The Wizard of Granada — page 11: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

18 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. rode the king, his crown on his head, his scep- ter in his hand. Beside him, drooping from a proudly stepping palfrey of snowy hue, was a graceful figure clad in white velvet garments, embroidered everywhere with pearl and silver. A veil of transparent, silvery texture was flung around her, but above it was placed a second crown. : A shout of gratification from the crowd hailed the recognition of its meaning. No one was too dull to understand that at last Kine Ismael ee a queen to brighten the Alhambra alls. ‘ _A train of nobles followed in brilliant show be- hind the king. On through the applauding multitude, the flower-strewn streets, beneath the garlands and the waving banners, passed Ismael with the white-robed figure at his side, They reached the grand mosque, and there dis- mounted, the guard of soldiers surrounding the ares The Mufti with his illuminated missal in his hand came to the entrance to meet them, and a rich burst of music graged their approach. In the twilight atmesphere of the mosque, they saw the gresfialtar, and on either side the still lengths of the dead princes lying on their biers their cold, pale faces looking forth. in si enouerwes contrast to the lendor around them. A torch was earl to the silver cande- labras clustering with their polished candles, and a bright light illuminated the place. _ Ismael walked forward proudly and unfalter- ingly, but his companion /hesitated and stretched out her hands in an imploring gesture. The ling spoke a few brief words in @ grave, deter mined tone, and shuddering the lady followed after him. At the foot of the altar the king lifted the sil- ver veil and showed the surpassingly beautiful, but peng face of her whom Granada had known as the Princess Xina. Never had the beautiful maiden looked so superbly lovely and queenly as now; with the misty veil sweeping away from her pale face, her magnificent eyes lustrous with a wild in- tensity of expression, few could read aright. The golden ney crown seemed ao fitting ornament for that stately head, and none mar- yelled that Ismael bent upon her so passion- ately tender and proud a glance. The Mufti approached them, while the silver- ‘mantled boys emerging from behind the altar, swung their bronze censers, and left floating clouds of fragrance on the air. Ismael bent forward, eyes and face shining with the bliss of attained hopes, and whis- pered: ““Xina, beloved, a moment more, and thou art the Queen of the Alhambra.” “Spare me! oh, Ismael, if you truly love me, send me to a bier as cold as that of the dead fe yonder ; but spare me this doom, terri- ale tome beyond any death |!” faltered the white lips of the bride. “Never, never! nothing shall separate us; nothing shall tear you from me!” returned the ling, passionately. “You mistake, King of Granada!” shouted a Megs ty and aes ee ee ae ee in that strange, wizard tasbion of his, Basilio sprang bereeon them. ae The words seemed hissed rather than spoken, and with them, quick and deadly as the light- mune came a stroke. The king fell back, a dagger sheathed to its very hilt in his heart, “So perish the insulter of Basilio, the violator of Moorish laws!” cried Basilio, hoarsely, and caught the light figure of the bride in his arms. Paralyzed with horror, no one had stirred. The Mufti caught the bleeding body, and shout- ed for the guards. His call broke the spell. Hundreds rushed forward—but the murderer and the bride—where were they? They had disappeared. Basilio had leaped behind the altar, and there the ground had seemed to swallow them. Closer examination discovered a hollow sound beneath the pavement. But the clue to the secret door baffled them. When at last with | battle-axe and spear and iron bar it was pried open, a dark possage-way and a flight of steps were discovered. The enraged soldiers followed fearlessly, but soon came to an iron door which barred their assage. When that, too, was overcome, much ime haa been lost; and though they followed the excavated path into a rnined hut, and emerged again into the upper world, no trace of the wizard was to be found. Only a silver veil rudely rent in twain, and the golden crown crushed beneath an iron heel, gave token that His house was surrounded at once ; not with- out a vague fear of the consequences by the superstitious Moors. _ The terrified servants of Basilio came hurry- ing forth, but none of them had seen their mas- ter. Thorough search through the great build- ing, sounding of walls, crashing of panels, strict investigation of secret cell and damp prison vault, all ended alike. Basilio had ar The earth has swallowed him!” said one. “The evil one has seized him and borne him down to the infernal regions,” whispered an- other, in an awed Voice, “But the innocent and beautiful Princess Xina, where is she?” questioned another. The city was wild with consternation. The day of rejoicing and