The Wizard of Granada — page 6: what you’re looking at

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8 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. of rank. Her superb hair, glossy and dark as the raven’s wing, lightly plaited at the ends, swayed about her shoulders, undecorated save by the small, golden coil, which was more like a Greek cap than a turban. A string of priceless pearls bearing an amulet wound about the snowy throat, and a similar wreath of ocean’s costly blossoms twined about her exquisitely moulded arme. She came forward to mest him with stately grace, although a slight flush of excitement that was half pride and half maidenly shame, burnt scarlet on her cheek, as he sprang forward, and unconscious of the daring act, stretched out both presumptuous arms toward her. “ Princess Xina! Atlast I behold you. All the holy saints be praised that i have met you, in truth |” cried the Imight. “Sir Idefonse, Knight of Spain, I have kept my promise; you have received a favor few in Granada can boast, It is my grateful return for your brave deliverance,” said she, in clear, sweet tones, shaken by a little tremor. ‘ Wel- come, Sir Idefonse, to the retreat of Princess Xina!” She turned as she spoke, waving her fair hand, as a signal for his attendance, and walked swift- ly between a row of myrtle trees, pausing at a narrow marble flagged walk where two bronze warriors kept guard by battling with huge crys- jal swords, whose flash came from a gush of pure water rising from some unseen fountain. The twin streams joined in a single arch, be- neath whose diamond spray one must pass who followed the walk. The princess turned back an arch look, stooped her stately head and passed under the shower, “T would not hesitate were it fire or blood!” exclaimed Sir Idefonse, and followed valiantly. Do not fail to read our special and confidentiat offer to you, which will be found immediately following the story of ‘‘ The Wizard of Granada.” In this great offer we agree to give you a dollar's worth of books absolutely free if you will send us only thirty-five cents fora year’s subscription to Tue InnusrratED Home Guerst, a sample copy of which is sent you herewith. This is the most extraordinary offer ever made by a reliable publishing house, and enables you to secure, absolutely free of charge, ten splendid books, which may be selected by yourself from the en- tire list offered, and the regular retail price of which is ten cents each or one dollar for the ten books. Do not fail to read this remarkable offer, which comes to you from an old-established and reliable publishing house, whose responsi- bility cannot be questioned. CHAPTER Y. Ow either side the path were now a-bloom carefully tended flowers. Odorous roses nodded their blushing faces, white and pink, and blood- red, overrunning gilded lattices. Great lilies, lustrous with milky whiteness. Flakes of soar- let fire, lapping their gorgeous tongues from glossy green foliage. Stalks of clustering blue of an intense hue outvying sky and sea. Great patehes of yellow, more golden than the ore of the richest mine, all were mixed in dazzling profasion, rioting in bewildering fragrance. But Sit Wdefonse heeded them only as natural accessories of her presence; his eye saw only the queen of the place passing onward to the smal iiosk. Ii wag a simple place, furnished with a deli- oate teste. A square of white Persian carpeting with s border of pictured sea shells covered the marble floor. There were only two divans, piled with white silk cushions with pink silk tassels. A gilded cage swung with the movements of a pair of singing birds. Two splendid vases held more gorgeous treasure, and on the tiny stand was a silver waiter, piled with a tempting pyra- mid of fruit. The princess seated herself with a little trem- ulous sigh, and motioned for her companion to do the same. “We have an hour,” said she, taking up a silver hour-glass and turning its gilded sands back. ‘‘Its expiration must find us both far from this spot, or it might cost us both dearly.” “But I may come again,” cried out the knight, eagerly. She smiled mournfully. “Already craving further indulgence? You dream not at what risk this interview is ob- tained. Nay, Sir Knight, it were well that you should understand that this is the last and final interview. You behold the Princess Xina for the first and the last time.” “Then let me perish here at once,” cried out the knight, in a tone of keen anguish. “Ikhnew before Ilooked upon your face that I had met my destiny. That you were the star to claim all my aspirations, the one woman queenly and high and grand enough to win the love of Ide- fonse. Tell me not my ardent hopes are to be blasted.” if The princess had started up from the cush- ions crimsoned to the very temples ; the attitude was proud and indignant, but the beautiful face was soft and tender as the dark eyes beheld the impassioned, truthful countenance of the Span- ish knight. She held up her two fair hands in solemn