel can sing the joys of the d seraphim!" t The Moslem raised the small white hand to his lips, a tear sparkled in his dark eye, and then it he turned away, to carry the message to his own people in the south. THE END. [FROM GLMASON'8 PIOTORIAL DRAWINOG-OOM ObMPANtON.]} THE ORPHAN BP'S PAYER: - BY YVkANUS C0O3, Ja . , .', . NIoaT had drawn her curtain over the earth,' but still it brought no gloom--no darkness.. In the cloudless, star-gemmed heavens dwelt the bright full moon,' nd from her "sweet silver" face the great I AM seemed to look forth in smiles upon his created world. A soft sephyr, bearing upon its bosom praises from a thousand flowers, and made musical by thenotes df the, nightingale, played o'er the face of nature with a gentle power, while the pearly dew glistened in the mellow beams of the night-queen, like diamonds in their setting of green jasper A small village, nestled among frish-.cowned hills, s4a1nk into quiet repose, and save where, by the gate of a neat white cottage, tood a youth and maiden, the garens and greens had been left alone by the sleep-seeking villagers. I said a youth and maiden stood by the gate; perhaps it would be better had I said a boy and girl, for tot over fifteen summers could have smiled' upon them. But there they stood, and they had both been weeping; and as the moon- beams struggled through the deep foliage above their heads, the girl had nestled Her face within the bosom of her companion, while the fountain of her grief burst forth afresh. , "Come, come, dear Cora, wipe the tears. from your eyes, and let me see you smile ere I go from your side. God will rturn me to. you again, and then we will be happy." ' 'AI will smile, ' lengy. Tlere GoI. bless As thou e gentle bin spoke, she looked As the gentle, being "spoke, she looked. up through her tears and smiled. It wa a eavenly simile for one so young, and to the youth it sent a thrill of purest joy. "Thank you, dear Cora," he said. "Thlat smile will make tme happier. - Now I'mnst: go, for I'cannot stay here another night. Perhaps we are too young to talk of love, but still I feel that I do love you as truly and tenderly as the human heart can be capable of. We have been playmates together, and I trusI t hatwhen'we are older we shall come together for life. You will be faithful to me, Cora." "Yes, es, Henry." But why need we draw the picture further. Young as were those two hearts,they beat with a strong and earnest devotiont to'each other, and they each felt that their devotion was to be as lasting as it was pure and heart flt. The first flame that bums upon the altar of the soul's ,. \.j page: 94-95[View Page 94-95] affection, can never be entirely extinguished. Years may roll over its smouldering embers, and t its fires may grow dim and low, but they can never become utterly cold. The human heart may bear upon its tablets the memory of a thou- it sand ties of friendship, and regard, but its first love will always hold its impress there! Henry Williams was yet a boy, but he had t lived long enough to see the last earthly remains f of his father and mother laid beneath the green r sod of the village church yard, and he had been left with nothing but his own hands and health, s with which to overcome the trials and wants of earth. In his native 'village, he could see no hope of success, for he wa too poor; and more than once had he been turned coldly away on that account. One tie, and only one, bound his heart to the place of his birth; and that was the love he bore fortile gentle Cbra Clifford. They had been playmates together, though the father of Henry had been but a hired laborer on the farm of Deaocm Olif'od ;but tgh tho a e had sf worked and toiled in his service, still he felt no sympathy for the son; and when, by accident, he discovered the warm affection that existed between the youth and his daughter, he turned the poor lad coldly from his doors, and forbade him ever to enter them again. That was a severe blow upon the tender heart of Henry Williams, but he made no answer in reply, only he hastened from the house'to hide the tears that the ill treatment had started forth, and fr6m that moment he vas determined that he would leave the place, trusting that at some future time he might be enabled to take a stand that should entitle him to the respect of those who now looked down upon him so scornfully. Henry pressed the fair Cora once more to his young bosom, aud Imprinted one more kiss up- on her brow; then he seized his bundle and turned quickly away from the spot. He dared not look back, for he would- not have Cora see his-tears, but he heard her fervent "Qd- bless you," and with 'a comparatively light step he hastened on. At length stood upon the brow of the brill from 'whence he could take the last view of the theatre of his boyhood's scenes. There lay the quiet village, with its church spire pointing up towards heaven, while