CHAPTERI。
AMildsummereveningwasrestingontheshoresofMalaga，awakeningtheguitarofmanyamerrysingeramongtheshipsintheharbor，andinthecityhouses，andinmanyanornamentalgardenvilla。
Emulatingthevoicesofthebirds，themelodioustonesgreetedtherefreshingcoolness，andfloatedlikeperfumedexhalationsfrommeadowandwater，overtheenchantingregion。Sometroopsofinfantrywhowereontheshore，andwhopurposedtospendthenightthere，thattheymightbereadyforembarkationearlyonthefollowingmorning，forgotamidthecharmsofthepleasanteventidethattheyoughttodevotetheselastfewhoursonEuropeansoiltoeaseandslumber；theybegantosingmilitarysongs，todrinktoeachotherwiththeirflasksfilledtothebrimwiththerichwineofXeres，toastingtothelonglifeofthemightyEmperorCharlesV。，whowasnowbesiegingthepirate-nestTunis，andtowhoseassistancetheywereabouttosail。Themerrysoldierswerenotallofonerace。OnlytwocompaniesconsistedofSpaniards；thethirdwasformedofpureGermans，andnowandthenamongthevariousfellow-
combatantsthedifferenceofmannersandlanguagehadgivenrisetomuchbantering。Now，however，thefellowshipoftheapproachingsea-
voyageandofthegloriousperilstobeshared，aswellastherefreshingfeelingwhichthesoftsoutherneveningpouredoversoulandsense，unitedthebandofcomradesinperfectandundisturbedharmony。TheGermanstriedtospeakCastilian，andtheSpaniardstospeakGerman，withoutitsoccurringtoanyonetomakeafussaboutthemistakesandconfusionsthathappened。Theymutuallyhelpedeachother，thinkingofnothingelsebutthegood-willoftheircompanions，eachdrawingneartohisfellowbymeansofhisownlanguage。
Somewhatapartfromthemerrytumult，ayoungGermancaptain，SirHeimbertofWaldhausen，wasrecliningunderacork-tree，gazingearnestlyupatthestars，apparentlyinaverydifferentmoodtothefresh，merrysociabilitywhichhiscomradesknewandlovedinhim。
PresentlytheSpanishcaptain，DonFadriqueMendez，approachedhim；
hewasayouthliketheother，andwasequallyskilledinmartialexercises，buthewasgenerallyasaustereandthoughtfulasHeimbertwascheerfulandgentle。\"Pardon，Senor，\"beganthesolemnSpaniard，\"ifIdisturbyouinyourmeditations。ButasIhavehadthehonorofoftenseeingyouasacourageouswarriorandfaithfulbrotherinamrsinmanyahotencounter，Iwouldgladlysolicityouaboveallotherstodomeaknightlyservice，ifitdoesnotinterferewithyourownplansandprojectsforthisnight。\"\"Dearsir，\"returnedHeimbertcourteously，\"Ihavecertainlyanaffairofimportancetoattendtobeforesunrise，buttillmidnightIamperfectlyfree，andreadytorenderyouanyassistanceasabrotherinaims。\"\"Enough，\"
saidFadrique，\"foratmidnightthetonesmustlonghaveceasedwithwhichIshallhavetakenfarewellofthedearestbeingIhaveeverknowninthismynativecity。Butthatyoumaybeasfullyacquaintedwiththewholeaffairasbehovesanoblecompanion，listentomeattentivelyforafewmoments。
\"SometimebeforeIleftMalagatojointhearmyofourgreatemperorandtoaidinspreadingthegloryofhisarmsthroughItaly，Iwasdevoted，afterthefashionofyoungknights，totheserviceofabeautifulgirlinthiscity，namedLucila。Shehadatthattimescarcelyreachedtheperiodwhichseparateschildhoodfromripemaidenhood，andasI——aboyonlyjustcapableofbearingarms——
offeredmyhomagewithachildlike，friendlyfeeling，itwasalsoreceivedbymyyoungmistressinasimilarchildlikemanner。I
marchedatlengthtoItaly，andasyouyourselfknow，forwehavebeencompanionssincethen，Iwasinmanyahotfightandinmanyanenchantinglyalluringregioninthatluxuriousland。Amidallourchanges，Iheldunalterablywithinmetheimageofmygentlemistress，neverpausinginthehonorableserviceIhadvowedtoher，althoughIcannotconcealfromyouthatinsodoingitwasrathertofulfilthewordIhadpledgedatmydeparturethanfromanyimpellingandimmoderatelyardentfeelinginmyheart。Whenwereturnedtomynativecityfromourforeignwanderings，afewweeksago，Ifoundmymistressmarriedtoarichandnobleknightresidinghere。Fiercerfarthanlovehadbeenwasthejealousy——thatalmostalmightychildofheavenandhell——whichnowspurredmeontofollowLucila’ssteps，fromherhometothechurch，fromthencetothehouseofafriend，fromthenceagaintoherhomeortosomenoblecircleofknightsandladies，andallthisasunweariedlyandascloselyaswaspossible。
WhenIhadatlengthassuredmyselfthatnootheryoungknightattendedher，andthatshedevotedherselfentirelytothehusbandchosenforherbyherparentsratherthandesiredbyherself，Ifeltperfectlysatisfied，andIshouldnothavetroubledyouatthismomenthadnotLucilaapproachedmethedaybeforeyesterdayandwhisperedinmyearthatImustnotprovokeherhusband，forhewasverypassionateandbold；thatnottheslightestdangerthreatenedherinthematter，becausehelovedandhonoredheraboveeverything，butthathiswrathwouldventitselfallthemorefuriouslyuponme。
Youcanreadilyunderstand，mynoblecomrade，thatIcouldnothelpprovingmycontemptofallpersonaldangerbyfollowingLucilamorecloselythanever，andsingingnightlyserenadesbeneathherflower-
deckedwindowstillthemorningstarbegantobereflectedinthesea。ThisverynightLucila’shusbandsetsoutatmidnightforMadrid，andfromthathourIwillineverywayavoidthestreetinwhichtheylive；untilthen，however，assoonasitissufficientlydarktobesuitableforaserenade，Iwillhavelove-romancesunceasinglysangbeforehishouse。ItistrueIhaveinformationthatnotonlyhebutLucila’sbrothersarereallytoenteruponaquarrelwithme，anditisforthisreason，Senor，thatIhaverequestedyoutobearmecompanywithyourgoodswordinthisshortexpedition。\"
