The Wizard of Granada — page 3: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

2 : THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. “Safe! where? how? Even her safety may be worse than capture. Who are you, Sir Knight? You wear the Spanish dress. What brings you hither upon the territory of the sov- ereign of Granada? It can be no peaceable errand.” “By my good sword, which has never been drawn in a dishonorable cause, I pledge you my word I came not with hostile intention. A way- ward, adventurous fancy, a keen curiosity to behold the wonders of Granada, must plead my excuse. But let us save that for another hour’s discussion. Take another drop of wine, I pray you ; it will give you the strength you need.” Those keen, deep, piercing eyes had never left his face while he spoke. The wine was meekly accepted. In a few moments he was able to rise from his recumbent position. “We were beaten, I suppose,” said he, ad- dressing himself to Sir Iidefonse. The latter smiled. “You will not find one of the knaves in the wood, saving those that are slain; they fled in ignominious haste.” “From whom? not from our Moslem guard, for I knew we were overpowered when I fell.” “Our coming gave the cnitiffs a wholesome fright,” replied the knight carelessly. ‘ «How many where you?” was asked abruptly. “Myself and my trusty squire. It was enough.” A dull red burnt a moment on the still pallid face. He smothered an angry imprecation. ‘Cowardly dogs!” muttered he between his teeth: “had I only a half dozen trusty fellows, this need not have happened. But the lady is safe ?” “T am safe, Basilio; thanks to this gallant knight, but for whom I should now be in the hands of those lawless wretches,” said a sweet, clear voice, as the veiled lady came forward through the shrubbery. She had recovered her composure, and spoke calmly, and moved with quiet dignity. ‘Now, indeed, Iam ready to forget my rage at this disaster!” exclaimed Basilio, bowing to her with the most profound reverence. “It is my own fault that I trusted so entirely to the communication of that caitiff, Mauhoud, who said the country about here was free from prowl- ing marauders. By the beard of the Prophet, that shall be as truthful a saying as any in the Koran, ere many days have passed. Ismael will send hither as many of his soldiers as there are stones on this ignominious spot, when he learns of this audacious assault.” “You will tell him ?” asked the veiled lady, a faint accent of surprise in her voice. A shade passed across Basilio’s face. He knit his forehead, gnawed impatiently at his still pale lip, and then looked down upon the ground in gloomy abstraction. “Dalphon,” said the cold sweet voice again, “ thou art of little service here, and thy wounded comrades need thee. Moreover, it seems to me the part of wisdom to hasten from this lonely spot. The bandit band may return with rein- forcements, and the poor fellows yonder need a leech’s care. Go prepare at once for speedy departure.” The Moor had been gaping with keen interest into the perplexed face of Basilio. His swarthy cheek reddened beneath her gentle rebuke, and making a deep bow, asif to a personage of great importance, first toward the lady and then in the direction of Basilio, he turned away, parted the thick boughs of the underbrush and yan- ished. The lady moved a step nearer and laid her hand on Basilio’s shoulder. “My friend,’ said she, ‘‘we will return to Granada. Our journey in this direction is ended,” Basilio looked up with a quick, impatient gesture. “ And relinquish our high hopes, our moment- ous undertalking—it is not like you, Xina,” he said in a reproachful tone, “ Our quest will be helped in no way, though we continue on for leagues,” returned she calm- ly. ‘‘When you have recovered strength, Ba- silio, your quick sagacity will divine my rea- sons.” Basilio looked up eagerly, and made a quick vehement movement as if to lift the veil, and read an explanation in her face where her words puzzled him; but the remembrance of the pres- ence of the Spanish knight seemed suddenly to occur to him, for he checked himself, glanced uneasily toward Sir Idefonse, and relapsed into silence. The knight colored and was turning hastily away, when the lady spoke again in the same calm, even tones. “Nay, let us not waste the precious moments in idle consultation, when action is required in- stead. Once safely away from this dreary place, on a highway protected by our own soldiers, and we may return to our discussion. Art thou able to ride, Basilio? So many of our poor followers will never mount a steed, we shall not lack means of transportation, though my own poor Silver Mane, and thy Rosalio are both useless. We will ask this noble knight’s company until we reach the town, and Allah send it may lie in our power to make some feeble return for his generous and timely service.” Basilio looked again uneasily into her face, and then smiled. “T think we have changed