The National tribune., 1899-06-08

shrouds too-it is s-too late.--Bs,t I+can die
with my lord!'
why, that is spoken with more valor
than thought thou hadst," said the cava-
lier. But bring me the robes, without
thinking of thy shrouds; and be very
quick, for must have thee to buckle some
of these straps of my jambeaux."
The page took up a little taper that lay
near the tiambeau, and shuddering as he
passed by the body, instantly-departed on
| his errand.
When the boy returned bearing bundle
OF garments, and two or three such crestS
as were worn by the nobler Mexicans, in
time Of war, the cavalier had more than
| half-arned himself.
What is that huge mantle thou placest
upon the table" he demanded of the page,
| without relaxing in his efforts.
enough to hide my lords armor," replied
Jacinto, hurriedly. "If the Mexicans
should see the cleaning OF hut single
link. death on the spot, or, still more hor-
rid, on the pyramid, will be the fate of my
lord"
Now that / know that such would be
the consequence of captivity said tho
| cavalier, fiercely, Il swear to God and ST.
John, l will die fghting-that is, if it
please heaven, that l shall be struck no
more blows that overpower without kill
ing" -
Il will tie to my lord IS crest, SO that it shall
entirely vail the helmet. / have fastened
some of the red tufts among the feathers,
whereby the paganS may think my lord is
a war-chief and noble if they should see
them"
"Of all boys that I have ever yet
seen, thou art by far the shrewdest and
wisest," said Don Amador with COM
placency, but without ceasing a moment
to do on his armor. What disguise hast
thou provided for thyself?"
"a garment" said Jacinto, which,
being flung about my body and hooded
think me a woman devoted TO the service Of
one Of their gods"
"a most damnable delusion," said the
novice; "and l would thou hadst fallen
upon some other device. But, perhaps,
thou hadst no choice; and, now that
smooth and handsome visage, will, per-
haps, suit this disguise better than
another. II there be any sin in assuming
it, heaven will allow the necessity, and
forgive the commission. Quick, and don
it, for / would have thee tighten these
greave-straps, before pull on my boots" 4"
at will but cucumber me; | Will fling it
over me in the PASSAGE" said Jacinto,
kneeling and endeayoring with an un-
steady hand to perform the Office required
of him.
BE of good heart, / charge thee, and
tremble not. Thou art unused TO this
service; but think not, though thou beest
the son Of a Moorish Wall, of the noblest
blood, that this duty can dishonor thee
/ have performed it myself, times without
number, TO my good knight, Don Gabriel
| would thou vert somewhat stronger
though. Fear not to pull with all thy
strength. j have Shrunk somewhat with
the fever-greatly TO the disparagement Of
my leg-and the strap is of the stiffest."
ut is stilfened with my lords bloodr'
ceeding at last, in securing it. Then rs-
ing and knotting a broad and shadowy
plume over his patrons helmet, so as, in a
great measure, TO conceal the cleaning
iron, he assisted TO fasten it, There re-
manned nothing, then, for the coyalier, but
| TO arrange the tilmatli about his person:
feat in which, with the aid of the page, he
succeeded SO well as quite TO hide his mar
tial equipments, without yet depriving
him of the power, in case Of necessity, of
using the sword, which he held naked in
| his hand
THY woman's weeds! Why dost thou
hesitate, Jacinto?' he'cried, prepared. and
| now eager TO make his departure. Thou
thinkeSt Of thy lutte? BY my faith, / shall
| be loath thou shouldst lose it, for much
| good has it done, and yet may do, TO Don
Gabriel. / will bear it under my arm"
! Think not of the lute," said Jacinto,
sorfow!llly. What need have we now Of
music? 1t will but overburden my lord.
whose hands should be free; and in mine,
it would only serve to expose the deception
OF my apparel"