more terrible than the
king of beasts; for, joined with the mighty strength and fierce
resolution of this animal, we have the reason and wounded feelings of
men."

"By the prophet," said one of the Moors, "that Christian well deserved
his fate; a more desperate man never did I see!"

"Aye," continued another, "he fought bravely, and we bought his life at
the dear price of two comrades."

"I came not till he was dispatched," exclaimed Malique in a haughty
tone, "otherwise the combat would not have been long dubious; but you
are a cowardly set, and had the Christian been seconded, I suspect that
the five who attacked him would have been disgracefully driven back: but
he fought alone, his dastardly servant having fled. Pity we could not
catch the rascal, for he would have made a proper accompaniment to his
master on the next tree."

Theodora listened in frozen suspense, whilst another of the Moors
observed, in an under-tone,--

"'Twas unfortunate though, that love should have brought about his
death: in his last moment he said something concerning love; and who
knows but this young maiden"--

Theodora heard no more,--she uttered a faint smothered scream, and fell
lifeless into the arms of Malique.

"Give help! give help! she faints! poor damsel--Get some water from the
brook."

They halted a moment, and sprinkling the reviving liquid over Theodora's
face, succeeded in recalling her back to life. Malique then endeavoured
to administer words of comfort to the distressed girl, but he was
utterly unsuccessful; a settled gloom pervaded her soul, and she
discarded the very idea of consolation. Thus they continued to travel
during the night, till the first gleams of the dawning day brought to
their view the outline of a village enveloped in the morning mist.--As
they gently advanced, the scene enlarged, and the shade gradually
rolling off, a little quiet town became at length perceptible, shining
in the first rays of the sun, and fresh with silvery drops of the dew.
The sombre aspect of the Alpujarras began to lose its sterner frown in
the loveliness and animation of the morning hour. But alas! it brought
no comfort to the desponding heart of Theodora. Deep and poignant as her
sorrows were, she felt conscious that a yet more dreadful fate awaited
her; she was about to be offered a victim to the lawless desires of a
ruffian, and an infidel. Death alone could release her from so
degrading a destiny; but even death, that