gesture. “Hush, oh, hush! Let me wound no more noble hearts. Let me be spared tho grief of piercing the knightly spirit. Would that thou hadst never met me. Put me forever from thy thoughts. Thon couldst sooner win a bride from the clutches of the grave than hope to gain the hand of Xina.” “What isimpossible? Oh, hearme. I have a heart strong to endure, an arm tireless to win its way. I am of noble birth; of that I have been assured. A good heritage has mine own good sword won for me, What obstacle lies in the way 80 I can win thine own consent, sweet lady? Show it to me that I may hew it down.” She shook her fair. head with sad earnest- ness. “Tt is hopeless. Ask me nothing, but believe that fate is inexorable.” “T cannot. Iwill not accept that answer,” cried out Sir Udefonse, passionately. ‘All my life long I have found that what I strove for with all my heart and soul, I won at. last. Shall it fil me now that I seek the crowning glory ?” The princess looked into his Iindling coun- tenance with sad and earnest eye, and a soft glow a moment on her face. “Nay,” said she at length. ‘ How can you refuse to credit my words? There are enough to tell you the same, Have you not found the name of the Princess Xina a forbidden sound? Aye, even for the king’s favored courtier, for the heir of the throne, for Prince Azim him self.” “The prince loves you too—I guessed it. We are strangely alike. He lacks my resolution, my flaming will that conquers adverse circum- stances as it shall conquer these, whatever they may be,” cried out the daring knight. “«So bold of heart ?” repeated the princess, in amazement. “Aye, lady, so resolute also of will. I will not this sweet solace, if she will only say that her hopes, her prayers, go toward the success of my undertaking.” The silken, jetty eyelash had fallen shyly tc the crimsoned cheek, the red lips were wist- ful and tremulous, the royal air had given place to girlish shyness, and the princess was only the tender, gentle woman, as she replied: “From the depths of my heart, Sir Idefonse, I can give you that assurance. It was not in vain that I saw you flashing upon me as from the clear skies, like a youthful demi-god, with your gleaming eyes and your sweeping blade, that day in the lonely woods when the fierce bandit’s grip was on myarm. ‘If such good fortune were possible for me,’ upspoke my heart, ‘here comes the hero of my dreams.’ And there has been nothing to gainsay the as- sertion since.” his lips reverently to the white hand. “Tt is enough. I will conquer this mysteri- ous fate,” he said proudly. “ Alas! you are in the land of foes, and dan- gers lurk on all sides. Beware of Basilio. And, oh, hide this temerity as you would shield your life from reach of the king’s knowl- edge.” “Tt is the king I am to fear, then, most of all?” questioned the knight. She bowed her head in answer. “Ayre you his slave, his betrothed ?” demand- ed he, in a husky voice. : Her eyes flashed upon him their indignant splendor. : **T cannot marry him, but he has sworn a gol- emn oath I shall look kindly upon no other liv- ingman. Hush, speak not anotherword. What power has thou to wring so much from me? Look |” She pointed to the glass whose golden sands were dwindling into a shining speck. “Go, go—delay is fatal—fatal alike to me and to yourself. Fly, I beseech you.” While she spoke ghe tore her hand away from him and pointed imploringly. “For this once Lobey. But I must see you again. Send me the same sign when I may venture hither again. I am with Prince Azim.” “He isa trusty friend where once his sym- pathies are enlisted,” said the princess, thought- fully. ‘‘He may be of use against the malig- nity of Basilio; but to hinder the king’s wrath, so you were hapless enough to arouse it, he is like a straw. Oh, be cautious, I pray you, especially upon this mysterious errand which hns brought you to Granada, which has so kin- dled the wrath of Basilio.” “You hinted your knowledge of that before,” said the knight, eagerly. ‘Let me give you a frank explanation.” “T dare not wait longer. The king returns at this next hour; he may call for me any min- ute.” “ Another time, then. I shall count the min- utes until [look upon your face again,” “Tmportunate! imperious!” said Princess Xina, with a frown, but there was a tender smile on her lips. “I told you this was e farewell. You guess not at what a risk you have obtained this favor. The whole Alhambra would be aghast to know that the strange knight had looked upon the unveiled face of the Princess Xina. Be content and go.” “Content! Does one who has basked im sun- shine consent to go back to perpetual darkness ? Will the lips that have tasted of ambrosia re- turn willingly to coarser food? It is by no com- mon chance that we have met, noble princess. despair if the Princess Xina will give me but Believe me, our lives touch closely. Whatever Sir Idefonse knelt before her and touched — THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 9 warring elements lie between they must blend at