Year: 1876




Gus settlement where she had formerly lived,
as temporary place of refuge for her mis-
tress, who was again revolving plan Of es'
cape from her enemy, and yet desired to re-
main sufficiently near home to be able to OBJ
tain tidings from there when she wished to
do so. In the old Spanish town, Picciola
thought they would he comparatively safe.
They could at least find better shelter than they
could obtain in the woods, and there was no
one living there who would have any interest
in betraying their whereabouts, even should
an opportunity occur-which was most un'
likely-for them to do so.


She was not quite sure of being able to find
the way, but she thought that by dint of few
inquiries, cautiously made, she might succeed
in doing so.


IF it were not that I dislike leaving you
alone, Sehora," she said, ''It would be best for
me to 20 first, and could make some arrange
ment for your accommodation there; for l
know every house in the place, and there are
one or two where I think could get lodg-
ing, and be safe from discovery, too


II would be afraid to let you 60 alone" ="
said Esther, "on your own account With
two of US together, the journey would be less
dangerous"


"As to that, Sehora, the journey is but
short one-only few miles-and l have Of
ten gone on errands at much greater distan-
ces, in former times. 1t is only that | dread
to leave you, even for day."


"Ia not afraid for myself" replied her
mistress. "In a case like mine some risk
must be run-and after all, poor child, how
could you protect me by remaining?"


II would defend you from harm with my
life," said Picciola, with energy. Eyes, sefi-
ora, with my very hearts blood All! you
do not know how fierce I can be, and how
bravel shot an Indian robber once-when
I was but eleven years old did not kill
him, but wounded him and drove him away.
Doyou not suppose could shoot again, if the
occasion csme|


"The enemy whom we fear is too subtle
and cunning to allow himself to be attacked"
said Esther. "When he comes upon US it
will be secretly, and in way that will admit
of no defence from u.s..


"At any rate, if we are to move, it had best
be at once" said Picciola. "And if you say
So Sonora, will 60 on my errand this very
day, aud be with you again before dusk"


There seemed to be no alternative but to
consent to this arrangement. And this being
settled, Picciola started of at once on her self
imposed journey.


"Nothing of importance transpired during
her absence, and about sunset she returned
home, looking little tired, but with satis-
fed expression which showed that her errand
had been accomplished.


lit is all arranged, Seniors" she said, in an
swer to Esther's inquiry. have got a room
for us too, and we will be safe, quite safe, from
pursuit Now that know my way. it does
not seem so far as it did; and the road is not
a bad one. was able to find the place my
self. Remembered the road had come, for
good long distance from here, and then from
the top of hill saw the town, and took a
short path directly to it. All! but it looks
dreary after this pretty, pleasant place! |
fear you will not like it when you come there" ."


"Like it! shall never like any place
again." said Esther, YEARLY. II care not
where hide myself, so but escape dishonor
worse than death-it is the sole thing that is
left to me to strive for now"


"Senora, said Picciola, taking her hand and
kissing it, "when you are once safe, mean
never to rest until I find the dear little angel
and bring him back toyou again"


THAT you cannot do, Picciola-I feel that
he is lost to me for ever"


NO." earnestly replied the girl, II do not
think that he is. Something fills me with the
hope of recovering him he is but lost for
time. Dear mistress, you will be happy yet
one day; your misfortunes will not last al
ways"


You are trying to cheer me up" said Es-
ther, drearily; "but see no hope anywhere.
You are kind, good girl, Piccola, and al
ways do your best to comfort me. If ever
have the means, you may be sure that | shall
reward you for all you have done"


"Ah! Se7ora," said Picciola, in voice of
emotion, II want no reward but your love.
If can but have that, I desire nothing else. :"


''That you may be sure of having, always"
replied her mistress. II could not help low
ing any one 80 faithful and affectionate as you
have been, ever since you first came to me. -


P:cciola again kissed her hand, while the
tears trembled in her eyes. Her heart was
full and she longed to pour out the tide OF
her affection in eloquent words, but she felt
that her mistress was in too sorrowful and
pre-occupied a state of mind to respond to it
just then. And she quietly stole away to
make some preparations for their move, which
was again fixed for the following day.


They rose at dawn, and after hurried
breakfast, set out on their pilgrimage.


1t was fresh and lovely morning. The
dew.drops trembled on the tender grass, and
sparkled on every hanging branch and leaf
with diamond-like lustre in the rays of the
rising sun. A few feecy white clouds foated
languidly in the sky, birds sang loud and
clear, and the perfume of flowers filled the
balmy air. Esther turned when they reached
the end of the valley, and looked longingly
back upon the home she was quitting, per-
haps for ever.


Farewell" !" she murmured in an agitated