The Wizard of Granada — page 8: what you’re looking at

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

12 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. What I long for, but dare not take, shall be kept sacred from all others. You shall never leave me, Xina.” The princess sat with drooping head and crossed arms very still and pale. “Do you love another? Holy Mahomet! it turns my blood to molten fire only to picture such a thing. Speak, girl, answer me; do you love any other?” ‘ His hand seized her arm with a cruel grip ; his cheek was deadly white; the perspiration stood in drops on his forehead, and his burning black eyes flamed upon her with all the fisroe- ness of a maniac. Xina raised her drooping eyelids slowly and looked at him sadly, praying inwurdly that the thrill which stirred her heart might be be- trayed by her face. “How many times have you asked that, Ismael, and how often have I answered nay? Be generous to me in this little. You are king. I am subject, slave, and must obey. If it is torture for you, may it not likewise be anguish for me?” “Tnshallah! I om cruel, my precious one. Look up and smile. Let me enjoy that at least. Tell me, Xina, what can I do to please you ?” He bent forward as he spoke and smoothed down a glossy tress straying over the broad, white forehead. Ske looked gravely and wistfully into his face, : “ Alas, sire, there is bub one thing thou leay- est me room to desire—my liberty.” Tho king shook his head. “Wo, Xina, that cannot be. That much of my power I will not use. While ib is possible I will forbear the rest. Give me credit for the self control. Allah helpme! It is like holding down @ volcano.” There was a few moments’ deep silence Tho | ling strove to dissipate the gravity of the noble face, and spoke in o gayer tone. “Where hast thou been to-day, Xinn? I saw your litter go forth and fluag my blessing after it.” *‘T have seen Basilio,” answered Xina. ** How cometh on thy lessons? It is well thou ‘takest such enjoyment in his learned studies. There is not another man in Granada, though his beard were white with age, to whom I'd dare confide thee. But Basilio is wrapt in his studies, and has only thought for them. Inshallah! I tried him one day, and he could not say were thine eyes colored like the raven’s wing, or tinged with the blue of » summer sky.” “‘Basilio is deeply engrossed in his science. He cannot grasp the secret for which he longs. At least, long and patient research and experi- ence fail him thus far. So he succeeded, his mame would go down to posterity and even im- mortalize Granada. Who is Basilio, your maj- -esty? Was he born in Granada ?” “Tn truth IT knownot. Mohammed Abenazar, my royal father, knew him, and recommended him to my patronage, He has served me faith- fully, most of all in his care of you, my Xina. Hoe has taught thee to excel all my nobles in wisdom, os thou surpassest every Moorish maiden in beauty. Oh, Xina, Xina, if thou wert only the daughter of the poorest noble or peas- ant in Granada, how quickly the Alhambra should rejoice for its queen.” He was bending toward her, his face glowing, his eyes flaming. Xina drew back gently but decidedly. “Thou art feverish and restless, Ismael. Let me sing thee to sleep.” “ Ag thou wilt, only thou must remain by my The princess knelt down, lightly resting her fair hand on his, and began a low, soothing hymn. Her voice was rich and deep, but she did not raise it to high notes, her only object being to calm and soothe. Presently the glittering eyes lost their fever- ish glare; the red flush paled on his dark cheek; softly and slowly, but steadily, his eye- lids fell, and in half an hour he was fast asleep. Then the rich voice ceased. Xina cautiously disengaged her hand, rose from her Imeeling posture, and began walling to and fro, with bowed head and drooping eyelids, through which the tears slipped quietly and dropped unheeded on the silken mantle. Without she heard the measured tramp of the guard, keeping faithful watch around the king’s retirement. Within was only the splash of the fountain, and the calm, even breathing of the sleeping monarch. Bitter and angry emotions seemed to gain possession of her, for her cheek grew hot, her breast rose and fell in quick pulsations, and her eye turned fiercely toward the still figure lying amid the purple cushions. ~ Once a fierce smile curled her scarlet lip, and she drew out the gemmed, gold-set dagger thrust into the golden girdle around her waist, and looked at it questioningly, with a wild sig- nificant glance toward the unconscious king. Then she shook her head, shuddered and threw the dagger from her. When the king awoke she was sitting beside him, cold and pale and calm. A summons to the Hall of the Ambassadors gave her release, and she fled away to the seraglio department, into