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。