characters, my princess. But late you would trust no judg- ment but mine, and now it is you who lead and guide.” “A woman’s wit is sometimes of more service than a man’s wisdom or strength, Basilio,” an- swered she. ‘What sayest thou, noble knight? was thy face set toward Granada, or the Spanish dominions, and if the former, wilt thou still give us thy protecting presence ?” : “ Indeed, noble lady, you honor me by accept- ing my poor services. , It was indeed my ardent desire to visit Granada; I have heard so much of its beauty and wealth, I could not rest without feasting my eyes upon its famous scenes.” «And dost thou think to journey thither in safety, in that Spanish dress, with thy single squire ?” demanded Basilio. ‘‘And wherefore not?” replied Sir Idefonse. “T come with no hostile meaning, and I have my good sword.” “T would that the royal Ismael heard that speech,” said Basilio, in a tone of involuntary admiration. ‘Is is a high compliment to the Moorish race, that you think them go noble and generous. Let it be then as the lady has said ; you shall journey in our company.” “And we will be very grateful for the boon,” said the sweet, low voice of the veiled lady. Sir Ildefonse bowed again, and went away toward the open spot where the wounded and the horses were gathered together. “Basilio,” said she, '‘ thine eyes are blind. Grieve not to abandon this secret expedition. Seest thou not that we need not go further in search, because the object of our quest has come to us.” is The man started violently. “Tt is even so, Basilio, it is he!” Basilio rose to his feet white and wrathful, and | shook his clenched fist in the direction in which the knight had vanished. “ And this is his peaceful journey to gratify innocent curiosity,” said he hoarsely. ‘‘May Allah blast——” “Silence, Basilio!” interrupted the 1ady hast- ily, ‘‘he has saved your life and mine. My own anger toward him has cooled ; let us wait to be sure that we have not been purposely deceived. If ever my eyes looked upon a true and honest face, it is his, and you yourself cannot hinder the admiration his chivalrous bearing and noble courage awaken.” ‘You. Princess’ Xina, espousing the cause of this man—you who so jealously organized this expedition!” exclaimed Basilio, in a reproach- ful voice. She was silent for a few moments, and then spoke hastily, with a slight quiver in the tone: “Basilio, you yourself have taught me to listen to the conviction of a pure heart. You have often said I had a mysterious spell to de- tect the evil or the good of any nature with which I came in contact. It is notalone that he has saved my life, it is because the strange voice within the depths of my soul speaks bold- ly, and declares hima true and noble knight. See how fearless and courageous is his bearing ! how calm and unblenc’ng his eye. Basilio, this is an honest man. Heis no Spanish spy sént out for state purposes.” “Xina,” said Basilio suddenly, ‘ has this man seen your face ?” She shook her head with a proud, imperial gesture of the hand. Basilio looked down again in deep thought, and did not speak until Dalphon’s voice was heard announcing their readiness for departure. Then he said, gravely: “Tet us go, Xina.” “ Are you angry with me, Basilio ?” asked she, without moving. “My child, my child, do I not love you too well for anger!” returned he with passionate pathos. She held out her hand to him silently, then passed before him. “Ts it fate that has made this strange chance ?” muttered Basilio, as he followed; ‘or is it worse, nature itself speaking plainly? Allah forbid the perplexities I fear.” Do not fail to read our special and confidential offer to you, which will be found immediately following the story of ‘‘ The Wizard of Granada.” In this great offer we agree to give you a dollars worth of books absolutely free if you will send us only thirty-five cents for a year’s subscription to THe ILLustRaATED Home Guest, a sample copy of which is sent you herewith. This is the most extraordinary offer ever made by a reliable publishing lhouse,'‘and ennbles you to secure, absolutely free of charge, ten spleudid books, which may be selected by yourself from the en- tire list offered, and the regular retail price of which is ten cents each or one dollar for the ten books. Do not fail to read this remarkable offer, which comes to you from an old-esteblished and reliable publishing house, whose responsi- bility cannot be questioned. CHAPTER Il. Tue little cavalcade made a rather forlorn appearance as it wound away from the chestnut grove out into the valley, with its slow pacing animals, and its wounded carefully supported on their beasts by their uninjured comrades. Sir Idefonse and his squire rode quietly behind Basilio and the lady, and the former made no further attempt at conversation, except that after saint THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 3 the first mile he noticed that the lady’s form was drooping, and