festivity clouded over by a black Lees The king was borne back to the Alhambra in his gorgeous robes, without his bride, stone dead. i 6 hand of Basilio had been swift, unfalter- ing and true to its aim. Ismael’s reckless de- termination to possess the captive had been his death warrant. The bells from minaret and mosque tolled dismally ; the gay robes were laid aside; the whole city was in mourning; Granada had lost ae monarch in his proudest moment of vic- ory. A fierce crowd gathered about the dwelling of Basilio, and as night approached their vengeful ats and burning thoughts culminated in eeds. Somehow, no one could tell afterward from whose lips arose the cry, the shout was heard | and echoed by vehement voices : “Fire the building! If he is hiding there, let him perish in his secret den |” | And at the word a dozen torches were kindled and thrust forward. Their ruddy flame lapped greedily at the light lnttice-work, and tossed fantastic wreaths across pillar and molding, and clambered up eerily from arched window to broad roofing. The. Moors below, the glare lending a wild, lurid look to gleaming eyes and snowy turbans, shouted in fierce joy as the work of destruction went on. roel ape the murderer of the’ Prophet’s chosen! So turn to blackness the bones of the traitor who dares to lift his bloody hand against Granada’s king! So aps from Granada the evil be of the wizard! Allah il Allah! Ma- homet is his prophet!” rose in shrill, revenge- ful voices, as with savage yells they leaped to and fro, keeping close guard over the burning building, that no one could escape from it un- known to them. High up into the heavens leaped the red glare and the black wreaths of smoke. The great building shone out one moment, like a Gheber’s temple, blood red and fiery, every domed win- dow and pillared niche and carved railing per- fect and distinct. One moment—then it shook as by the breath of the fire-king, wavering to and fro, and the shouting throats below kept a moment’s awed silence, till it toppled, shrank, shuddered and fell in black, smouldering ruins, Wild yells of triumph rung out from the grati- fied Moors, and the home of the wizard of Granada was among the things of the past. But the wizard—where was he? With every nerve fired to fiercest enthusiasm and grim determination, Basilio sprang through the secret passage-way, which was known only toa deceased Mufti and himself, and emerged in the ruined hut, where garments were lying ready to be thrown over his own head, and to mufile the rich robes of the bride from public observation. ina, whose mind had already endured so much at and excitement, could bear no more. With the consternation of Basilio’s ap- pearance, the terrible sight of the falling king, his gold-embroidered robes spattered with the crimson tide of his own heart, she sank back in- sensible. Basilio could have asked nothing better. She was incapable of outcry or resistance. Helifted her in his strong arms and dashed on. He had only a short distance to proceed in the open air, ere he came again to the excavated tunnel which had its outlet in the basement of his own house, | Panting and breathless, but with grim lip and flery aa he emerged from the dark, and laying down his helpless burden, he blew thrice on a whistle hanging at his girdle. (os was immediately answered by an Ethiopian slave. “Ts all ready ?” demanded the wizard. the stirless figure still shrouded in the gory he had passed that way with Xina in his arms, “Quick! bring the disguises, and I will re- store consciousness to the maiden. We must go back to the secret passage. There will be a rush hither ina brief time. Serve me faithfully now, good Dalphon, and your freedom is se- cure.” The eee bowed and vanished. Basilio held a powerful essence to the nostrils of the maiden, and wet her lips with wine. She revived at once and sat up, staring round her fo aioe & “ Put on the disguise Dalphon will bring you,” said Basilio, in an authoritative voice. “TI will save you, Xina. Ask no questions, but obey.” Dalphon came in while he spoke, handing his master a bundle, and hastily shaking out the boy’s clothing he had thrown over his arm. He held it oul to the lady. “Tt is for your highness. ShallT assist you to hide your hair under the wig ?” E _Ina moment Xina comprehended the inten- tion of disguise and flight. She put out her hands in a dissenting gesture. ‘Why should I go? It is flight from one danger to another. I choose to remain.” “You shall not. Iwill bind yon hand and foot, and Ce a in my arms, before I will leave you behind. You were seeking to escape to Castile. I will take you thither.” Xina’s re flashed indignantly and resolute- ly, but Dalphon bent over her and whispered a manicy word, ‘Go—the knight will be near at and. Hope and courage revived instantly in the maiden’s heart. She took the clothing and passively signified her consent. Basilio went out for his small package of valu- ables, and returned a countryman—hnir and beard changed entirely, even his complexion