e inn, in which
he was zealously joined by Peregil, he said in a melancholy tone, "Well,
as there is no remedy, we must put up with this misfortune as well as we
can."

"So we must, Senor," replied Peregil; "and at least there is some
consolation in the reflection that we are already on such familiar terms
with dame Fortune, that this new instance of her good-will ought by no
means to take us by surprise.--But may I ask whither we are going?"

"To seek refuge in the mountains," gloomily answered Don Rodrigo.

"Well, may the help of God be with us!" ejaculated Peregil, "for we
stand marvellously in need of it."

Saying this, they bent their course to the Alpujarras, as melancholy and
slowly as suited the condition and convenience of the animals that bore
them. Indeed, from time to time, the reverend mule actually stood still,
as if pondering what he should do, and it required all Don Rodrigo's
caresses (for he dared employ no other means) to induce her to proceed.

Thus the distressed master and his humble valet continued their march,
for the space of three hours, in a most gloomy night. Observing at
length that his servant made a dead stop, Don Rodrigo determined to
assist him, and accordingly indicated his intention to the mule; but to
his utter dismay he found that she had profited by the good example set
by her companion the ass, and stood stone still. This obstinacy of their
animals proved more than equal to the powers of Don Rodrigo and his
man, who, after exhausting their strength in fruitless chastisement,
prudently resolved to wait the leisure of their more determined
companions. They took shelter, therefore, under the spreading branches
of a large tree, and there they remained in anxious expectation of
day-break, passing the tedious hours in silent and profound reflections
on their miserable condition.

CHAPTER VIII.

O gran contrasto in giovenil pensiero,
Desir di laude ed impeto d'Amore;
Ne chi piu vaglia ancor si trova il vero,
Che resta or questo, or quello superiore.

_Ariosto._

At first a vague suspicion, a blind dread,
Then a quick feeling of the fatal truth
Instinctive flashed across her mind.

_Wiffin's Tasso._

The first rosy tints of morning at length began to appear, and the heavy
clouds of night were gradually rolling away before the splendour of the
approaching sun, when Don Manuel d