spurring forward, he said in a deferential tone: “The gait of that beast is too hard for you. Take, I beseech you, this good steed of mine. Fiery as he seems, he can tame his steps to be gentle enough for the rocking ofa child. Alana shall ride beside you, to ease your foars.” “Nay, I have no fears. I accept the offer in the same spirit in which itis made. I doubt, in- deed, ifI could bear this motion to the end of the journey. Poor Silver Mane’s steps were easy as the sailing of a Loat. At the nearest town we will find a litter. Thanks for your kindness,” The exchange of saddles was speedily made, and when Basilio had roused from his abstraction enough to assist her to its seat, Idefonse fell back, leaving her to choose her attendant. She checked the horse as he came up. How Sir Idefonse longed to draw asidé the tantaliz- ing veil, and look freely upon that hidden face. “Shall I see you again when I reach Gran- ada ?” asked he, abruptly. She shook her head. “You must ask no questions concerning me. You will soon learn in the city that a discreet tongue is the surest promise of safety. Yet shall I not forget your good deed for us. When dan- ger threatens, show this ring and demand that speech be given you with Prince Azim. He will know the ring and come to me for explanation, and you may rest assured no harm shall come to you.” Then, as if to adjust the trimmings of her saddle-cloth, she bent down, and hastily passed to him a loop of gold, aglitter with one solitary but superb diamond. Rither side of the gem was engraved on the gold a key, and beneath it the letter X in Arabic. The knight received it with a low bow. “T value if more as a memento of your high- ness, than as a means of safety in future dan- ger,” said he. “I will follow your advice, though I am somewhat reluctant. I would pre- fer to be open and candid with all men. If my innocence and good will, and my good sword avail naught, I cannot bear to stoop to dissem- bling as a means of safety.” “How now?” asked she, in a cold, proud voice; “dost thou mean to assume perfect openness in this matter ? Take care, Sir Knight! there are eyes clearer to read than you surmise. Dare you declare your errand to Granada is solely to gratify an idle curiosity?” Sir Idefonse colored deeply. “T spoke concerning public matters, when I gaid that I came not for a hostile purpose. If I have a personal errand, what is that to the Moorish rulers or their officers ?” «And will not the personal interest affect likewise the public weal ?” Sir Idefonse lifted his clear, honest eyes to the veiled countenance. “Tn truth, fairest princess, your words are mysterious and have no meanning for me. I am conscious of no eyil intent, in any possible way, to disturb or injure Moslem rule. I would scorn to play a spy’s part, even in the interest of my lawful sovereign.” “T believe you,” said she, presently. ‘If I did not I should submit you to the Cadi of the first town we enter, But speak of foreign sights —Basilio watches us.” “T eannot conceive why I should be an object of suspicion,” said Sir Idefonse, a little indig- nantly. os ‘Noble minds do not know the subtle machi- nations of intrigue. You will be taught a little by this visit to Granada, or my fears are need- less,” answered she. ‘I am tempted to bid you turn about and renounce the journey.” “ Forbear, I pray you. I should go though I were certain danger lurked at every corner.” “You will remember the ring and the name of Prince Azim,” “Of a truth. And yet it seems needless. Can I not be safe, riding is your company ?” ‘Woe shall halt at the first town. It were best that you should mention this adventure to no one—at least, in connection with my name.” “Ah, but I am as ignorant of that as possible. One may guess you are a personage of high rank. I have heard them call you the Princess Xina; but beyond that I know not, and I have not eyen seen your face.” There was a faint touch of reproach in his tone. “Tt is better thus, Sir Knight. What matter for the face? It is the soul, the heart, which is the true character.” “ But the face is index of the character; the eye is the window of the soul,” persisted Sir Iidefonse. “You wish to see my face,” said the lady, uneasily. “I doubt not, to one educated to mingle |freely with female society, our Moorish customs and jealous reserve seem alike selfish and ridiculous. Such a request might cost some foolish Mussulman his head—but to deny you, to whom I owe at once my life and safety, seems churlish, even to me. And yet—and yet——” Her voice faltered; it was evident she was extremely distressed. “T would you would ask any other boon of me. Basilio is angry already at this long con- yersation. I cannot raise my veil without at- tracting his notice, as well as that of the attend- ants, Why should yon care to look upon these poor features? Let me give you, rather, this bracelet of linked gems, which are brilliant enough to win you the smiles of the