which Prince Azim had access, and from which the latter presently emerged, looking very grave and anxious. “Tf Princess Xina could learn nothing from the king,” murmured he, ‘‘ what hope is there that Prince Azim will obtain aught to break the tangle from Basilio himself? I must call upon the ghostly woman to help me. I will set the signal which she promised should bring her to my presence at the midnight hour.” The prince did notreturn at once to his home. Hea visited several elderly members of the Moor- ish nobility, and industriously sought for some proofs of the presence of Manuel Montez in the city of Granada. But allin vain. He returned home thoughtful and grave, but not discour- aged. **T knew the strange, midnight visitor was my chief hope,” he said. “TI. have faith that she will aid me to keep my promise to this noble Imight.” Accordingly, at dead midnight, Prince Azim stood in silence leaning against the pillared vestibule ot the entrance of his palace, and was startled when a dark figure glided up to him, and a hand was laid warningly on his. «‘T am here; you have called me; what will you have?” suid a sad, weary yoice. “Oome in. I would spezk privately with you. Ineed your help,” answered the prince, leading the way to his private apartment. Once there, ho extinguished tho hghts, leay- ing but one feeble flame to dispense its dim ra- dinnee, and motioned the closelg-veiled, care- fully-clonked figure to take a seat, The veiled hend bowed acknowledgment, al- though the courtesy was not accepted. *Youneed me,” exclaimed the stranger—‘ for whom?” “Tor the Spanish knight sojourning in Gra- nada,” replied the prince, promptly. There was a quiver of agitation in the voice whic® spoke next, side, Thou must hold my hand in thine.” ing Basilio’s evil intentions. What further need can there be ?” “He comes to find one Manuel Montez. Some secret intuition assures me that you can point him out to me.” There was a little moan of pain, and the veil fluttered as from a gasping breath. “ Who is this knight? Why has he taken up this quest?” demanded the unknown. “T know not. I have not pressed his confi- dence.” ; “T must know before I can answer. Where is he now ?” “ Asleep upon his couch, without doubt,” re- plied the prince. “Let me see him; let me look upon his face, and read what is written there.” There was a wild eagerness in the voice which made the prince say, doubtfully : “You would read only what is good and noble —promise you would not harm him.” “ Have I not already saved him from Basilio’s evil intent? LIask only to see my way clear.” “Come, then, lightly. Iwill lead you to his door, and you may look upon his sleeping face. I bade him bar his door, but he refused.” Taking o small lamp in his hand, and lighting it from the other, the prince motioned the un- Imown one to follow him. The prince had taken care to have the servants of the house safely asleep, and they passed noiselessly and unmolested to the chamber of the knight. The prince drew back at the door and allowed his mysterious companion to proceed: Sir Iidefonse slept peacefully. The light of the lamp carried in the intruder’s hand showed his tranquil face. One arm was flung carelessly up- ward, and the loose sleeve had been pushed away so it was bare to the elbow. The gazer gave a violent start, set down the lamp, and bent over the arm. A small arrow piercing a heart was pricked into the skin with some indelible iqnid. The arrow was red and he heart black. As the wild eyes peering through the veil per- ceived this, a convulsive trembling came over the whole form. The veil was flung aside by a quick, impatient hand, the same worn, strange- y interesting, mournful face that had emerged from Basilio’s house on that first night was bent down close to Sir Idefonse’s unconscious countenance, while his brow and hair and features were examined with a strange blending of delirious joy and passionate grief. “So noble, so handsome, so grand! And come hither on this quest. Oh, wonderful, mysterious fate!” murmured the quivering voice, Then en angry glare gleamed out from the large, dark eyes. Twice accursed, how steeped in crime would hove been his haughty soul! ButI spared him that horror. And this is he. Oh, how I have yearned and longed for and dreaded this meet- ing, and it has come at last.” She fell down upon her knees, the tears pour- img over the wasted chooks, her breast heaving with uncontrollable agitution. The sobs, so close beside him, accomplished what her careful entrancéd had avoided. Sir Idefonse woke suddenly, and opened his eyes upon the kneeling figure, the agitated yoioe be- side him. He sprang up, demanding in astonishment : ““Who are you? Why are you here?” She turned paler still but smiled mournfully. “Tam a friend, the best friend you have in Granada. I came to look upon your