The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1904-08-28

cloak served her in this remote place.
It's hood was drawn over her head it's
ample folds fell upon the ground at her
feet. The Moor regarded her approx
ingly - the black eyes expressed
pleasure.
Sonora" he said, here is your
horse 1t is time for us to show our
selves to the people"
A man brought a white horse from
a stable near by, and a pillion being
already upon its back, Esther was lift
ed there and took the reins between
her nerveless fingers. She knew moth
ing of that which they would do, nor
had she any hope other than that
which would carry her speedily to Ar
thurs side. When they began to go
very carefully down the hillside toward
the white tents below she believed that
the road lay to the city and the prison.
In the camp itself, a new activity drew
the troopers from their tents and sent
the officers pell-mell for arms and
horses. News of the Spaniards death
had just come to these outposts, and it
passed as tidings Of a visitation which
would unite their nations story. The
autOcrat was dead, then. Vengeance
had struck him down: his enemies had
triumphed his voice had been heard
in the city's councils for the last time.
Prophets predicted that reaction would
be swift to come Others, who were no
prophets, allowed the magnitude of the
blow and it's possible consequences. at
Will help the Prince" they said; lit
may give him ALL" The more timid
reminded themselves that Arthur of
Cadi was to be shot at nine o'clock;
they heard the cathedral bell summon
ing the city to hear his last mass And
by these the figure of the woman was
first perceived. They touched each
other upon the arm, crying, Look yon-
der!" white horse upon the hillside,
blue robe, a fragile figure, a face of
surprising sweetness-there was moth
ing here to command alarm; neverthe-
less the curious pressed about the
travellers and crossed themselves in
awe. Fanatics exclaimed, 1T is Inez
of Cadi, a miracle, a mracie!' A priest
fell upon his knees and touched the
earth with his forehead. The doubling
had the will to laugh, but held their
tongues notwithstanding. To all Of
whom the Moor answered nothing, nor
would he open his lips to any man. His
way lay to the colonels tent. Esther
herself but vaguely understood what
legend awed the troopers or why they
crossed themselves at her coming. Mo-
ment by moment the buzz of wonder
and surprise lifted stronger voice and
became violent clamor. Men stretched
out their hands to touch the hem of
her garment. Many tried to run at the
horses head and to lead him; but the
Moor beat them back. When he spoke
they heard him with wonder.
Il bring you the wife of your Prince"
he said.
They answered, viva, Vivaw All
the teachings of their race predisposed
them to belief. The more ignorant
Frustrated themselves before that
which they deemed a miracle. The
wiser, hearing the name, believed it
was an omen, A thousand excited men
clamGred about the horse when the
Moor demanded admittance to the col
onel's tent. Like news of a triumph
the word went from ear to ear, "Inez
of Cadi rides down from the noun
tains!" Salvos of welcome were heard
on the distant ramparts; the guard
beat the mob back with the butts Of
their muskets.
Il must see your colonel" the Moor
said, with the lofty utterance of one
who has a mandate. Let him know
that 1 am here"
They called the colonel out, and Es-
Their looked up quickly when she heard
his voice. Varez stood before her-Va-
rez, the silent, the masterful. He car
ried papers in his hands; his head was
of hoI ,cf
come to him. his sword lay in the bal
ance; and he cast it from scale to scale
like a man doubtful of the issues. For
he knew that the night had changed
all, and that it might yet save the
Prince. When he perceived the figure
upon the horse, the blue robe and the
golden stars, the faith of his youth
brought the blood to his cheeks and
sent a nervous hand to the hilt of his
sword. For the moment even he could
not read the riddle
Speak" he cried; what does this
woman do here?'
A thousand voices lifted the cry,
Viva, Inez!"
He looked about him at the wonder
struck faces, the kneeIing fanatics. and
the old priests uplifted arms. So he
understood.
Madame" he said in a low voice.
what do you ask of me?"
Esther pushed back her hood and re-
garded him with ardent eyes.
My husbands lifei" she said.
He cast down his eyes and stood ir-
resolute. His troops caught the saying,
and repeated it from man to man.
"She is the Princes wife-an omen,
friends! Heard you that? She asks
his life" Anon they shouted altogether,
Grace, grace! lead us down."
The stern face wore more kindly
look when next it was lifted to Es-
theirs.
Madame" he said, how shall
answer these men?"
CAS- faithful friend to one who will
rememberi"
You shall lead them!" he said
He turned to the troops and repeated
her saying:
Here is one who will lead you to
1rir bnH CHI bo