fairest of your countrywomen.” She had raised the loose sleeve and was un- clasping the bracelet, when the knight made a hasty gesture of refusal. “Nay, nay,” said he, showing plainly how deeply his pride was wounded. ‘“ Neither the friendship nor the aid of Idefonse are to be bought. I pray you take back this ring like- wise. Tho diamond is costly, but it bears not half the value for my eyes that a single ringlet of your hair would possess. Let it pass, lady. Since it is your will, I will be content to know nothing concerning you beyond what your voice has told me. And that, indeed, is enough to convince me that you are young and beautiful and good, like the ideal image I have wor-. shipped so long, but never saw in human shape before.” He fell back as he spoke, a little out of range with the horse she rode, and, turning his head, aside, they rode on in silence many minutes. The lady was the first to speak. ‘ Sir Ildefonse,” said she, gravely. “ Your highness commands my attention.” « Will you adjust this rein for me? it is caught on the gilded tassel yonder.” He guided his horse near enough to reach the silken strand and disengaged it. “Sir Iidefonse,” spoke the Princess Xina, in a low, tremulous tone, “‘ forgive my seeming lack of generosity. To comply with your request, here and now, might endanger your life and compromise my good name. But you shall have your wish. Ten days from now cannot fail to find you in the city of Granada. On the morn- ing of the eleventh day, while yet the morning sun shines on the great key carved on the Gate of Judgment at the south entrance to the Al- hambra, come thou thither, and thou shalt meet a slave, who shall bow thrice, and ask, ‘Art thou he? ‘I am the bandit’s foe,’ must thou answer, and then the slave will lead thee on; follow fearlessly, and then and there shalt thou meet the Princess Xina unveiled.” “Many thanks, sweet princess. Pardon my persistence; but, indeed, it seemed to me I should miss the fairest sight in Granada if 2 re- turned to Spain and beheld thee not,” replied the knight, in eager gratitude. “Hide what I have spoken in thine own breast, and be less frankly outsnoken, Remem- ' ber, thou art now in the land of Moslem.” While she said these words, the lady guided her horse toward that of Basilio, who was riding alone in gloomy dignity. “Basilio, are we almost there? my nerves were less firm than I imagined ; Iam well nigh exhausted.” ais “Only a mile farther, and we shall reach the house of Ibrahim. We will send for a litter then. My own head is whirling and spinning wildly, yet not so bewilderingly but I could wonder at the familiarity of the Princess Xina with this prying stranger, who comes from the land of the foe.” ‘‘He has been beguiling the tediousness of the way by his pleasant descriptions of foreign lands. He seems little like what thou hast twught me ofa Spaniard, Basilio, wherefore art thou so churlish? It is not like thee to with- hold deserved praise even from thine enemy ; and this man has saved us from o great mis- fortune, and is knightly and courteous, with a fearless grace, wonderful to eyes accustomed to Moslem warriors.” “Didst thou not declare him to be the one we have been warned about?” “Truly; and yet I am sure he comes not with the vile, treacherous purpose imputed to him. And thou art more angry now than I, and before it was the reverse.” “Aye, thou hast seen him now. It is this very interest of yours which disturbs me, prin- cess. You know all the madness of my infatua- tion. You guess how speedily it would bring him to the bowstring and yourself.” “T think I have been warned often enough, Basilio,” exclaimed she, hastily and petulantly. “Do not be forever reminding me of my galling slavery.” : Tho lonely road here took a sudden turn, and leaving behind it the woods and country, swept on around the base of a gentile, rising hill, and showed at no great distance cultivated fields and the gilded spires of a mosque. A few paces further and they beheld the brown and varie- gated roofs of a small village. “ Allah be praised!” ejaculated more than one of the weary procession, taking fresh cour- age at the sight. In less than an hour they had all dismounted and entered the house of brahim, who came out followed by his long train of servants in gaping wonder at the sight. Xina sprang down from the knight’s horse and walked hastily into the apartments of the Seraglio, and was seen no more by her late traveling companions. Comfortable quarters were provided for them all during the night. Basilio was evidently a person of consequence, for an angry reproof from him checked at once the impertinent curiosity of the Moors when they beheld the Spanish stranger. He was more gracious and benignant himself, now that the princess was away, and offered to reward the Spaniard for his good services in their behalf the next morning. To which Hdetonse replied coldly : “There is no reward needed, I would have (©) AMC mn