HeimbertseizedtheSpaniard’shandasapledgeofhisreadiness，sayingashedidso，\"Toshowyou，dearsir，howgladlyIwilldowhatyoudesireofme，Iwillrequiteyourconfidencewithconfidence，andwillrelatealittleincidentwhichoccurredtomeinthiscity，andwillbegyouaftermidnightalsotorendermeasmallservice。Mystoryisshort，andwillnotdetainuslongerthanwemustwaitbeforethetwilighthasbecomedeeperandmoregloomy。
\"OnthedayafterwearrivedhereIamusedmyselfwithwalkinginthebeautifulgardenswithwhichtheplaceabounds。Ihavenowbeenlonginthesesouthernlands，butIcannotbutbelievethatthedreamswhichtransportmenightlybacktomyGermanhomearethecauseformyfeelingeverythingheresostrangeandastonishing。Atallevents，everymorningwhenIwakeIwonderanew，asifIwereonlyjustarrived。SoIwaswalkingthen，likeoneinfatuated，amongthealoetrees，whichwerescatteredamongthelaurelsandoleanders。
Suddenlyacrysoundednearme，andaslendergirl，dressedinwhite，fledintomyarms，fainting，whilehercompanionsdispersedpastusineverydirection。Asoldiercanalwaystolerablysoongatherhissensestogether，andIspeedilyperceivedafuriousbullwaspursuingthebeautifulmaiden。Ithrewherquicklyoverathicklyplantedhedge，andfollowedhermyself，uponwhichthebeast，blindwithrage，passedusby，andIhaveheardnomoreofitsince，exceptthatsomeyoungknightsinanadjacentcourtyardhadbeenmakingatrialwithitprevioustoabull-fight，andthatitwasonthisaccountthatithadbrokensofuriouslythroughthegardens。
\"Iwasnowstandingquitealone，withthefaintingladyinmyarms，andshewassowonderfullybeautifultolookatthatIhaveneverinmylifefelthappierthanIthendid，andalsoneversadder。AtlastIlaidherdownontheturf，andsprinkledherangelicbrow，withwaterfromaneighboringlittlefountain。Andsoshecametoherselfagain，andwhensheopenedherbrightandlovelyeyesIthoughtI
couldimaginehowtheglorifiedspiritsmustfeelinheaven。
\"Shethankedmewithgracefulandcourteouswords，andcalledmeherknight；butinmystateofenchantmentIcouldnotutterasyllable，andshemusthavealmostthoughtmedumb。Atlengthmyspeechreturned，andtheprayeratoncewasbreathedforthfrommyheart，thatthesweetladywouldoftenagainallowmetoseeherinthisgarden；forthatinafewweekstheserviceoftheemperorwoulddrivemeintotheburninglandofAfrica，andthatuntilthensheshouldvouchsafemethehappinessofbeholdingher。Shelookedatmehalfsmiling，halfsadly，andsaid，’Yes。’Andshehaskeptherwordandhasappearedalmostdaily，withoutourhavingyetspokenmuchtoeachother。Foralthoughshehasbeensometimesquitealone，I
couldneverbeginanyothertopicbutthatofthehappinessofwalkingbyherside。Oftenshehassungtome，andIhavesungtoheralso。WhenItoldheryesterdaythatourdeparturewassonear，herheavenlyeyesseemedtomesuffusedwithtears。Imustalsohavelookedsorrowful，forshesaidtome，inaconsolingtone，’Oh，pious，childlikewarrior！onemaytrustyouasonetrustsanangel。’
Aftermidnight，beforethemorningdawnbreaksforyourdeparture，I
giveyouleavetotakefarewellofmeinthisveryspot。Ifyoucould，however，findatrueanddiscreetcomradetowatchtheentrancefromthestreet，itwouldbewell，formanyasoldiermaybepassingatthathourthroughthecityonhiswayfromsomefarewellcarouse。Providencehasnowsentmesuchacomrade，andatoneo’clockIshallgojoyfullytothelovelymaiden。\"
\"Ionlywishtheserviceonwhichyourequiremeweremorerichindanger，\"rejoinedFadrique，\"sothatImightbetterprovetoyouthatIamyourswithlifeandlimb。Butcome，noblebrother，thehourformyadventureisarrived。\"
Andwrappedintheirmantles，theyouthswalkedhastilytowardthecity，Fadriquecarryinghisbeautifulguitarunderhisarm。
CHAPTERII。
Thenight-smellingflowersinLucila’swindowwerealreadybeginningtoemittheirrefreshingperfumewhenFadrique，leaningintheshadowoftheangleofanoldchurchopposite，begantotunehisguitar。
Heimberthadstationedhimselfnotfarfromhim，behindapillar，hisdrawnswordunderhismantle，andhisclearblueeyes，liketwowatchingstars，lookingcalmlyandpenetratingaround。Fadriquesang：
\"Uponameadowgreenwithspring，Alittleflowerwasblossoming，Withpetalsredandsnowywhite；
Tome，ayouth，mysoul’sdelightWithinthatblossomlay，AndIhavelovedmysongtoinditeAndflatteringhomagepay。
\"SincethenawandererIhavebeen，Andmanyabloodystrifehaveseen；
Andnowreturned，IseeThelittlefloweretstandsnomoreUponthemeadowasbefore；
Transplantedbyagardener’scare，Andhedgedbygoldentrellisthere，Itisdeniedtome。
\"Igrudgehimnothistrelllsedguard，Hisboltsofiron，stronglybarred；
Yet，wanderinginthecoolnight-air，Itouchmyzither’sstring，Andasaforeherbeautiesrare，Herwondrousgracessing，Ande’enthegardenershallnotdareRefusethepraiseIbring。\"
\"Thatdepends，Senor，\"saidaman，steppingclose，andashethoughtunobserved，beforeFadrique；butthelatterhadalreadybeeninformedofhisapproachbyasignfromhiswatchfulfriend，andhewasthereforereadytoanswerwiththegreatercoolness，\"Ifyouwish，Senor，tocommenceasuitwithmyguitar，shehas，atallevents，atongueofsteel，whichhasalreadyonmanyoccasionsdoneherexcellentservice。Withwhomisityourpleasuretospeak，withtheguitarortheadvocate？\"
Whilethestrangerwassilentfromembarrassment，twomantledfigureshadapproachedHeimbertandremainedstandingafewstepsfromhim，asiftocutoffFadrique’sflightincaseheintendedtoescape。