around were gathered the cottages of those who were soon to be far distant from him. For a moment he stood thus, and then, while a holy light irradiated his countenance, he fell upon his knees, and clasping his hands together, he murmured: "My Father in heaven; O, give me strength to do my duty truly and faithfully. Wilt thou be with me under trials and afflictions, and should a better day dawn upon me, wilt'thou then keep me in remembrance of thy goodness. Through all my journeyings in life wilt thou be my guide and my support, and lead my feet in the way of our Lord and Saviour. Deliver me from all temptation and evil, and to thee will I return my thanks both night and morning." When the youth' arose to his feet he, felt strong and happy. Simple as had been his prayer, it sent a new hope to his soul, and a new set of feelings and aspirations seemed to have started up within him, and swinging his bundle over his shoulder, he started once more on his way. Amid all the petitions that went up on that night to te. throne of grace, there could have been none which sounded more clearly through thp realms of heaven, or which came from a puret source, than did THE ORPHAN BOY'S PRAYER. Fo" four days did our youthful hero trudge on his way towards the city of Philadelphia. He found kind hearts on the road, and on his arri- val in Westchester he had- the good fortune to , fall in with an old Quaker who waS going to the city on the next day, and after hearing the boy's story he offered to give him rest for the night and a ride in his wagon on the morrow. This offer Was joyfully accepted; and when Henry laid his bead upon his pillow that night, hei be- gnm to feel that there was much of humanity yet in the world. The sun had hardly peeped up over the tall I trees when the old Quaker started off upon his - trip. For a long distance the youth and his I kind host rode on in silence, but at length the I old man rather abruptly asked: "What does thee intend to do in the great city, my young friend '" "i do -not know yet," returned the boy, in a frank, honest way; "but I think I can easily t find employment." ". What would thee say to entering the office h of aneminent lawyer?" "If he would take me, I should like it above ' all things," answered Henry, while a flush of hope overspread his handsome features, and then, as e a shadow flitted across his face, he added, "But II 1 have no recommendations." r, "Yes thee has." "Who can recommend me" 'V "Myself, boy." t But you do notknow me." ' "Boy, I heard thee pray this morning. Whe i thee thought that no ear save thy God's heard thy prayer, I was listening. I will place thee in the care of my friend, and I will lend thee money when thou needest it." Henry would have spoken his thanks in words had he been able, but the deep feelings of hit soul were too overwhelming for that, and his grateful tears told the whole; and during the-remainder of the ride, the old Quaker endeavored to im. press upon the youth's mind the necessary course to be pursued in steering clear of the shoals and quicksands of the metropolis.' The kind old man was as good as his word; and on the next morning, Henry found himself duly installed into the office of Ashley Bean- champe, Esq., one of the most prominent lawyers of the State, and at the' end of'a motth from that time he was 'taken from the situation of "runner," and placed in the somewhat-responsi- ble office of copyist, where he had more time to read; and having free access to Mr, Beau- ehampe's library, he turned his spare moments to good account. Thus passed three month s; and during that time the lawyer had so lettaed to love and respect his protege that he took him to his own house to dwell, but as yet he had never thought of giving to the youth any regular -course of study, partly because he thought he was not old enough, and partly because he ap- preciated his beautiful and rapid penmanship tho highly to take him from the copying desk; but a circumstance was about to occur that was des- tined to make a vast change in the horizon of his future prospects. An old man named Brown, had died over s year before without leaving a will, samid had left a vast bulk of wealth behind him. His wife had died some years previous, and he left an 'only child, a son twenty years of 'age, as the legiti. mate inheritor of his estates; but a number of avaricious relations, who had long looked with longing eyes upon old Brown's' wealth; deter. mined to possess themselves of it if possible and to this end they told and maintained the story that the pretended son was, in fact, no son at all, but merely a poor boy whom Mr. Brown had adopted in his infancy; and to maintain their position, they hired an old woman to per- senate the young man's mother, and also a mas to swear that he worked for Mr. Brown at the time when the child was adopted. These two wretchesre were Wll drilled in the parts they