The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-07-07


that matter, for the king has no daughter 80 me
daughter Of his chief sheik and 'iLier mus 20 mo
foremost princess OF the realm. Ana 40 yoa Iup,
pose that Baal lamar VIII ever give his ony enhd
up 10 q Christian knght' $50,
hammered ere this tbs. Christian knights have won
Moorish damsels wifhout regard to the win Of the
parents" -.
meth in that wise, | shall set thee down tor mad.
post mean in sober truth, that thou would st try 10
run away with the lady:'
81 mean this replied the knight, speaking with
vehement earnestness: IF the daughter Of Baal
lamar returned my love, | would have her il the
thing were possible SO there let the matter rest"
allow me one word more /" urged Gabriel win
not occurred TO you that the lady Lulahs betrohed
10 the Shek Abu lamar, Governor of Cazalla?'
''That is proof tina she loves him."
80, my master, ur blindness is past my under.
standing. Verify face Of this Moorish maiden
hath bewtched thee"
peace, good Gabriel. have heard sufficient.
What sound is tbat?'
eyes 70 the northward. 1T is az warned you.
The storm is even now upon ne. Sect is almost
here. The sun is gone, and the rain is coming"
II was as Gabriel had said. The wind came sud
denly sweeping upon the river with cherries
voice; the tops of the trees swayed TO and fro; and
presently the rain drops began to fall. Sir Leon
knew that the storm thus brewed in the stern passes
Of the wild Morena, was TO be severe one, and he
thought OF shelter. Not far from the olive grove
was the cot of an humble vine dresser, and towards
this he concluded TO make his way. In fact 1t was
the only dwelling within half league, 60 he was
not long in making the choice.
ave can find shelter there he said to his COM
panion; land, if need be, we can remain all night"
"Aye," returned Gabriel. whose anxiety for his
tions, 'rthink the old man can find good rest for
thee. know him well.''
80 do - added Leon, as they started into a
brisk walk, and as for rest, Norman knight
asks only room in which to stretch his body, and
shelter from the falling rain"
The cot in question was situated beneath high
bluil which lifted crown OF ciIon trees high over
the bank of the river, against the face OF which
WAS trained a luXuriant growth OF grape vines.
Between this bluff and the river the space was
but few rods; the cot was not directly in this
pass, however, but little upon side, in a sort
of niche which seemed made on purpose to receive
it, Our two adventures had just reached the door
OF the humble dwelling when they were startled
by the sound Of horses feet close at hand.
That animal is irightencd," said Gabriel, after
he had listened moment.
AYE, surely" returned Leon, "snl-hark--
there is more than BY my natal star, there il
trouble aioot. Ha. didst hear that cry! Now, by
Saint Peter, there's work ahead"
Thus speaking the knight Icapet out into the
road, and in moment more a horse came dsshing
at hcsdcng speed around the blun; but its gait
was not a steady one il came with plunginr, rear
ing leaps, swaying ever and anon from a direct
course. Two things Leon saw at glance: The
horse had female upon it, back and a layen in
it, side. A few more plunges and the foarnng
bleeding beast stopped suddenly, and went down
upon it, knees. The knight was upon the spot i'm
an instant and lifted the fair rider in his
she was thrown from the saddle The thick veil
was blown from her face, and he gazcd upon the
features of the Lady Iuah For an instant, "a he
held her to lIs bosom, his heart beat with wild
thrll hut sense OF knighty duty quickly recalled
him from the sweet delirunl, and he bore the
maiden towards the cot. He that she
sensible, and as she opened her eyes upon him, he
asked here il she was hurt. But her answer was
cut of ny the dashpg mp OF another horse, and
M she heard the sound she clasped both her arms
about the neck OF the Norman knight, and cried
out in frantic tones, for him 10 save her.
"They have captured my a'iendants they have
killed my horse and tliey seek 10 capture me.'
"Whol-wkoN asked Leon.
'Thc mountain rohbers.'i she replied.
Leon comprehended the whole thing in mo-
ment, and his movements were prompt and de-
cided. Alcassim. the old vine-dresser, had come
out from his cot in season TO witness the falling of
the msiden's horse, and TO him Our hero resigned
his fair charge.
Bear her quicklytoa place ofshelter, - he cried
and leave ns to deal with these fellows. For your
life stop not here, but go!'
Without a word the old man caught the girl in
his arms and fastened 10 his cot; and Sir Leon, as
he turned was just in season 10 confront the horse
man who had pulled up close upon his heels. The
latter was tall, powerful Arab, swart and sinewy,
whose wicked look and wild garb bespoke the rob-
Der ut glance. And he was not alone, for behind
him, aud "--'vins .'rnost a. tho eanAo snVans~t,
Hold. uere.' cried the first robbor, leaping
nom his horse, and starting towards the cot, where
the vine dresser was just entering the door with his
fair burden.
.'Rsckp shouted the Norman knight, snatching
his sword from its scsbbard, and springing before
the outlaw.
The robber stopped, FOR he could not well leap
over the stswart form which had thus intcrposed
'sWho arc you''' he asked, moving back pace,
and drawing his broad sabre. AZ first he seemed
= 4. l..t
~ he surveyed his proportions more critically, he
evidently altered ms mind Tor he gathered himself
as though for desperate work.
IL am one who will protect yonder maiden
from all enemies - replied our hero. Now who
"fog Of a Christian. III let You know who
am right quickly The msiden is mine; stand
on, Of my ssy or your bead shall fly nom your
beware, villain You shall not reach the maiden
aliyc!"
even scc!-
As the robber thus Kissed. between his cienched
teeth he sprang upon the knight, with his heavy
Ire uplfted. bringing the weapon with force which
would surely have accomplished IT. purpose had il
hf where II was aimed. But 1t did not hit thus. II
CITY cleavcd the empty air. and ere the Arab could
recover from the headong impulse Of the prohtless
stroke, the sword OF the knight was driven through
bis LOdy.
In sic meantime tho second robber had not bcea
unemployed. His hrst movement upon disnount
ing. had been towards The cot; but Gabriel. taking
the cue lrom his masters course had resolutely In.
tcrposed. The outlaw seemed 10 think II an easy
matter 20 sweep the esquire from his path; hut,
upon making the attempt, be found the task rather
difficult. AZ the first outset be received cut upon
the right shoulder, which entered 70 the bone. This
served 20 open bis eyes, but IL also made him mad,
70 thai he did not ipiyrov by the knowledge he
had gained. He rushed upon his short opponent,
% though he would iramplo him 10 the earth; but,
in hts hot haste he seemed 10 forget that there might
be something in his way. He quickly discovered
this something. however. though he could not have
had much opportunity for considering il. as the
point of Gabriel. sword entered the cavity Just
above the breast bone, passing clear through the
-eck and separating tive q The yeTt:bre Of the
spinal column
"lts all done here, my master" said the esquire.
as Sir Leon approached him.
Il wonder II there are more coming" returned
The knight, bending hi. ear towsrds the road.
IF there are, the lady will know suggested
Gabriel. $50 supposc We get out Of this rain.
These villains may as well rest as they arc for the
preeent.N