ay remark the visible
alarm which was stamped on the countenance of the young lady, when our
quarrel took place--her anxiety to bring the light--the shriek she
uttered on imagining that my antagonist had fallen;--these, Don Manuel,
are strong indications, which may have escaped your observation in
moments of anger and grief, but which to a cooler judgment amount almost
to certainty. However, it is not my intention to prejudice your mind
against Don Rodrigo; my only desire is to warn you."

By such subtle means, Gomez Arias confirmed Monteblanco's suspicions;
for when once started, nothing tends more powerfully to strengthen them
than a sort of recantation in their author. Accordingly, Don Manuel
felt almost convinced of the treachery of his friend. Certainly there
was ample room to doubt the justice of such an imputation, if he had
chosen to reflect coolly on the subject; but in cases like the present,
the best reasons are unfortunately most unceremoniously set aside.

Thus Don Manuel was at once deceiving himself, and casting a reflection
on the character of a man who had not the remotest connection with the
event, and whose integrity in this instance could still less be
impeached than in the case of his having feloniously taken the old mule
of the friar, instead of his own beautiful horse, for the purpose of
gaining by the exchange.

Monteblanco, after a moment's thought, suddenly grasping the hand of
Gomez Arias--"I owe you much, Don Lope," he said, "and I pray you to be
convinced of the sincerity of my gratitude."

"Nay, honored Sir," replied Gomez Arias, "you labour under a
delusion--you owe me nothing--at least you owe me no favor, and I
solemnly disclaim any title to your acknowledgments."

Many and reciprocal were the compliments that passed from this time
between the two cavaliers; they mutually offered their services to each
other, and Don Lope very prudently afforded to his new friend all the
instructions which might tend to render abortive the pursuit and
recovery of the fugitive. Shortly after he took leave of the unfortunate
cavalier, who was even troublesome in the expression of his gratitude,
and whose hopes now began to assume a brighter hue.

CHAPTER XII.

The intent, and not the deed,
Is in our power; and therefore, who dares greatly
Does greatly.

_Browne's Barbarossa._

E ben degg'io, di libertade amico,
Meno la morte odi