were to perform. Thywers taten to the housn of the deceased and swn over th i, emis, aad as the dwelliak wa meuh eted they hope to be the betterable to carry out their base designs. The physician and the nure-the only two peo. ple who could hae sworn to the trte birth of young Robet'Brow-lhad been dead several years, and, save the coanmon impesslon among the neighbors, no testimony could be brought forward to prove the legitimacy of the supposed son, while the heirs presumptive seemed to have it all their own way. The scoundrel relations, a'sfter they had stf-. clently trained their prineiptl witnesses, pkee" the ease in the hands of two eminent counsel, and the thunder-struck Robert, hardly realizing the baseness that was at work against him, secured the services of Mr. Beauchampe and hiscolleagfe, Many times did Robert visit the office; and one every oeeioni, Henry Williams beard em Word that passed, and feeling a lively interetit the young mutt's case, he very naturally set his wits at work to dive into the intricacies of the suit. I o legal docmnets hMA bs Ihft by Mr I Brown which had the "lghtot bearing on the ease-the birth of BRobertaAd mover been entered on the town record, nor ecoul any clue whatever 'be obtained to suthstatitate .&defence against the relations. The aselookod indeed almost 'hope- less; but it at length eate before the court, and on the morning of the trial Mr. Beauecatnpe desired Henry to accompany him and take exact notes of the evidence. ' The counsel for the plaintiffs stated his posi- tion, and informed the court that his clients were legally entitled to the property of Mr, Al bert Brown, dewsed, as he should proceed to I prove that the youth calling himself Robert Brown was in no way related to him, but merely a dependant upon his charity, who had been r adopted by tdie decewed out of benevolence. i First an old woman, who gave her name, ad Margaret Fullerton, was called upon the stand- She testified that twenty. years before, on the fourth day of August, she had given birth to a son in Norristowo-that she kept the boy one year, and then; on the death of her husband, started on foot for Philadelphia, with the ,. / in her arms. On her arrival in the snburbsi' became exhausted and sought the house of ' Mr. Albert Brown--she had no means of sup. page: 96-97[View Page 96-97] port, and Mr. Brown asked her if she would give up her child to his care and keeping. The witness stated that she was loth to part with her son, but as Mr. Brown promised to bring him up tl well and educate him, she at legth consented to do so, and furthermore she promised him that w she would never claim the child as her own, nor ps 'would she ever speak of the matter to others. of In return, however, she received a written ac- knowledgment from Mr. Brown, certifying to pi the reception of the child, and pledging himself to treat it as though it were hi own blood. * She t had often seen her son since that time, but had never allowed her maternal feelings to betray w her relationship tobim. The young man called c Robert Brown-tthe same now in the room-is tt my son, whom I left with Mr. Albert Brown, w nineteen years ago. The paper of which she spoke was here pro- a duced and compared with known letters of Mr. Brown, and none hesitated in pronouncing it to have been written by the same' hand that penned the letters. It was dirty and disfigured but still t the writing was perfectly legible, and was dated c "August 29, 1815." Mr. Beauchampe took the paper and handed it to Henry to copy, and then began to cross questdon the witness, but in no case could he make her contradict' herself. It was proved beyond a doubt that she had once 1 lived in Norristown, and that she had lost her husband there, and that about nineteen years be- fore she had come to Philadelphia, and it could not be disproved that she had brought an infant with her. At this stage of the proceedings, Henry left the table and stepped around to where sat Rob- ert Brown, and after whispering a few moments in his ear, he laid' his finger very significantly upon the defendant's right arm, just above the elbow, whereupon Robert signified a token of assent, and Henry went back to his seat. The eagle eye of the old witness caught the move- ment. "Mr. Beauchampe," Whispered Henry, "ask her if she took the sole charge of her child for one year." Mr. Beauchampe asked the question, and re- ceived a decided "' Yes." "Ask her if she remembers-a large mark upon the body of her child," continued Henry in a whisper. The question was asked, and while a peculiar twinkle played in the small gray eyes of the witness, she replied: "Yes, sir." "Where was it?" "I think it was upon the right arm, just above the-elbow." "You are sure of this mark existing some- where, are you " asked Mr. Beauchampe, ap- parently somewhat chagrined at the promptness of the last answer. "Yes; sir," replied the beldam, with a trium- phant look. The lawyer turned towards Henry, as much as to say, "what next l" "Let her go now, but keep her near at hand," whispered the boy, while a look that Mr. Beau- champe could not fathom dwelt upon his fea, tures. It was a look in which triumph and pride were equally mingled. "Are there any paper-makers in- this city/' asked Henry, as the witness left the stand. "Yes," replied the counsel. "Then you had better summon. two of the most popular ones, for I think you may prove this paper (holding up the pretended certificate of Mr.,Brown) to be several years younger than it would appear from the writing."