sleeping “How is that? I gaye you warning concern- face, meaning not to awaken you, or leave a “And Basilio would have murdered him. ~ THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 13 vestige of my visit. And yet it may be as well otherwise,” “Tlmow you not. Inever looked upon your face before,” exclaimed the astonished knight. “The more the pity ; and yet I am your friend. I alone of all Granada except one, and he would 4H rather than help you.” “Tt is very strange,” stammered Sir Iidefonse. “Aye, it is all strange, a mysterious tangle; and yet it is soon unravelled. You come from Spain. How left you the Count Montholio?” “The count—you Imow him then?” said the inight, more bewildered than ever. “Aye; I knew him once. He is still alive? he sent you hither to find his lost treasure ?” “Oan you help me?” demanded Sir Ilde- fonse, seizing her hand. “T oan, and I will,” in a solemn tone. “May all the saints bless you!” ejaculated the knight. ‘Oan you show me that villain ? can you point out Manuel Montez to my good sword ?” “Did you come for revenge, or for restitu- tion? In your benefactor's name, I ask it.” “Tor restitution, first of all; but methinks it would fitly end the matter if that dastardly wretch were well punished.” “Not by you. Promise me, here, that he shall be safe from your hand. I warn you, if harm comes to him throngh your means, undying re- morse will follow you through life. His aveng- ing ghost will haunt your brighest hours, will poison the sweetest cup that your lips seek to drain. Heed my words; they are those of your best friend.” “This is marvelous,” murmured Sir Ildefonse in perplexity, ‘ Leave Basilio in peace and yet gain my object ?” “You have guessed so much, then? You know that Basilio and Manuel are one and the same?” she demanded, bending toward him earnestly. “Yes; with Prince Azim’s help, I have sus- pected him, Ifyou know all, wherefore I come, how, then, ean you bid me spare the villain the punishment he deserves ?” “T said not you should not foil him—thwart his evil intentions, rnin his plans, defeat his hopes, gain all your objects in venturing to Granada—but lift not your hand agninst him, oh, noble knight, well worthy the care and af- fection of the kind-hearted, honorable Count Montholio that thou art! All good influence be praised that thou hast not abused his gener- ous benefactions, that he need not regret his kindness.” “Who art thou?” cried the knight, staring at her in amazement. The large tears dripped over the wan cheek ‘ the thin hands were clasped in agonized emotion, as she faltered: “Ask me not. Be content to know that I am your friend; that I know every hope of your heart, that Iam working with you,” ‘“Tsvery hope,” repeated Sir Hdefonse. “Nay, not every hope. It may be in some mysterious manner thou hast learned all the particulars of | the count’s undertaking; but thou must indeed possess more than mortal power to have read my own heart,” : A slow smile, like the sunlight glinting through | parting clouds on a wintry scene, stole across the grief-worn face. “The two are more closely entwined than you believe. Accomplish one and the other is possible,” said she, “Did I not say I knew all? every hope of thy brave and daring hear Idefonse, think’st thou I mistrust not the wi guarded in Granada? at the very thought even of the Princess Xina ?” The rich blood leaped to the broad forehead of the knight, as he again demanded: “Tn the name of the saints, who art thou?” “Thy friend, Idefonse; thy real and trusty friend. Ask no more, but heed my advice. Be watchful and wary in the presence of the Wizard of Granada. He lnows wherefore thou hast come ; that success for thee is ruin for himself and his plans. He will scruple at no deed, however dark and murderous, if it will sweep thee from his path. But thou hast true friends. Prince Azim avill guard thee; the princess se- cretly watches over thy safety, and, best of all, thou hast my vigilant services, which spy day and night upon Basilio’s movements. Only be- ware that no look or word of thine give offence to the king. From his power there is no ap- peal. And once Ismael suspected thy love for the princess, thy head would touch the block, ere the sun of that day should set!” “But how can I work as I promised? Hyery day I linger is anguish for that poor, heart- broken benefactor of mine. If I can only find his child and hasten away with her, I will yield to your judgment, and leave Basilio to the punishment of lis own conscience. But now I am certain of nothing; not even of the count’s daughter in Granada ; orif here, what miserable circumstances may surround her; every hour of delay seems cruelty to me.” “‘Set your heart at rest. She is safe, and in Granada, You have the description of the mark put upon her at her birth. Basilio read it; sodidI. I have