\"Ibelieve，dearsirs，\"saidHeimbertinacourteoustone，\"wearehereonthesameerrand——namely，topreventanyintrusionupontheconferenceofyonderknights。Atleast，asfarasIamconcerned，youmayrelyuponitthatanyonewhoattemptstointerfereintheiraffairwillreceivemydaggerinhisheart。Beofgoodcheer，therefore；Ithinkweshallbothdoourduty。\"Thetwogentlemenbowedcourteouslyandweresilent。
Thequietself-possessionwithwhichthetwosoldierscarriedonthewholeaffairwasmostembarrassingtotheirthreeadversaries，andtheywereatalosstoknowhowtheyshouldbeginthedispute。AtlastFadriqueagaintouchedthestringsofhisguitar，andwaspreparingtobeginanothersong。ThismarkofcontemptandapparentdisregardofdangerandhazardsoenragedLucila’shusband（foritwashewhohadtakenhisstandbyDonFadrique）thatwithoutfurtherdelayhedrewhisswordfromhissheath，andwithavoiceofsuppressedragecalledout，\"Draw，orIshallstabyou！\"\"Verygladly，Senor，\"repliedFadriquequietly；\"youneednotthreatenme；
youmightaswellhavesaidsocalmly。\"Andsosayingheplacedhisguitarcarefullyinanicheinthechurchwall，seizedbissword，and，bowinggracefullytohisopponent，thefight，began。
AtfirstthetwofiguresbyHeimbert’sside，whowereLucila’sbrothers，remainedquitequiet；butwhenFadriquebegantogetthebetteroftheirbrother-in-lawtheyappearedasiftheyintendedtotakepartinthefight。Heimbertthereforemadehismightyswordgleaminthemoonlight，andsaid，\"Dearsirs，youwillnotsurelyobligemetoexecutethatofwhichIpreviouslyassuredyou？Iprayyounottocompelmetodoso；butifitcannotbeotherwise，Imusthonorablykeepmyword，youmayrelyuponit。\"Thetwoyoungmenremainedfromthattimemotionless，surprisedbothatthedecisionandatthetrue-heartedfriendlinessthatlayinHeimbert’swords。
MeanwhileDonFadrique，althoughpressingharduponhisadversary，hadgenerouslyavoidedwoundinghim，andwhenatlastbyadexterousmovementhewrestedhisswordfromhim。Lucila’shusband，surprisedattheunexpectedadvantage，andinalarmatbeingthusdisarmed，retreatedafewsteps。ButFadriquethrewtheweaponadroitlyintotheair，andcatchingitagainnearthepointoftheblade，hesaid，ashegracefullypresentedthehilttohisopponent，\"Takeit，Senor，andIhopeouraffairofhonorisnowsettled，asyouwillgrantunderthesecircumstancesthatIamonlyheretoshowthatIfearnosword-thrustintheworld。Thebelloftheoldcathedralisnowringingtwelveo’clock，andIgiveyoumywordofhonorasaknightandasoldierthatneitherisDonaLucilapleasedwithmyattentionsnoramIpleasedwithpayingthem；fromhenceforth，andwereItoremainahundredyearsinMalaga，Iwouldnotcontinuetoserenadeherinthisspot。Soproceedonyourjourney，andGodbewithyou。\"
Hethenoncemoregreetedhisconqueredadversarywithseriousandsolemncourtesy，andwithdrew。Heimbertfollowedhim，afterhavingcordiallyshakenhandswiththetwoyouths，saying，\"No，dearyoungsirs，donotletiteveragainenteryourheadstointerfereinanyhonorablecontest。Doyouunderstandme？\"
Hesoonovertookhiscompanion，andwalkedonbyhissidesofullofardentexpectation，andwithhisheartbeatingsojoyfullyandyetsopainfully，thathecouldnotutterasingleword。DonFadriqueMendezwasalsosilent；itwasnottillHeimbertpausedbeforeanornamentedgarden-gate，andpointedcheerfullytothepomegranateboughsrichlyladenwithfruitswhichoverhungit，saying，\"Thisistheplace，dearcomrade，\"thattheSpaniardappearedasifabouttoaskaquestion，butturningquicklyroundhemerelysaid，\"Iampledgedtoguardthisentranceforyoutilldawn。Youhavemywordofhonorforit。\"Sosayinghebeganwalkingtoandfrobeforethegate，withdrawnsword，likeasentinel，andHeimbert，tremblingwithjoy，glidedwithinthegloomyandaromaticshrubberies。
CHAPTERIII
Hewasnotlonginseekingthebrightstar，whichheindeedfeltwasdestinedhenceforthtoguidethecourseofhiswholelife。Thedelicateformapproachedhimnotfarfromtheentrance；weepingsoftly，itseemedtohim，inthelightofthefullmoonwhichwasjustrising，andyetsmilingwithsuchinfinitegrace，thathertearswereratherlikeapearlyornamentthanaveilofsorrow。Indeepandinfinitejoyandsorrowthetwoloverswanderedsilentlytogetherthroughtheflowerygroves；nowandthenabranchwavinginthenight-airwouldtouchtheguitaronthelady’sarm，anditwouldbreatheforthaslightmurmurwhichblendedwiththesongofthenightingale，orthedelicatefingersofthegirlwouldtrembleoverthestringsandawakenafewscatteredchords，whiletheshootingstarsseemedasiffollowingthetonesoftheinstrumentastheydiedaway。Oh，trulyhappywasthisnightbothtotheyouthandthemaiden，fornorashwishorimpuredesirepassedevenfleetinglyacrosstheirminds。Theywalkedonsidebyside，happythatProvidencehadallowedthemthisdelight，andsolittledesiringanyotherblessingthateventhetransitorinessofthattheywerenowenjoyingfloatedawayintothebackgroundoftheirthoughts。
Inthemiddleotthebeautifulgardentherewasalargeopenlawn，ornamentedwithstatuesandsurroundingabeautifulandsplashingfountain。Thetwoloverssatdownonitsbrink，nowgazingatthewaterssparklinginthemoonlight，andnowdelightinginthecontemplationofeachother’sbeauty。Themaidentouchedherguitar，andHeimbert，impelledbyafeelingscarcelyintelligibletohimself，sangthefollowingwordstoit：
\"Thereisasweetlifelinkedwithmine，ButIcannottellitsname；
Oh，woulditbuttomeconsignThesecretofthatlifedivine，ThatsomylipsinwhisperssweetAndgentlesongsmighte’enrepeatAllthatmyheartwouldfainproclaim！\"
Hesuddenlypaused，andblusheddeeply，fearinghehadbeentoobold。
Theladyblushedalso，touchedherguitar-stringswithahalf-