- Writs of subpoena were immediately filled out for two extensive paper manufacturers and plac- ed in the hands of the sheriff; and in the mean- time an Ill-looking fellow, named Roger Finney, was called to the stand. Finney gave his evidence with a degree of straight forwardness and impudent self-conceit, t which, if it did not prove its truth, at least evinced a great deal of study and confidence. t He testified that sometime during the latter patn - of August or the first of September, about nine- s teen years ago (he never expected to be obliged y to testify under oath to the time, and so had it e not fixed very firmly in his memory), he worked f three months for Mr. Albert Brown, and while e he was there, the woman who had just left the 3- stand came to the house one night, with an in- fant in her arms, and begged for shelter-and k his further testimony went to corroborate the )r statements of Margaret Fullerton. Mr. Beanchampe cross-questioned this witness e- severely, but all to no purpose. He seemed to be well acquainted with all the matters and cir- n cumstances whereof he spoke, and evinced a a thorough knowledge of Mr. Brown and his gen- eral character. It was furthermore proved that ar a young man of that name hadat some former he time lived with Mr. Brown, but, save the wit- ness's ownstatement, no clue could be obtained to the exact date of his services with the de- ceased. "Ask him what name he has passed under during the last ten or twelve years," whispered Henry, as he touched Mr. Beauchampe upon the shoulder, The old lawyer looked at the fae of his young clerk, and the expression which rested there gave him a new hope, and turning to the witness he-put the question, - Finney stammered and trembled. "Tell the truth, sir," thundered Mr. Beau- champe, now fully aroused to a sense of the van- tage he had somehow gained through the aid of his faithful boy, Finney looked first at the excited cross ques- tioner, and&then at the expectant relatives. The latter were evidently in no very enviable state of mind, for the sweat stood in huge drops upon their brows, and they trembled even worse than I did the witness; but he, feeling that tod much hesitation would be worse than the truth, replied, while he strove to regain his former composure: " have been by the name of Jack Collins." "And what was that for?" "Why, you see about twelve year ago, I got into a bit of a row an' was lugged before the court, an' as I didn't like to give my real name, I told 'erm my name was Jack Collins, an' so kept it after that." "By giving your real name, then, you were fearful of injuring your reputation," said Mr. Beauchampe, with a smile. "Yes, sir," answered Finney with a look of offended dignity. "Just read that," said Henry, as he handed his patron a folded paper. Mr. Beauchalnpe took the paper and began to read. Grdually his countenance lighted up, and when he raised his eyes from the document he glanced around upon the plaintiffs with a look of triumph that made them start. "Brush your hair back from your right ear," said he to the witness. Finney tilrned pale as a ghost-supposing a ghost could look dirty and greasy-and seemed disinclined to obey; but a call for the sheriff soon started him to his senses, and he pushed back his shaggy, sandy locks, revealing to the court and jury an ear from the top of which a piece about the size of a York shilling had been clipped. "Now," said Mr. Beauchampe, "may it please your honor and gentlemenof the jury, I hold in my hand a document which will at once settle I the business with this witness. It has been ob- tained of the captain of ouir marine corps at the navy yard, and is the description of a deserter from the barracm a't Brooklyn, N. Y., which has beenfiled in our yard nearly eighteen years." He then proceeded to read the paper.. It stated that the man, Roger Finney, had deserted on the 2Bth of June, 1816, after having served two years and four months; and the description given was exact in every particular as corre- sponding with the appearance of the witness, making allowance, of course, for the effects of ' age and dissipation.' "Thus you will see, your honor, and gentle- men of the jury," continued Mr. Beauchampe, as he handed the paper to the judge, " that the witness