heard were in reality those of the Indian and negro or
Costal and Clara: for it need scarce be told that it was they who were
the heroes of the mysterious spectacle of which Don Rafael had been the
sole spectator.

The two worthies, on being interrupted in their pagan ceremony by the
shower of pebbles, had given up the performance; and were now threading
their way through the thicket to reach the road beyond it.

The Indian was venting his wrath against the unknown personage who had
intruded upon their sacred devotions, and who had very probably hindered
the Siren of the dishevelled hair from showing herself. The negro
appeared to be equally indignant; but his anger was probably only
pretended.

"Is it only at the first appearance of a new moon that the Siren shows
herself?" inquired Clara, as if the opportunity for seeing her had
escaped them.

"Of course," replied Costal, "only then; but if there is a profane
person in the neighbourhood--and by profane I mean a _white_--the spirit
will not appear."

"Perhaps she is afraid of the Inquisition?" naively suggested the negro.

"Bah! Clara, you're a ninny! Why the devil should you suppose that the
powerful divinity of the waters has any fear of long-robed monks? It is
they, more likely, who would have cause to tremble in her presence, and
prostrate themselves before her."

"_Carrambo_! if she's afraid to show herself before one white man, more
reason why she should fear a whole host of monks--who, it must be
confessed, are ugly enough to frighten anything."

"May the devil drown the man who interrupted us!" cried Costal, rendered
the more indignant by the justice of the negro's reasoning. "A few
minutes more, and I am certain the Siren would have showed herself."

"Why did you extinguish the fire so soon? I think, friend Costal, you
did wrong in that," remonstrated Clara.

"I did it to hide from the eyes of the profane white man the mystery
about to be accomplished. Besides, I knew after what happened there was
no chance of her appearing."

"So you really think it was some one who disturbed us?"

"I am sure of it."

"And is that how you account for the shower of stones?"

"Of course."

"By my faith, then," said the negro in a serious tone, "I differ with
you in opinion about that."

"You do? And what is your opinion about it?" inquired Costal, stopping
and turning his eyes upon his companion.

"I would stake my life upon it," replied the negro,