abstractedair，andatlastsangasifdreamily：
\"Bythespringwheremoonlight’sgleamsO’erthesparklingwaterspass，Whoissittingbytheyouth，Singingonthesoftgreengrass？
Shallthemaidentellhername，Whenthoughallunknownitbe，Herheartisglowingwithhershame，Andhercheeksburnanxiously，First，lettheyouthfulknightbenamed。
’TishethatonthatgloriousdayFoughtinCastilla’sproudarray；
’Tishetheyouthofsixteenyears，AtPavia，whohisfortunestried，TheFrenchman’sfear，theSpaniard’spride。
Heimbertisthehero’sname，Victoriousinmanyafight！
Andbesidethevaliantknight，Sittinginthesoftgreengrass，Thoughhernameherlipsshallpass，DonaClarafeelsnoshame\"
\"Oh！\"saidHeimbert，blushingfromanothercausethanbefore，\"oh，DonaClara，thataffairatPaviawasnothingbutamerryandvictorioustournament，andevenifoccasionallysincethenIhavebeenengagedinatoughercontest，howhaveIevermeritedasarewardtheoverwhelmingblissIamnowenjoying！NowIknowwhatyournameis，andImayinfutureaddressyoubyit，myangelicDonaClara，myblessedandbeautifulDonaClara！Buttellmenow，whohasgivenyousuchafavorablereportofmyachievements，thatImayeverregardhimwithgratefulaffection？\"
\"DoesthenobleHeimbertofWaldhausensuppose，\"rejoinedClara，\"thatthenoblehousesofSpainhadnoneoftheirsonswherehestoodinthebattle？Youmusthavesurelyseenthemfightingbyyourside，andmustInothaveheardofyourgloriesthroughthelipsofmyownpeople？\"
Thesilverytonesofalittlebellsoundedjustthenfromaneighboringpalace，andClarawhispered，\"Itistimetopart。Adieu，myhero！\"Andshesmiledontheyouththroughhergushingtears，andbenttowardhim，andhealmostfanciedhefeltasweetkissbreathedfromherlips。WhenhefullyrecoveredhimselfClarahaddisappeared，themorningcloudswerebeginningtoweartherosyhueofdawn，andHeimbert，withaheavenoflove’sproudhappinessinhisheart，returnedtohiswatchfulfriendatthegardengate。
CHAPTERIV。
\"Halt！\"exclaimedFadrique，asHeimbertappearedfromthegarden，holdinghisdrawnswordtowardhimreadyforattack。\"Stop，youaremistaken，mygoodcomrade，\"saidtheGerman，smiling，\"itisIwhomyouseebeforeyou。\"\"Donotimagine，KnightHeimbertofWaldhausen，\"saidFadrique，\"thatImistakeyou。Butmypromiseisdischarged，myhourofguardhasbeenhonorablykept，andnowIbegyouwithoutfurtherdelaytoprepareyourself，andfightforyourlifeuntilheart’sbloodhasceasedtoflowthroughtheseveins。\"
\"Goodheavens！\"sighedHeimbert，\"Ihaveoftenheardthatinthesesouthernlandstherearewitches，whodeprivepeopleoftheirsensesbymagicartsandincantations。ButIhaveneverexperiencedanythingofthesortuntilto-day。Composeyourself，mydeargoodcomrade，andgowithmebacktotheshore。\"Fadriquelaughedfiercely，andanswered，\"Setasideyoursillydelusion，andifyoumusthaveeverythingexplainedtoyou，wordbyword，inordertounderstandit，knowthenthattheladywhomyoucametomeetintheshrubberyofthismygardenisDonaClaraMendez，myonlysister。
Quick，therefore，andwithoutfurtherpreamble，draw！\"\"Godforbid！\"
exclaimedtheGerman，nottouchinghisweapon。\"Youshallbemybrother-in-law，Fadrique，andnotmymurderer，andstilllesswillI
beyours。\"Fadriqueonlyshookhisheadindignantly，andadvancedtowardhiscomradewithmeasuredstepsforanencounter。Heimbert，however，stillremainedimmovable，andsaid，\"No，Fadrique，Icannotnoworeverdoyouharm。ForbesidestheloveIbearyoursister，itmustcertainlyhavebeenyouwhohasspokentohersohonorablyofmymilitaryexpeditionsinItaly。\"\"WhenIdidso，\"repliedFadiiqueinafury，\"Iwasafool。But，dallyingcoward，outwithyoursword，or——\"
BeforeFadriquehadfinishedspeaking，Heimbert，burningwithindignation，exclaimed，\"Thedevilhimselfcouldnotbearthat！\"anddrawinghisswordfromthescabbard，thetwoyoungcaptainsrushedfiercelyandresolutelytotheattack。
DifferentindeedwasthiscontesttothatpreviouslyfoughtbyFadriquewithLucila’shusband。Thetwoyoungsoldierswellunderstoodtheirweapons，andstrovewitheachotherwithequalboldness，theirswordsflashinglikeraysoflightasnowthisonenowthatonehurledalightningthrustathisadversary，whichwaswithsimilarspeedanddexterityturnedaside。Firmlytheypressedtheleftfoot，asifrootedintheground，whiletherightadvancedtotheboldonsetandthenagaintheyquicklyretiredtothesaferattitudeofdefence。Fromtheself-possessionandthequietunremittingangerwithwhichboththecombatantsfought，itwasevidentthatoneofthetwowouldfindhisgraveundertheoverhangingbranchesoftheorange-tree，whichwerenowtingedwiththeredglowofmorning，andthiswouldundoubtedlyhavebeenthecasehadnotthereportofacannonfromtheharborsoundedthroughthesilenceofthetwilight。
Thecombatantspaused，asifatsomewordofcommandtobeobeyedbyboth，andlistened，countingtothemselves；then，aseachutteredthenumberthirty，asecondgunwasheard。\"Itisthesignalforimmediateembarkation，Senor，\"saidDonFadrique；\"wearenowintheemperor’sservice，andalldisputeceaseswhichisnotagainstthefoesofCharlestheFifth。\"\"Right，\"repliedHeimbert，\"butwhenthereisanendofTunisandthewholewar。Ishalldemandsatisfactionforthat’dallyingcoward。’\"\"AndIforthatinintercoursewithmysister，\"saidFadrique。\"Certainly，\"rejoinedtheother；and，sosaying，thetwocaptainshurrieddowntothestrandandarrangedtheembarkationoftheirtroops；whilethesun，risingoverthesea，shoneuponthembothinthesamevessel。
CHAPTERV。
