enjoined, I sat up--very
sore from my descent of the stairs--and employed those precious moments
in putting forward arguments to turn him from, his murderous purpose.

"I have lived too ungodly a life," I protested, "to be able to squeeze
into Paradise through so narrow a tate. As you would hope for your own
ultimate salvation, Excellency, I do beseech you not to imperil mine."

This disposed him, at least, to listen to me, and proceeded to assure
him of the harmless nature of my visit to the hall in quest of wine to
quench my thirst. I was running the grave risk of dying with lies on my
lips, but I was too desperate to give the matter thought just then. His
mood seemed to relent; the delay, perhaps, had calmed his first access
of passion, and he was grown more reasonable. But when Ramiro cooled he
was, perhaps, more malignant than ever, for it meant a return to
natural condition, and Ramiro's natural condition was one of cruelty
unsurpassed.

"It may be as you say," he answered me at last, sheathing his dagger,
"and at least you have my word that I will not slay you without first
assuring myself that you have lied. For to-night you shall remain in
durance. To-morrow we will apply the question to you."

The hope that had been reviving in my breast fell dead once more, and
I turned cold at that threat. And yet, between now and to-morrow,
much might betide, and I had cause for thankfulness, perhaps, for this
respite. Thus I sought to cheer myself. But I fear I failed. To-morrow
he would torture me, not so much to ascertain whether I had spoken
truly, but because to his diseased mind it afforded diversion to witness
a man's anguish. No doubt it was that had urged him now to spare my life
and accord me this merciless piece of mercy.

In a loud voice he called the sentry who was pacing below; and in a
moment the man appeared in answer to that summons.

"You will take this knave to the chamber set apart for him up there, and
you will leave him secure under lock and bar, bringing me the key of his
door."

The fellow informed himself which was the chamber, then turning to me he
curtly bade me go with him. Thus was I haled back to my room, with the
promise of horrors on the morrow, but with the night before me in which
to scheme and pray for some miracle that might yet save me. But the days
of miracles were long past. I lay on my bed and deplored with many a
sigh that bitter fact. And if aught had been wanting to increase