altered. Xina was mechanically fastening her boy’s tunic, and submitted quietly while Dal phon touched her cheek with a brown powder and rubbed her hands with the same. Basilio took her by the hand and led the way to the underground passage, Dalphon follow, ing. Through the chill, dark passagé-way they hurried on, and neither spoke until they emerged again into the light. Ub was the Ethiopian slave who spoke then with an humble, deprecating gesture. ‘« My master, Gaboine failed us. I could find nothing of him. Methinks he stole away to wit- ness the fine show of the king’s procession.” A fierce malediction escaped Basilio. “T have found another more trusty. I am sure he will not fail to be waiting with the carts,” spon? up Dalphon, quickly. “Good, Dalphon; you shall not repent this good turn you have done me. I will give you gold to help pe enjoy freedom.” : The slave bowed nearly to the ground. * My illustrious master is beneficent and gen- erous, Allah reward him accordingly! Come into this deserted hut. The baskets are waitin there, and Minto will have the carts at the en of the street.” They passed hastily along the deserted road and entered the dilapidated hut, left standing for the accommodation of such poverty-stricken wayfarers a8 had no other shelter. A string of hosier baskets and one long market basket with a few bunches of vegetables in abi looking like the remnant of a street vender’s stock, were lying in one corner, covered by a coarse cloth, Basilio took the basket on his eek Meee one Me smaller ones to Xina, and turned again to the door, saying i feverish tone a gl on ‘There is no instant to be lost. Hark! Do oe oe Rees bell ?” =2 _Dalphon threw the long string of baskets over his shoulder, and so the trio passed out again, and in 2 Moment more had left that lonesome beggar’s quarter, and were treading a crowded street, along which the few outside people who had been left to guard the houses were stream- ing forth in consternation at the sound of the alarm bell. No one heeded the three apparent- ly innocent coun en returning from their day's marketing inGranada. All were absorbed in vague alarm at the ominous summons from the great Alhambra bell. And even had their attention been drawn toward them, no sus- picion could have been awakened, so perfect were the disguises, and such pains had been taken to prepare the way for them. Ata sort of market bazaar two rude country looking greasy-turbaned driver, whose head was dropped down upon his breast in an ap- “Allis ready,” replied the slave, looking at| parently sound slumber. : Dalphon stepped up to him and gave him a cloak. vigorous blow on the back, carts were waiting for them, with a sbupid- , THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 19 “ How now, Minto? Art tkousleeping? And i ster come! The stuff is all sold|to me in Basilio’s house? I cou eee and we be ready to go home, | come at all but for that whisper.” and a fine sight we have seen beside. The great procession of the king going toward the | events.” mosque. It would have made thy sleepy eyes i i g ina. “ beli looks.” wide open, I promise you, to have seen the gold | Xina Your language belies begs ee afer sea jat, Mot oh ant tlt baler iccseeceaely 0. embroidery and the flashing jewels. But hasten thee and unfasten the animals. Thou wilt | something in these fifteen years of service to “Time will explain. “You are no Ethiopian slave,” ejaculated “T were stupid, indeed, no i ou, and why did you say that | cart and for one moment took in his the little caricnetin a y Ya mee have hand of Xina, and left upon it a tender kiss. Whereupon Xina sank back bathed in a rosy ield passively to| tide of blushing Popping her lovely eyes ee with such right hopefulness as the ambra splendors had never witnessed. Do not fail to read our special and confidential lowing the story of ‘‘ The Wizard of Granada.” drive the master, and the little Alena will ride|the Wizard of Granada. You see, I am his| In this great offer we agree to give you a dolla’s with me.” ; The sleepy boor slowly and stifily descended from his seat and began unfastening the horse from the post. As Basilio came around and be- gan stowing his basket into the cart, he made a short but respectful bow, which Basilio, how- ever, checked by @ swift gesture of reproach. There were only two shopmen in the bazaar, and they were gazing idly from the door- way. aS "The same party came in this morning. There were four of them. Well, they did well to come into Granada such a day as this. It’s worth more than their day’s earnings to see the fine show,” said one to the other. Basilio heard and smiled quiotly. They had heard nothing as yet, nor mistrusted evil, though the echoes of the alarm bell still rang upon the air. Xina had already taken her seat, and Dalphon mounted up into the cart beside her. “<T will drive myself,” said Basilio, when the still sleepy-looking Minto clambered into his cart. And he led the way at once. The two animals ead been carefully selected for