Thevoyagershadforsometimetobattlewithcontrarywinds，andwhenatlengththeycameinsightofthecoastsofBarbarythedarknessofeveninghadclosedsodeeplyovertheseathatnopilotinthelittlesquadronventuredtorideatanchorontheshallowshore。Theycruisedaboutonthecalmwaters，waitingforthemorning；andthesoldiers，fulloflaudableambitionforcombat，stoodimpatientlyincrowdsonthedeck，strainingtheirlongingeyestoseethetheatreoftheirfuturedeeds。
MeanwhiletheheavyfiringofbesiegersandbesiegedthunderedunceasinglyfromthefortressofGoletta，andasthenightdarkenedthescenewithmassyclouds，theflamesofburningfragmentsbecamemorevisible，andthefierycourseoftheredbulletswasperceptibleastheycrossedeachotherintheirpath，whiletheireffectsinfireanddevastationwerefearfultobehold。ItwasevidentthattheMussulmanshadbeenattemptingasally，forasharpfireofmusketryburstforthsuddenlyamidtheroaringofthecannon。ThefightwasapproachingthetrenchesoftheChristians，andonboardthevesselsnonewereagreedwhetherthebesiegerswereindangerornot。AtlengththeysawthattheTurksweredrivenbackintothefortress；
theChristianarmypursuedthem，andashoutwasheardfromtheSpanishcampasofoneloudVictory！andthecry，Golettawastaken！
Howthetroopsonboardthevessels——consistingofyoungandcourage-
triedmen——burnedwithardorandtheirheartsbeatatthegloriousspectacle，neednotbedetailedtothosewhocarryabraveheartwithintheirownbosoms，andtoallothersanydescriptionwouldbelost。HeimbertandFadriquestoodclosetoeachother。\"Idonotknow，\"saidthelatter，speakingtohimself，\"butIfeelasifto-
morrowImustplantmystandarduponyonderheightwhichisnowlightedupwiththeredglowofthebulletsandburningflamesinGoletta。\"\"ThatisjustwhatIfeel！\"saidHeimbert。Thetwoangrycaptainsthenrelapsedintosilenceandturnedindignantlyaway。
Thelonged-formorningatlengthdawned，thevesselsapproachedtheshore，andthelandingofthetroopsbegan，whileanofficerwasatoncedispatchedtothecamptoannouncethearrivalofthereinforcementstothemightygeneralAlba。Thesoldierswerehastilyrangedonthebeach，theyputthemselvesandtheirweaponsinorder，andweresoonstandinginbattlearray，readyfortheirgreatleader。
Cloudsofdustroseinthegraytwilight，thereturningofficerannouncedtheapproachofthegeneral，andasAlbasignifies\"morning\"intheCastiliantongue，theSpaniardsraisedashoutofrejoicingatthecoincidence，asatsomefavorableomen，forastheknightlytrainapproachedthefirstbeamsoftherisingsunbecamevisible。
ThegraveandhaggardformofthegeneralwasseenmountedonatallAndalusianchargerofthedeepestblack。Havinggallopedonceupanddownthelines，hestoppedhispowerfulhorseinthemiddle，andlookingalongtherankswithanairofgravesatisfaction，hesaid，\"Youpassmusterwell。Thatiswell。Ilikeittobeso。Itisplaintoseethatyouaretriedsoldiers，inspiteofyouryouth。
Wewillfirstholdareview，andthenIwillleadyoutosomethingmoreagreeable。\"
Sosaying，hedismounted，andwalkingtowardtherightwinghebegantoinspectonetroopafteranotherintheclosestmanner，withthecaptainofeachcompanyathisside，thathemightreceivefromhimaccurateaccountupontheminutestparticulars。Sometimesacannon-
ballfromthefortresswouldwhizzovertheheadsofthemen；thenAlbawouldstandstillandcastakeenglanceoverthesoldiersbeforehim。Butwhenhesawthatnotaneyelashmoved，asmileofsatisfactionpassedoverhisseverepaleface。
Whenhehadinspectedbothdivisionsheagainmountedhishorseandoncemoregallopedintothemiddle。Then，strokinghislongbeard，hesaid，\"Youareingoodorder，soldiers，andthereforeyoushalltakeyourpartinthisgloriousday，whichisjustdawningforourwholeChristianarmada。WewillattackBarbarossa，soldiers。Doyounotalreadyhearthedrumsandfifesinthecamp？Doyouseehimadvancingyondertomeettheemperor？Thatsideofhispositionisassignedtoyou！\"
\"VivatCarolusQuintus！\"resoundedthroughtheranks。Albabeckonedthecaptainstohim，andassignedtoeachhisduty。HeusuallymingledGermanandSpanishtroopstogether，inordertostimulatethecourageofthecombatantsstillhigherbyemulation。SoithappenedevennowthatHeimbertandFadriquewerecommandedtostormtheverysameheight，which，nowgleamingwiththemorninglight，theyatoncerecognizedasthatwhichhadshoneoutsofiercelyandfullofpromisethenightbefore。
CHAPTERVI。
ThricehadFadriqueandHeimbertalmostforcedtheirwaytoarampartinthefortifications，andthricehadtheybeenrepulsedwiththeirmenintothevalleybelowbythefierceoppositionoftheTurks。TheMussulmansshoutedaftertheretreatingfoe，clashedtheirweaponswiththetriumphofvictory，andwithascornfullaughaskedwhethertheywouldnotcomeupagaintogiveheartandbraintothescimitarandtheirlimbstothefallingbeamsofwood。Thetwocaptains，gnashingtheirteethwithfury，arrangedtheirranksanew；forafterthreevainassaultstheyhadtomoveclosertogethertofilltheplacesoftheslainandthemortallywounded。MeanwhileamurmurranthroughtheChristianarmythatawitchwasfightingamongtheirfoesandhelpingthemtoconquer。
DukeAlbarodetothepointofattack，andlookedscrutinizinglyatthebreachtheyhadmade。\"Notyetbrokenthroughtheenemyhere！\"
saidhe，shakinghishead，\"Iamsurprised。Fromtwosuchyouths，andsuchtroops，Ishouldhaveexpectedit。\"\"Doyouhearthat？
Doyouhearthat？\"exclaimedthetwocaptains，astheypacedalongtheirlinesrepeatingthegeneral’swords。Thesoldiersshoutedloudly，anddemandedtobeoncemoreledagainsttheenemy；eventhosewhoweremortallywoundedshouted，withalasteffort，\"Forward，comrades！\"ThegreatAlbaatoncespranglikeanarrowfromhishorse，wrestedapartisanfromthestiffhandofoneoftheslain，andstandinginfrontofthetwocompanieshecried，\"Iwilltakepartinyourglory。InthenameofGodandoftheblessedVirgin，forward，mychildren！\"