could not have been in this section of the country within over a year of the time to which he testifies.. I shall seek no further to question him or his testimony, for you can see that he has been bribed to peijure himself. Your honor might hand him over to the sheriff's dep. uty for the present." The counsel for the prosecution made some lame objections to this summary method of dis- posing of their witness, ,butthe court ruled them out, and Mr. Beauchampe was allowed to call for rebutting testimony against Mrs. Margaret Fullerton. He stated that hehad two witnesses well known to the court and jury, one of whom would remain outside till the other had given his testimony, and neither of whom ,et knew for what purpose they were called. Thereupon Mr. H-, one of the most, influential citizens, and an extensive paper manufacturer of trie city, was called upon the stand. "Mr. H-- ," said Mr. Beauchampe, as he handed over the certificate which the woman testified had been given to her by Mr. Albert Brown, nineteen years before, ' will you exam. ins that paper?" Mr. H-- took the paper, and as the date struck his eyo,.a perceptible smile passed over his features. \ "How long ago was that paper manufacture. ed?" asked the counsel. "Not over ten years at the furthest," replied Mr. H---, and at arequest from the court he went on and explained the various improvements in paper-making during the last twenty years, and also showed to the judge and jury how he was enabled to tell so exactly as to the time when, the bit of paper in his hand was calendered. page: 98-99[View Page 98-99] The other wituest was now, called, and his testimony was as clear and precise as had been few n that of Mr. H--- -. He stated that the paper could not have been made over ten yers evendr were it as old as'that; and his reasons embodied nd the same description as had already been given, except that he wentrather more particularly into the peculiarities of the various kinds of'wire- cloth upon which the pulp,is Brat formed into e sheets. Young Robert Brown was then called before the court, and both his arms bared to the shoul- in w ders, but no such mark as the old woman ofhad testified to was to be found! of b It is hardly necessary to add thatthe case was we soon given to the jury, and that they immediate t ly returned. with. a verdict in favor of Robert hi Brown. The chained relatio were dismissed of with a most scathing' condemnation from the i nd court Mrs. Margaret Fullerton wasadmouished the to mend her ways, and Mister Roger Finey was delivered over to a sergeant and a fe of a marines. Ox the next morning after the trial, Mr. Beat champ entered his office and found Henry aI- td ready at his desk, For several moments he Jo regarded the boy In silence; but at length, while a a look of deep respect, mingled with a kind of br paternal pride, rested upon his features, he said: tl "Henry, I wish you to tell me in what man. t ner you discovered those circumstances with re- k gard to yesterday's trial, whiich you must e e aware, carried the case, and which had escaped tI the penetration of older heads. e "Why, sir," returned Henry, as a deep blush suffused his handsome face, " from the first mo- ment that I heard Mr. Brown freely explain the matter to you, I knew that he was wrongfully 1 beset by villains. I was confident that he was the son of the named deceased, and I felt sure that innocence coud be:protected. Iknewthat your business was pressing, and' thereforI set I about the work of hunting up the truth. Your library has afforded me a knowledge of many of the intricacies of legal affairs, and my sympathy added to'my-" t Ambition. Speak it out, Henry." , Yes, sir, you are right. Ituas my ambition that led me through the task, For four succcs. sive nights I hunted around through the lowest haunts in the city, endeavoring to find out some- thing about this Finney. On the fourth night I swaggered into a low sailors' drinking house, on the Delaware side, and after looking about for a few moments I asked if Finney had been there. "Do 'you mean old Roger?' asked a half- drunkenl sailor, who had been sitting back at the end of the bar. "Yes," I told him. "He then made some observations' about old Roger-his shipmate as he called him-and end- ed by asking him to treat him. I told him that I did not wish to drink, but that if he was a ship- mate of Finney's, I would lend him half a dollar int welcome. He was overjoyed at the reception of the money, and immediately ordered a bowl of hot punch, which he carried to a table where 3 we both'sat down. As the hot beverage began -to warm his head, his heart was also opened and t his tongue loosened, and by dint of a good deal I of cross-questioning, mixed up with such jokes e and pleasantries as I thought necessary to smooth d the matter over, and make it appear that I knew y as much as he did, I succeeded in pumping out f all