endurance, rather than good looks; and pains had been taken to make them appear like the ill-kept, hard-used horses of the vegetable men. Their coats were filled with dust, and littering straw clung to the shaggy manes. Be- sides, the rude, patched-up harness added double effect. As they approached the greab gateway a horseman, his steed foaming at the mouth and reeking with sweat, came dashing up and gave authoritative orders to the guard stationed there. A look of horror and consternation came over the faces of the soldiers who had listened to his hasty, excited words. While he was still talking the two carts drove up, Basilio leading the way. A soldier Neh forward, barring their progress with his long spear. “Dalphon leaped nimbly from his cart and came around in front of the other. : “How now, brave soldier? What is- the trouble? We have the password all right.” “No one is to pass out. The king has been murdered.” : “Holy prophet! the king? Not the king we were admiring a little while ago? Why, we saw him not more than an hour ago, riding bravely along.” is ee ean Tin murdered, and by the Wizard of Granada,” answered the soldier. “Do you hear, master?” cried Dalphon, turn- ing to Basilio, who seemed eagerly Sane tention, as he heard the exciting news. “‘ Holy Allah! what wickedness! You don’t mean | Xin Basilio? Why, we gota potent drug of him to- day for the poor sick mistress at home.” “Can't we go through at all to-night?” asked Basilio, in a thiek, coarse voice. “Who are théy ?” demanded the horseman. “They came in this morning with vegetables, four of them together, in these two carts,” re- plied the guard, : : “And the poor mistress will be crazy without her sleeping medicine to-night,” said the ready- tongued Dalphon. ‘‘This is bad luck for all, master—for all of us, in truth!” “Tet them through, but no other,” said the horseman, turning his animal again toward the nd the two carts went lumbering under the great arched gateway, and the massive gate clanged behind them and was securely locked. Xina had listened like one spellbound. She was sitting by Dalphon’s side, still and rigid as a statue. She whispered now hastily to her companion : : “Who are you? What does thismean?” — “We have escaped safely so far,” replied Dalphon, in the same cautious tone, glancing at the same time forward to see that Basilio did not notice the conversation. ‘‘I came in this Morning with the cart filled with vegetables, with three companions dressed as you three are dressed. It was all planned last night. The prime counsellor.” They rode on at a moderate pace through the straggling villages on the outskirts of Granada, and carried out their assumed character, a ing at every large group of the Moorish vil- lagers to detail the exciting news from Granada. But when nightfall came, and they reached the lonely highway leading through the wooded heights of the sierras, Basilio turned to Dal- phon with a pale smile and a flashing eye. “Now, then, Dalphon, we will test the mettle of the horses, if they be worth the great price T paid for them. We will use them while they are able to bear us: then we must arrange to purchase others. We have this advantage: we are ahead of any iniyrious tidings—no courier can outstrip us. = have gold to use freely. More and better, I have the signet ring of the King of Granada. No one will dare refuse us nid with that magic circlet before their ake Let the couriers ride furiously as they will to warn the frontiers, we shall be safely over be- fore they can spread their tidings forth. Shake out your rein, good Dalphon, and earn freedom and a fortune.” ‘Xina, dearest,” he added, a moment _ after, “bear up as steadily as possible. We will halt a moment for refreshment, wien we reach ‘the woods yonder; and the next sown shall find us horses and saddles, and we will leave these cumbersome carts behind, and take a new dis- guise. We will no longer be countrymen, but a Mnufti’s guard, sent to the frontier on urgent business with the officers there. The garments are in one of your baskets, Dalphon; we will make the change soon.” : Xina scarcely ect pe to answer him. But she put out her hand and touched that of the Ethiopian driver. : “T will go no farther, Dalphon,” whispered she, “nnless you answer me this question ; I suspect your own identity, but I demand to know when and where I shall meet him of whom you told me.” Dalphon hesitated a moment, then bent down and whispered something in her ear. Xina started, clasped ‘both her hands across her heart, and uttered a low cry, which Dalphon skilfully covered with a shout to hishorse. “You see that you can trust me. Let Basilio carry you to safety as fast as he chooses; an moment we can strike off his hold upon you,” whispered Dalphon in conclusion. : Xina drew one long, long breath of relief. “Allah bless you,” she murmured; ‘now, indeed, I can take heart.” : “You will need to guard your strength jeal- ously, for the journey is long and wearisome.” “jf am equal to anything now,” returned a.