Andjoyfullytheyrushedupthehill，everyheartbeatingwithconfidence，whilethewar-crywasraisedtriumphantly；someevenbeganalreadytoshout\"Victory！victory！\"andtheMussulmanspausedandwavered。Suddenly，likethevisionofanavengingangel，amaiden，dressedinpurplegarmentsembroideredwithgoldappearedintheTurkishranks，andthosewhowereterrifiedbeforeagainshouted\"Allah！\"callingatthesametime，\"Zelinda，Zelinda！\"Themaiden，however，drewasmallboxfromunderherarm，andopeningitshebreathedintoitandhurleditdownamongtheChristiantroops。Andforthfromthefatalchestthereburstawholefireofrockets，grenades，andotherfearfulmessengersofdeath。Thestartledsoldierspausedintheirassault。\"Forward！\"criedAlba。\"Forward！\"
criedthetwocaptains；butaflamingarrowjustthenfastenedontheduke’splumedhatandhissedandcrackledroundhishead，sothatthegeneralfellfaintingdowntheheight。ThentheGermanandSpanishinfantryfleduncontrollablyfromthefearfulascent。Againthestormhadbeenrepulsed。TheMussulmansshouted，andlikeafatalstarZelinda’sbeautyshoneinthemidstoftheflyingtroops。
WhenAlbaopenedhiseyes，Heimbertwasstandingoverhim，withhismantle，arm，andfacescorchedwiththefire，whichhehadnotonlyjustextinguishedonhisgeneral’shead，butbythrowinghimselfoverhimhehadsavedhimfromasecondbodyofflamerolleddowntheheightinthesamedirection。Thedukewasthankinghisyouthfuldelivererwhensomesoldierscameup，lookingforhim，toapprisehimthattheSaracenpowerwasbeginninganattackontheoppositewingofthearmy。WithoutlosingawordAlbathrewhimselfonthefirsthorsebroughthimandgallopedawaytothespotwherethemostthreateningdangersummonedhim。
Fadriquestoodwithhisglowingeyefixedontherampart，wherethebrilliantformofZelindamightbeseen，withatwo-edgedspear，readytobehurled，upliftedbyhersnow-whitearm，andraisinghervoice，nowinencouragingtonestotheMussulmansinArabic，andagainspeakingscornfullytotheChristiansinSpanish。AtlastFadriqueexclaimed，\"Oh，foolishbeing！shethinkstodauntme，andyetsheplacesherselfbeforeme，analluringandirresistiblewar-
prize！\"
Andasifmagicwingshadsprungfromhisshoulders，hebegantoflyuptheheightwithsuchrapiditythatAlba’sviolentdescentseemedbutalazysnail’space。Beforeanyonewasaware，hewasalreadyontheheight，andwrestingspearandshieldfromthemaiden，hehadseizedherinhisarmsandwasattemptingtobearheraway，whileZelindainanxiousdespairclungtothepalisadewithbothherhands。
Hercryforhelpwasunavailing，partlybecausetheTurksimaginedthatthemagicpowerofthemaidenwasannihilatedbythealmostequallywondrousdeedoftheyouth，andpartlyalsobecausethefaithfulHeimbert，quicklyperceivinghiscomrade’sdaringfeat，hadledbothtroopstoarenewedattack，andnowstoodbyhissideontheheight，fightinghandtohandwiththedefenders。ThistimethefuryoftheMussulmans，weakenedastheywerebysuperstitionandsurprise，couldavailnothingagainsttheheroicadvanceoftheChristiansoldiers。TheSpaniardsandGermansspeedilybrokethroughtheenemy，assistedbythewatchfulsquadronsoftheirarmy。TheMohammedansfledwithfrightfulhowling，thebattlewithitsstreamofvictoryrolledeveron，andthebanneroftheholyGermanempireandthatoftheroyalhouseofCastilewavedvictoriousoverthegloriousbattle-fieldbeforethewallsofTunis。
CHAPTERVII。
Intheconfusionoftheconqueringandtheconquered，ZelindahadwrestedherselffromFadrique’sarmsandhadfledfromhimwithsuchswiftnessthat，howevermuchloveanddesiremighthavegivenwingstohispursuit，shewassoonoutofsightinaspotsowellknowntoher。AllthemorevehementwasthefuryoftheexcitedSpaniardagainsttheinfidelfoe。WhereveralittlehostmadeafreshstandtoopposetheChristians，hewouldhastenforwardwiththetroops，whorangedthemselvesroundhim，resistlessashewas，asroundabannerofvictory，whileHeimberteverremainedathissidelikeafaithfulshield，guardingoffmanyadangertowhichtheyouth，intoxicatedwithrageandsuccess，exposedhimselfwithoutconsideration。ThefollowingdaytheyheardofBarbarossa’sflightfromthecity，andthevictorioustroopsadvancedwithoutresistancethroughthegatesofTunis。Fadrique’sandHeimbert’scompanieswerealwaystogether。
Thickcloudsofsmokebegantocurlthroughthestreets；thesoldierswereobligedtoshakeofftheglowinganddustyflakesfromtheirmantlesandrichlyplumedhelmets，wheretheyoftenrestedsmouldering。\"Itrusttheenemyinhisdespairhasnotsetfiretosomemagazinefullofpowder！\"exclaimedthethoughtfulHeimbert；andFadrique，allowingbyasignthatheagreedwithhissurmise，hastenedontothespotfromwhencethesmokeproceeded，thetroopscourageouslypressingafterhim。
Thesuddenturnofastreetbroughttheminviewofamagnificentpalace，fromthebeautifullyornamentedwindowsofwhichtheflameswereemerging，lookingliketorchesofdeathintheirfitfulglow，andlightingupthesplendidbuildinginthehourofitsruininthegrandestmanner，nowilluminatingthisandnowthatpartofthegiganticstructure，andthenagainrelapsingintoafearfuldarknessofsmokeandvapor。