the information I could possibly want. I learned that Finney had broken jail in Canada -that' he had enlisted in the marine corps, from U- whom he had deserted, and that most of the t- time since then he had sailed under the name of he Jack Collins. From this information I was as- ile sured that a severe cross questioning would of break Mr. Finney down; but when I called at d: the commandant of marines' office and hlarned an- the particulars of the desertion, and also was re. kindly accommodated with the documentary ,e evidence and description of the man, I found ted hat with regard to him, at least, we were'all safe. The woman's evidence I knew nothing ush about until she delivered it, but when she did so, mo- I knew she was lying, and from the confident the manner in which she told' her story, and from ally the wickedness which sparkled in her small gray was eyes, I knew that she would be reci less enough sure to fall into a trap. When I stepp' d to the side that of Mr. Brown, I saw that the woman's eyes were [set .upon me; but pretending not to notice it, I four asked the defendant if he had any mark upon iy of either of his arms. lie told me he had not, and athy then bidding him make a sign of a-sent, I laid my finger upon his right arm, just ahove the elbow. The bait took as I had expected. 'With ition regard to the paper, that is a curious coinci- Leccs- dence.. Only about a week ago I finished read- )west ing-a work which I found in yonr house, pub. ;ome- lished by John Dickin-on & Co., of London, on ight I the Rise, Progress, and Improvementt of Paper se, on Making, and the moment you placed that forged certificate into my hands, the idea struck me to examine its quality; and that examination con vinced me ttha the paper could not hare beet made so long' ago as nineteen years. The rest, Sir, yout kno, and I hope you will not be of fended at what I have done. I thought several times of stating to you my belief, btzt'I was afraid you would think me presumptive, so I went to work alone, and when I had suoeeeded so completely ip my endeavors I mqst own that I felt a kind of desire to-I--" "I see it all, my dear Henry,' excaiqned Mr. Beauchampe, as he started forward and seised the youth by both his hands, while 4he warm tears of gratified pride glistened ijhis eyes. "You wished to enjoy the triumph which so jdstly belonged to you, and honorably, aobly have you done it. Go on, go on, may son, and, the country shall yet be proud of you. But here," continued the old attorney, as ho handed to Henry a sealed note, "is' somethingwwhich will show you how highly your services are valued." With a trembling hand Henry broke the seal, but he could hardly believe his senses, when be beheld notes to the amount of two thousand dollars, accompanied by the following lines:- "Hiar WLLusAM8 :--Tbe within- s buat a smail mark of the love and esteem Ihave learned to feel towards yonu. The services you hbae done me I can never' repay for you have saved ne from a condition to which deatr, would'have been preferable,., It is my desire that the within amount. should-be used' for your education, amd I feel confident that Mr. Beauchampe wiltgive you every advantage necessary to your progress. A friendship thus begun, must cease but with life. My home is always yours, if you will but accept it. Yours, o , ODOER T BROWM." For several moments after Henry had read the note, he gazed vacantly upon its face, but gradu. ally the letters and lines grew indistinct, his lips quivered, his bosom swelled with a powerful emotion, and bowing his head upon his desk, he burst into tears. The tenderest spot in his whole heart had been touched by the angel's wand, and the fountain of a gratitude which words might never have uttered, burst forth in a flood that washed away forever all darkness from his soul. At that moment the old Quaker, who had brought Henry to the city, entered the office. The story was soon told to him, and stepping forward he laid his hand upon the boy's head, and raising his eyes towards heaven, he uttered: "God bless thee, Henry!"Then. turning to, U the attorney,: he continued: Ah, riend Beau.' ehampe,:i kew thee would find ini a&' noble bbyi fr. whoen I heard that prasr hileh' he mad& or the oroing when e started f(or ithe eti, I k iew thW t his heart *aa in te right 1i 0" yeair pased sawir; The Aerts had foded and did-theni boeindd anoed withered again, but still the air that moved amid the fii . asein front of DIeaon Cuil rd's ota'e was laden wih"their gentleii':ftime; anad b' jas.- mine'aad woodbine had spread nut their sweet- scented arms to lend their fragrances tO'the ch'arisi' 'of the spot. It was a bright airnoon in summer. Core Clifford eat beneath 'the arbor in frt 'of the porch of her father' 'dWellitig,' rinAed ii:pik. ing in pieces and 'doplping at hoefeetthe bosey. buckle whichgrew bf her side. "The, beautiful girl- hA gtr wn 'to a most beautful woman; and as the- dark lahes of 'her tearful eyes ail-moto rested upon the lily surfacee of tier ehee*k:'she looked full as lovely as did the blooming, blush- ing flowers that raled their heads-about.,her. 