found the girl.” “‘Now may heaven bless you. How it will re- | joice the heart of that poor old man. Where is she ? where shall I find her ?” \ . “She is in the Alhambra, in the suite of the Princess Xina. Tell the princess your whole story without fear, and describe her birth mark. | She will know then the stolen child of Count Montholio and will doubtless help you to pro- cure her escape.” “You speak as if I were able to procure an in- terview with the princess,” said the knight. “What has come to pass once, is likely to occur again,” returned the mysterious woman, holding up a long, thin finger childingly. “Wrong not your own frank spirit by seeking to hide aught from me, knight of Spain. You shall have good proof that I am your friend.” “Iwill not dowbfi you. My heart speaks up and claims you!” exclaimed Sir Mdefonse, hold- ing out his hand. She caught it between both hers, covered it with wild kisses and wilder tears, turned hast- ily and darted from the room. Sir Tdefonse threw on the fringed tunio, the only garment he had removed upon on retiring, and followed hastily after her. Nothing was to be seen; nll was profound quiet. Not content with looking through the corridor, he passed down and out to the vestibule. Prince Azim was leaning there, graye and thoughtful. ““Huve you seen her pass? a woman ina gray wrap, with a veil over her head ?” demanded the lnight, eagerly. “Was it a woman, or » ghost, a shade?” ro- sponded the prince. * I have been puzzling myself trying to discover.” “But you saw her? She knows everything. She will help me on niy quest,” “T thought she would, my friend. Whether mortal or otherwise, I was sure sho could aid you, ifany one could. She glided by me, as I stood in the corner, like a passing cloud ora tell. I only knowBasilio’s secret doors open for her as readily as to their master. It is fortunate for you that she is your friend, Inshallah! it is fortunate.” “T would I had asked her more,” said Sir Idefonse, looking forth wistfully into the star- light. ‘‘T think you may trust her; she will come to you if it is neceasary. Nov, then, let us return to our couches, or the morning will find us with dull eyes, 1nd the king has ordered your pres- ence at the Alhambra.” “*T would fain be excused,” said the knight. * Ah, but excuse from the summons of the king is impossible. You wore wise to heed that truth. He is disposed to deal graciously with you; do not change this mood, for he is hot and impetuous in anger.” “T will return to my chamber, then, and seek to woo slumber, for I am sure it will not come readily. A strange gloom has fallen upon me,” said the knight, turning back. : 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 dollar’s worth of books absolulely free if you will send us only thirty-five cents fora year’s subscription to Tam Intustratep Home Guest, a sample copy of which is sent you herewith. This is the most extraordinary offer ever made by a reliable publishing house, and enables you to secure, absolutely free of charge, ten splendid 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-establishod and reliable publishing house, whose responsi- bility cannot be questioned. CHAPTER VII. Eanty in the day came the royal suminons to the Alhambra, Prince Azim accompanied his guest, and at the gateway they met Basilio com- ing forth. There was a fierce flash in his eyo as he bowed to the knight, which startled ¢he prince. “What's amiss?” exclaimed the latter. “I lmow that evil flash of Basilio’s eye; it means mischief.” “There has been a heavy weight on my own spirit, foreboding calamity. I would I had brought Alana, We two, with our trusty blades, would meet whatever fate comes manfully,” “Hush, dare not draw your sword in the king’s presence, at any provocation. Remember. that, We will manage to rescue you, whatever betide; but a rash word or movement might draw upon you instant doom.” “Twould I might settle any such difficulty with mine own right arm. Which of these vast piles belong to the seraglio ?” “Yonder to the right. Why do you look so wistfully thither ?” : “Tf I new myself, I should hardly venture to say. But here is the royal usher. We shall Imow the truth soon.” The king was seated on his throne, and Prince Azim looked anxious again, as he perceived ho was surrounded by a triple guard of soldiers. Whispering renewed cattion in reeard to his behavior, he left the knight, and took his place among the courtiers. Idefonse bowed respectfully, and remained silent and motionless, in grave dignity, though he felt the searching eye of the king upon his face. ? d love so suddenly enkindled ? that I do not now how thy heart leaps at the name 80 jealously spectral shade, She has gone, whither I cannot ;We give thee grepting, valiant Imight from CONRNICL@C) Do ndt fail to read our special and confidential: COIN <S