last,” He spoke eagerly, confidently, a noble zeal shining in his eye, a worthy pride curling his lip. The princess followed his words with breath- less interest. She clasped her hands, lifted her eyes upward a moment and then sighed deeply. “Would that I could have faith like thine. Alas! a powerful will and 1 mighty sceptre inter- pose. Once more I implore you to go. Iwill find means to leave o summons for you in your apartment at Prince Azim’s if I judge it well or wise for another meeting.” Sir Idefonse saw that she wae really alarmed and anxious, and turned at once, “Tarewell, then, for the time, sweet lady. Far be it from me to wish to disturb your peace of mind,” he said. The princess waved her hand to him, and vanished through the inner doorway. The knight walked slowly and thoughtfully away, aware that the same slave who guided him to the place was waiting at the outer entrance to guard, as he judged, against any interruption. The Spanish knight passed him and walked back to the house of Prince Azim. His host was at the Alhambra, the servant informed him, but had left strict orders that all his wishes should be attended to. Iidefonse was by no means displeased at this opportunity for self-communion, He sat down by a lovely arched window which gave him a glimpse of blossoming shrubs, a dozen fountain jets flashing up against the clear blue of the sky, a garden kiosk, and beyond a bit of the inimita- ble landscape of Granada. And quieting Alana’s curiosity concerning his absence, he leaned his head upon his hand and fell into a deep revery. It was not all a lover’s roseate vision ; there were stern and startling thoughts, many baffling and yexing conjectures. Through it all, however, the man’s singularly resolute, sanguine nature kept firm trust in the ultimate success of his hopes. But upon his secret quest he had as yet made no single step forward. He knit his brow fierce- ly, recalling the princess’ hint concerning Ba- silio’s antagonism. “Wherefore should it be?” he asked again ‘and again, and resolved to watch the Moor more closely when they met again. The opportunity came speedily. In the after- noon Basilio made.his appearance. He came in smiling and gracious. S “Thou hast run away from my hospitality, Sir Knight, but it is our coaxing prince whom I must chide. I promised to give thee proof of my claim to the name they give me, to show why Iam the Wizord of Granada. I give an exhibi- ion this very afternoon. It may please thee to como. At least, thou wilt be entertained by the rude delight of the gathered crowd. Thou mayst earn much concerning the Moors thereby.” “Many thanks. If Prince Azim returns to aocompany me, I shall gladly be present,” re- jlied Ildefonse. Just a perceptible shade crossed the wizard’s nce. “‘T saw the prince at the Alhambra. The king will scarcely spare him again to-day, If it would not vex the waiting crowd I might post- pone it; but better to come now with me, and eave word for Prince Azim, even as you took leave of my house this morning.” “Tn truth, no. I like honest, open dealings if it be possible. I told the prince I should re- main here in quiet; I dealined his, offer of en- ertainment; it would be capricious to accept yours instead. Ichoose that he shall find me here when he comes,” returned the knight, calmly. Basilio’s hond, under the loose folds of his garments, was clenched till the long, sharp nails were buried in the flesh, but he kept his coun- | tenance smilingly serene. “Let us hope, then, for Prince Azim’s speedy | return,” said he. ‘** Behold how events answer your wishes, wise Basilio,” said a gay voice. ‘Azim is here. What will you have of him ?” “Tn truth you are right welcome,”’ cried Hde- fonse, rising eagerly to meet the speaker, who came lightly across the threshold of the outer door. “ This wise man promises us more enter- tainment this afternoon.” “Thet is well planned, most learned magician. Then I trust you have pardoned me for stealing away your guest. . At what hour shall we come? for you will not be churlish enough to refuse me an invitation likewise for the exhibition of your marvelous skill,” replied the-prince, touch- ing his lips to the silver whistle. Basilio endeavored to conceal his annoyance, but there was an involuntary tinge of asperity in his tone, as he replied: “The.populace gather in an hour hence. I fancied it might entertain this stranger to wit- ness my feats of magic. You honor me too much by your condescersion, prince.” “‘Taen let us have refreshments now, and we will present ourselves shortly.” The entrance of the banquet girls diverted the conversation, and presently Basilio took leave. The moment he disappeared the prince dropped his merry smile, and turned to the knight: “ You did well,” said he, ‘‘ to wait for my com- ing. Beware of trusting yourself alone with Basilio anywhere, at any time.”* “T faith!’ replied Sir Ldefonse, ‘‘and my good sword were with me, I would not fear the chance!” “But his subtle magic is more powerful than any sword. He has spells they say, to unnerve the stontest arm, to paralyze the bravest heart!” “T wonder much that he tried not his powerful spells when the bandits overpowered him,” ob- served Udefonse, sarcastically. The Moorish prince gave a clear, mellow laugh, but then said, gravely: ‘*My friend, wily men are only mortal when taken at a disadvantage, but on their own ground they are more powerful than a dozen honest, open-faced foes. Remember that I have warned you to beware of Basilio. Trust him not, eat not his food, drink not of his cup.” ‘‘T have been warned of him befora. Already, thrice warned against him. By my word, I have a mind to tax him to his face with the accusa- tion, and demand to know what it means. Iam a stranger. I have done him no harm; on the contrary, [have saved him from the bandits. Why should he be an enemy of mine?” ‘Why, indeed?” returned the prince, calmly, in response to the kuight’s impetuous speech, ‘‘and yet ibis 50. You say you have received other warnings. If you have not full faith in my friendship, trust to the others, whatever it may be, and believe that quiet watchfolness is the best safeguard against the wizard’s cunning spells.” “ Yet you choose to go there to-day ?” “Yes; why refuse you a vastly entertaining spectacle? The man’s learning is wonderful. There is something fiercely grand in his charac- ter which one must admire. While I would foil andIonly two days in Granada, I have been | ther in an odd way respect and admire Basilio. The strange man is poring over his musty parch- ments, or stirring weirdly in his crucible, mid- night after midnight, He spares not himsel!, if he be unmerciful to others. You will be safe in mmy company. Daring as he is, he will not offer harm to Prince Azim. Besides, Iam pubzled by this animosity of his. I would fain study his books, and read his thoughts while you are by. Let us go, by all means, and think not you are to see any childish show. You will be filled with profound astonishment and admiration, I prom- ise you!” The prince spoke to the chief of the servants as he passed through the yestibule some unin- telligible words, but the knight gnesséd their drift, when he saw some half-a-dozen of the re- tainers come forth and follow quietly behind them. “ Ho is really in earnest in his belief,” thought the unsuspecting knight, ‘“‘and yet I cannot think Basilio would work me harm.” They found o large crowd before the magi- - cian’s door of all ranks and ages, and of either sex, though the women were wrapped up as closely as mummies, and closely veiled. The prince was eyidently well known in Granada, for there was a low hum upon his ap- pearance, and every turbaned head was bent in profound respect, and the path was instantly opened for his approach to the house. The doors were barred to the multitude, but noiselessly unfolded before these invited guests. A tall, splendidly-formed Ethiopian stood at the inner entrance with a gilded basket in bis hand. He did not appear aware of the presence of the prince and his companion, but as the crowd fol- jowed, Idefonse, who stood looking back, fonnd that his wary eye took good heed that every one admitted@hrew « coin into the basket. “So that is the secret of Basilio’s ample re- venue,” observed the knight. “His experiments are costly,” returned the prince, ‘as you will see.” They were ushered into a long room, evidently prepared_as a hall of exhibition, filled with benches and carefully darkened. The hangings around the walls were of sable hue, and of some heavy, cumbersome cloth which fell in stiff folds like flutings. From an iron chain, drop- ping from an ebony hand seemingly reached through the upper ceiling, hung a bronze lamp whose flame had a blue, uncanny shade, At one end was a long table, likowise draped in the black cloth, and empty of all things ex- cept a crystal globe of what seemed water. A raised seat canopied with a silken curtain was set apart from the motley audience. To- ward that the prince and his companion were directed by a slave fancifully dressed to repre- sent a water sprite. When all confusion from choosing seats bad snbsided, there came a low, wild burst of melody, which to every listener seemed to have been breathed into his own ear alone. Despite his resolute skepticism, Sir Ide- fonse started and looked hastily behind him. |Turning suddenly, as a deep, mellow voice spoke, there was Basilio standing behind the table on the raised platform. There was uo door near him, there had been no sound of rust- ling garment or faintest echo of footstep, but there he stood, and Ildefonse had not realized until then how fine and commanding was his figure. His tall, admirably proportioned form was rendered more majestic by the long black garment, something partalang of the nature of tunic and mantle, which trailed its jetty fringe on the floor. It was belted at the waist by a golden serpent, whose eyes seemed instinct his eyil plans, I somehow do not hate, but ra- with life as it moved slowly to and fro, while CONMIC NOOKS., CONN