'By her side stood her f4qr coldd and sternmas ever. , There was a frown apon ihs brow and a curl upon his lip., "And so you have received another letter from that quondam, boyish lover of yours." Cort looked up reproachingJy into her father's face, but returned no answer. "I thought," continued he," thateseven years would have effaced the image of the pennileu youh' from your mind, but as matters stand now, you will have to subject yourself to the course of discipline I have marked out. Weal- thy suitors are even now cueing for your hand, and, I,cannot stand your foo0Ushhless any longer. I tell thee, child, you must make your choice from among them." Cora threw her arms around her father's neck, kissed him, and then wept. This was an argu- ment against which the old man could offer no response, though he had a thousand times re- solved never to be put off so again. He was getting old-Cora was his only child, and he really loved her, and so he turned away, with a firm, resolution that the next time he broached the matter, he would be as unmoved towards her as ever. The sun had reached that point in the heavens where it marks objects in long shadows on the greensward, when a superb and costly travelling % page: 100[View Page 100] carriage, drawn by a span of noble gray steeds, drew up at the deacon's gate. An old gentle- bri man, whose locks were just beginning to frost th beneath the winter of years, was assisted from bil the carriage by a young man, who had alighted the first. The two gentlemen were met in the gar- isl den walk by Deacon Clifford. pC "Clifford!" exclaimed the elder of the two travellers, with a joyful expression, extending ca his hand. th "Ashley Beauchampe!" uttered the host, in a hi tone of both surprise and delight. "You have at length thought of your old friend. And is si this your son t" "Not quite a son, and yet more than a son. - Mr. Williams, Mr. Clifford," Beauchampe said. a "Not the Mr. Williams who has just gained the suit against the State in favor of the - d Association?" uttered the old man. "The same," returned Beauchampe. "This is indeed an honor," said Clifford, ] shaking the young man warmly by the hand. "But come," said the host, as there happened to be a flagging in the conversation, " you have not seen my canary, my robin." Beauchampe looked around the room. "O," uttered Clifford, "I mean my daughter -my Cora. Ah, she has grown to be a beauti- ful woman, Ashley." "And not married, yet " said the old judge, while a quiet smile played around the corners of his mouth. "No, nlo," Clifford returned, half sadly. "That is her only fail- But never mind; she is a good girl, add you shall see her." As he spoke he left the room, and in a few moments returned with his daughter. "Cora, this is Judge Beauchampe-he who used to dandle you upon his knees when you were a child." Cora greeted him kindly. "And thin my daughter, is Mr. Williams, whose name you have so often read in connec- tion with the great State trial." Cora stepped lightly forward, and with a bright smile extended her hand. In a moment that smile faded from her cheek, and she trem- bled like the troubled aspen. Her eyes met those of the man before her, and the soul-cher- ished dream of years flitted with a blinding power before her. "Cora," said the young man, in a soft, musi- cal tone-a tone that had thrilled thousands to the very heart-while he pressed the trembling hand he held. The fair girl read her whole future fate in the simple tone that fell upon her ear, and uttering the earthly name which dwelt nearest her heart -"Henry!"-she laid her head upon his bosom and thanked God in tears. "Henry Wfilliams!" uttered the astounded deacon, as he stood like one thunderstruck, gaz- ing first at the happy pair, and then at the judge. "Then you know him," quietly remarked , Beauchampe. Clifford would have spoken, but the memory I of the past bound his tongue in shame, and he feared to meet the gaze of the youth whom he had once turned unfeelingly from his doors, "Come, come, my old friend," said the judge, r laying his hand upon the old man's shoulder, i "be a man. God gave me no children by birth but he gave me a noble son by adoption, arid you can make him happy. He is well worthy r of her. I know it all." Clifford struggled a moment with the mortifi- acation that burned within him, and then stepping forward, he took the young man's hand, saying as he did so: "Henry-let the past be forgotten, and if I have ever wronged you, may this act atone for ho it all." o1 As he spoke, he took the hand of his daugh- ter and placed it within that of Henry, and then added: "There, my children, may God bless you and e- make you happy." THE END.