Andlikesomefaultlessstatue，theornamentofthewholeedifice，therestoodZelindauponahighandgiddyprojection，whilethetonguesofflamewreathedaroundherfrombelow，callingtohercompanionsinthefaithtohelpherinsavingthewisdomofcenturieswhichwaspreservedinthisbuilding。Theprojectiononwhichshestoodbegantototterfromtheferventheatragingbeneathit，andafewstonesgaveway；Fadriquecalledwithavoicefullofanguishtotheendangeredlady，andscarcelyhadshewithdrawnherfootfromthespot，whenthestoneonwhichshehadbeenstandingbrokeawayandcamerattlingdownonthepavement。Zelindadisappearedwithintheburningpalace，andFadriquerushedupitsmarblestaircase，Heimbert，hisfaithfulcompanion，followinghim。
Theirhastystepscarriedthemthroughloftyresoundinghalls；thearchitectureovertheirheadswasamazeofhigharches，andonechamberledintoanotheralmostlikealabyrinth。Thewallsdisplayedonallsidesmagnificentshelves，inwhichweretobeseenstoredrollsofparchment，papyrus，andpalm-leaf，partlyinscribedwiththecharactersoflong-vanishedcenturies，andwhichwerenowtoperishthemselves。Fortheflameswerealreadycracklingamongthemandstretchingtheirserpent-likeandfieryheadsfromonecaseoftreasurestoanother；whilesomeSpanishsoldiers，barbarousintheirfury，andhopingforplunder，andfindingnothingbutinscribedrollswithinthegorgeousbuilding，passedfromdisappointmenttorage，andaidedtheflames；themoresoastheyregardedtheinscriptionsastheworkofevilmagicians。Fadriqueflewasinadreamthroughthestrangehalf-consumedhalls，evercallingZelinda！thinkingandregardingnothingbutherenchantingbeauty。LongdidHeimbertremainathisside，untilatlengththeybothreachedacedarstaircaseleadingtoanupperstory；hereFadriquepausedtolisten，andexclaiming，\"Sheisspeakingupthere！sheisspeakingloud！sheneedsmyhelp！\"hedashedupthealreadyburningsteps。Heimberthesitatedamoment；hesawthestaircasealreadytottering，andhethoughttogiveawarningcrytohiscompanion；butatthesamemomentthelightornamentalascentgavewayandburstintoflames。
HecouldjustseeFadriqueclingingabovetoabrassgratingandswinginghimselfuptoit，butallmeansoffollowinghimweredestroyed。Quicklyrecollectinghimself，Heimbertlostnotimeinidlygazing，buthastenedthroughtheadjacenthallsinsearchofanotherflightofstepswhichwouldleadhimtohisvanishedfriend。
MeanwhileFadrique，followingtheenchantingvoice，hadreachedagalleryinthemidstofwhich，thefloorhavingfallenin，therewasafearfulabyssofflames，thoughthepillarsoneachsidewerestillstanding。Oppositetohimtheyouthperceivedthelonged-formaiden，clingingwithonehandtoapillar，whilewiththeothershewasthreateningbacksomeSpanishsoldiers，whoseemedreadyatanymomenttoseizeher，andherdelicatefootwasalreadyhoveringovertheedgeoftheglowingruins。ForFadriquetogotoherwasimpossible；thebreadthoftheopeningrenderedevenadesperateleapunavailing。Tremblinglesthiscallmightmakethemaidenprecipitateherselfintotheabyss，eitherinterrorordespairinganger，heonlysoftlyraisedhisvoiceandwhisperedaswithabreathovertheflaminggulf，\"Oh，Zelinda，Zelinda！donotgivewaytosuchfrightfulthoughts！Yourpreserverishere！\"Themaidenturnedherqueenlyhead，andwhenFadriquesawhercalmandcomposeddemeanor，hecriedtothesoldiersontheotherside，withallthethunderofhiswarrior’svoice，\"Back，yeinsolentplunderers！Whoeveradvancesbutonesteptotheladyshallfeelthevengeanceofmyarm！\"Theystartedandseemedonthepointofwithdrawing，whenoneoftheirnumbersaid，\"Theknightcannottouchus，thegulfbetweenusistoobroadforthat。Andasforthelady’sthrowingherselfdown——italmostlooksasiftheyoungknightwereherlover，andwhoeverhasaloverisnotlikelytobesohastyaboutthrowingherselfdown。\"Alllaughedatthisandagainadvanced。Zelindatotteredattheedgeoftheabyss。ButwiththecourageofalionFadriquehadtornhistargetfromhisarm，andhurlingitwithhisrighthandheflungitatthesoldierswithsuchasureaimthattherashleader，struckonthehead，fellsenselesstotheground。Therestagainstoodstill。
\"Awaywithyou！\"criedFadriqueauthoritatively，\"ormydaggershallstrikethenextassurely，andthenIswearIwillneverresttillI
havefoundoutyourwholegangandappeasedmyrage。\"Thedaggergleamedintheyouth’shand，butyetmorefearfullygleamedthefuryinhiseyes，andthesoldiersfled。ThenZelindabowedgratefullytoherpreserver，tookuparollofpalm-leaveswhichlayatherfeet，andwhichmusthavepreviouslyslippedfromherhand，andthenvanishedhastilythroughaside-doorofthegallery。HenceforthFadriquesoughtherinvainintheburningpalace。
CHAPTERVIII。
ThegreatAlbaheldacouncilwithhischiefofficersinanopenplaceinthemiddleoftheconqueredcity，and，bymeansofinterpreters，sentquestionafterquestiontotheTurkishprisonersastothefateofthebeautifulwomanwhohadbeenseenanimatingthemontheramparts，andwhowascertainlythemostexquisiteenchantressthathadevervisitedtheearth。Nothingverydistinctwastobegainedfromtheanswers，foralthoughtheinterrogatedallknewofthethebeautifulZelindaasanobleladyversedinmagiclore，andacknowledgedbythewholepeople，theywereutterlyunabletostatefromwhenceshehadcometoTunisandwhithershehadnowfled。Whenatlasttheybegantothreatentheprisonersasobstinate，anoldDervish，hithertounnoticed，pressedforwardandsaid，withagloomysmile，\"Whoeverhasadesiretoseektheladymaysetoutwhenhechooses；IwillconcealnothingfromhimofwhatI
knowofherdirection，andIknowsomething。ButImustfirstofallreceivethepromisethatIshallnotbecompelledtoaccompanyasguide。Mylipsotherwisewillremainsealedforever，andyoumaydowithmeasyouwill。\"
Helookedlikeonewhointendedtokeephisword，andAlba，pleasedwiththefirmnessoftheman，whichharmonizedwellwithhisownmind，gavehimthedesiredassurance，andtheDervishbeganhisrelation。Hewasonce，hesaid，wanderinginthealmostinfinitedesertofSahara，impelledperhapsbyrashcuriosity，perhapsbyhighermotives；hehadlosthiswaythere，andhadatlast，weariedtodeath，reachedoneofthosefertileislandsofthatseaofsandwhicharecalledoases。Thenfollowed，sparklingwithorientalvivacity，adescriptionofthewonderfulthingsseenthere，nowfillingtheheartsofhishearerswithsweetlonging，andthenagainmakingtheirhairstandonendwithhorror，thoughfromthestrangepronunciationofthespeakerandtheflowingrapidityofhiswordsthehalfwasscarcelyunderstood。TheendofallthisatlengthwasthatZelindadweltonthatoasis，inthemidstofthepathlesssand-
plainsofthedesert，surroundedbymagichorrors；andalso，astheDervishknewforcertain，thatshehadleftabouthalfanhouragoonherwaythither。ThealmostcontemptuouswordswithwhichheconcludedhisnarrationplainlyshowedthathedesirednothingmoreearnestlythantoseducesomeChristianstoundertakeajourneywhichmustterminateinevitablyintheirdestruction。Atthesametimeheaddedasolemnoaththateverythingwastrulyashehadstatedit，andhedidthisinafirmandgravemanner，asamanwhoknowsthatheisspeakingthemostindubitabletruth。Surprisedandthoughtful，thecircleofofficersheldtheircouncilroundhim。
ThenHeimbertsteppedforwardwithanairasifofrequest；hehadjustreceivedasummonstoleavetheburningpalace，wherehehadbeenseekinghisfriend，andhadbeenappointedtotheplaceofcouncilbecauseitwasnecessarytoarrangethetroopshereinreadinessforanypossiblerisingintheconqueredcity。\"Whatdoyouwish，myyounghero？\"saidAlba，recognizinghimasheappeared。
\"Iknowyoursmiling，bloomingcountenancewell。Youwerebutlatelyshelteringmelikeaprotectingangel。Iamsosurethatyoumakenorequestbutwhatishonorableandknightlythatanythingyoumaypossiblydesireisgrantedbeforehand。\"\"MygreatDuke，\"repliedHeimbert，withcheeksglowingwithpleasure，\"ifImaythenventuretoaskafavor，willyougrantmepermissiontofollowthebeautifulZelindaatonceinthedirectionwhichthiswonderfulDervishhaspointedout？\"Thegreatgeneralbowedinassent，andadded，\"Sonobleanadventurecouldnotbeconsignedtoamorenobleknight！\"
\"Idonotknowthat！\"saidanangryvoicefromthethrong。\"ButwelldoIknowthattomeaboveallothersthisadventurebelongs，evenwereitassignedasarewardforthecaptureofTunis。Forwhowasthefirstontheheightandwithinthecity？\"\"ThatwasDonFadriqueMendez，\"saidHeimbert，takingthespeakerbythehandandleadinghimbeforethegeneral。\"IfInowforhissakemustforfeitmypromisedreward，Imustpatientlysubmit；forhehasrenderedbetterservicethanIhavedonetotheemperorandthearmy。\"
\"Neitherofyoushallforfeithisreward，\"saidthegreatAlba。
\"Eachhaspermissionfromthismomenttoseekthemaideninwhateverwayitseemstohimmostadvisable。\"
Andswiftaslightningthetwoyoungcaptainsquittedthecircleofofficersinoppositedirections。
CHAPTERIX。
Aseaofsand，stretchingoutinthedistanthorizon，withoutoneobjecttomarkitsextensivesurface，whiteanddesolateinitsvastness——suchisthescenewhichproclaimsthefearfuldesertofSaharatotheeyeofthewandererwhohaslosthimselfinthesefrightfulregions。Inthisalsoitresemblesthesea，thatitcastsupwaves，andoftenamistyvaporbangsoveritssurface。Butthereisnotthesoftplayofwaveswhichuniteallthecoastsoftheearth；eachwaveasitrollsinbringingamessagefromtheremotestandfairestislandkingdoms，andagainrollingbackasitwerewithananswer，inasortoflove-flowingdance。No；thereishereonlythemelancholysportingofthehotwindwiththefaithlessdustwhicheverfallsbackagainintoitsjoylessbasin，andneverreachestherestofthesolidlandwithitshappyhumandwellings。Thereisherenoneofthesweetcoolsea-breezeinwhichkindlyfairiesseemcarryingontheirgracefulsport，formingbloominggardensandpillaredpalaces——thereisonlyasuffocatingvapor，rebelliouslygivenbacktotheglowingsunfromtheunfruitfulsands。
Hitherthetwoyouthsarrivedatthesametime，andpaused，gazingwithdismayatthepathlesschaosbeforethem。Zelinda’strack，whichwasnoteasilyhiddenorlost，hadhithertoobligedthemalmostalwaystoremaintogether，dissatisfiedasFadriquewasatthecircumstance，andangryasweretheglanceshecastathisunwelcomecompanion。EachhadhopedtoovertakeZelindabeforeshehadreachedthedesert，feelinghowalmostimpossibleitwouldbetofindheronceshehadenteredit。Thathopewasnowatanend；andalthoughinanswertotheinquiriestheymadeintheBarbaryvillagesonthefrontier，theyheardthatawanderergoingsouthwardinthedesertandguidinghiscoursebythestarswould，accordingtotradition，arriveatlengthatawonderfullyfertileoasis，theabodeofadivinelybeautifulenchantress，yeteverythingappearedhighlyuncertainanddispiriting，andwasrenderedstillmoresobytheavalanchesofdustbeforethetravellers’view。
Theyouthslookedsadlyattheprospectbeforethem，andtheirhorsessnortedandstartedbackatthehorribleplain，asthoughitweresomeinsidiousquicksand，andeventheridersthemselveswereseizedwithdoubtanddismay。Suddenlytheysprungfromtheirsaddles，asatsomewordofcommand，unbridledtheirhorses，loosenedtheirgirths，andturnedthemlooseonthedesert，thattheymightfindtheirwaybacktosomehappierdwellingplace。Then，takingsomeprovisionfromtheirsaddle-bags，theyplaceditontheirshoulders，andcastingasidetheirheavyridingbootstheyplungedliketwocourageousswimmersintothetracklesswaste。