The Wizard of Granada — page 7: what you’re looking at

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10 THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. now and then the blood-red tongue was thrust forth with a low, hissing noise, which made many of the neryous women shrink back with a low shriek. An antique helmet of jet. with a red cabu stic sign embossed in front, crowned his head, and his flashing black eyes beneath made _ him truly seem like some mighty conjurer who ‘ held the powers of darkness at his beck. He bowed gravely at the audience, then wayed his hand thrice over the globe of water, bent | down just far enough to send a breath into it, and straightway it bubbled and seethed, rising into a white column of foam, which subsided, and lo! there was the globe filled with many species of water insects, with gold-fish glancing to and fro, even delicate sen mosses crept along the crystal walls, and flung out their dainty sprays upon the water. ) A murmur of admiration rose from the gazers. Basilio did not seem aware of it. He stood for a moment like one in a trance. Then flung up one hand and pointed to one end of the room. Slowly a spot of light was perceptible, it grew luminous and soft like a full moon. The wizard smiled with a wild, exultant light flashing from his eyes, and again pointed. This time a low ery of mingled delight and astonishment showed the intent observation of the audience. Magi- cally it seemed—a bed of flowers had taken root in the arc of light. Steadily and visibly the stulks pushed upward, the leaves unfolded, the buds swelled, fluttered, burst forth into blos- soms of brilliant hue and perfect shape. The air was filled with a delicious aroma. A shout of transport showed the childish enjoyment of the gazers. Basilio seemed entirely unaware of any other presence than the angelic individual spirit to whom he gave commands. He waved his hand once more, The flowers vanished, and a spark- ling sea waved and rippled around a rocky coast. Suddenly a white-winged ship came drifting across the billows. Right on its path rose a sea- god with dripping hair and uplifted trident. Thrice waved the trident, and Neptune sank to his watery home. But his spell was working. The waves rose higher, foam-drifts swept across, the ship drove desperately forward, reeled, plunged, rose again, and then sunky One horror-struck woman, whose son was afar on the water, burst into wild sobs beneath her veil, whereupon the sea-view vanished and a grotesque, grinning, smirking harlequin ap- peared, changing again into a wild animal, whose rolling eyes and quick spring sent half the spectators in terror from their seats. The performance was varied.’ He knocked mysteriously upon the table, and an egg popped through in answer. He took it up, breathed once or twice upon it and broke it open, where- upon a bird sailed up into the air, and perching on a bench began twittering merrily. Many strange feats followed, wonderful to Sir Ide- fonse with his varied experience of juggler and magician in all countries, but perfectly magical to the ignorant crowd of Moors. He passed around the room with a wicker basket in his hand, which he held up and: downward, and shook violently to prove there was nothing in it, but on presenting it to the gaping crowd, one took from thence an orange, another a cluster of grapes, a third a plump fig, and gay ribbons and amulets, and an endless variety of trinkets followed. By the time he had reached the prince and his companion the basket was again empty. He held it forth, however, with a smile, and the prince, putting in his jeweled hand, drew forth a crown of gilded wire. A shout of Prince Azim was a universal favorite. ored, but bowed his acknowledgment. he had thus engaged the attention of the prince, Basilio passed the basket to the might. A snow-white ivory tablet was all that was left. Iidefonse took it up and admired the exquisite polish. His warm breath played over it invol- glowing like fire was written in Spanish: “ Beware! forego your quest. It is hopeless, and will cost you your life. Beware |” Iidefonse lifted his eyes to the face of the wizard; it was calmly tranquil, as unconscious as a baby’s. He passed the tablet to the prince, but even while he did so the fiery letters faded out, the tablet was left as pure and unstained as at first. His renewed breath produced no effect. “Well,” soliloquized the knight, “it may be a very pretty trick, but it will not change my resolution.” Basilio walked back to his platform, bowed, and vanished as mysteriously as he had first appeared, The crowd accepted this signal for their de- parture, and slowly filed out into the street. Prince Azim motioned to Sir Idefonse to re- tain his seat. ‘He will come back to us. The rarer exhibi- tion is withheld from the vulgar crowd. Hecan turn a man into stone as it were, take away his mind from him by a wonderful subtle liquid that you have only to inhale. He can send fiery darts of pain into your muscles, and, most won- derful of all, he has a spell whereby the sun it- self obeys his mandate, and paints for him, more perfectly than any artist can do, whatever image he desires. His learning is wonderful.” * He comes again,” observed the knight, with keen interest. ‘See yonder!” A black fluted curtain unrolled and disclosed the wizard standing in a small apartment whose roof was entirely of glass, through which the sunshine poured in a golden flood. Various odd-looking instruments stood beside him. He had changed the black garment for one of daz- zling whiteness, thickly besprinkled with span- gles, from which the light glanced in little rivu- lets of splendor. In all that wealth of sunshine he fairly dazzled their eyes, and looked, as he intended, like a high priest of the sun, with a high helmet of burnished gold upon his head. ‘“*T have waited for the vulgar crowd to dis- perse,” said he, “that only my illustrious visi- tors might witness the sublimest effort of my art, Behold, I have woven a spell by which yonder far-off orb becomes a minister of my will, a servant to obey my commands, You shall behold. Prince Azim, and most honored knight from Spain, advance and take your seats upon the couch yonder, keeping such quiet as be- comes those for whom such fiery rays are work- ing. When my incantation is through, this bit | of polished metal shall show your perfect like- nesses as you sit before the mighty sun.” The guests obeyed. Basilio went through many mystical motions, muttered unintelligible words, and presently announced that his incan- tation was finished, and the spirit of the mighty Sol was present. Sir Ildefonse, believing it all mummery, smiled somewhat sarcastically. Bub his doubt was changed to wonder and delight when Ba- silio handed him the sheet of metal, and he be- held, perfectly pictured there, like the reflection of a mirror, stamped mysteriously on the plate was the divan and its two occupants. Not the slightest detail was lacking, from the peacock plume in Prince Azim’s turban to the diamond applause rosa from the quick-witted crowd, for untarily, and the effect was startling. In letters He col-| the ivory tablet in his hand, every line faith- While | fully copied. “Tnshalla! Ib is wonderful!” ejaculated Prince Azim. “Tt is truly miraculous!” returned Sir Tde- fonse. ‘* May I have it, worthy Basilio? Itwill be a priceless memento of Granada.” “Tt is thine,” said Basilio, biting his lip im- patiently as he looked down at the picture, “and yet it may not prove much satisiaction to you.” He left the room 4 moment and went tearing down a corridor, stamping his foot angrily, while he muttered: “Why does it baffle meso? Why can I not discover the one process necessary to make the whole perfect? Oh, sleepless nights and weary days that I have spent, and allin yain! Basilio were forever immortalized, so he could discover the one ingredient needed to preserve the pic- ture from fading into blackness. But I will have it yet—I will have it yet!” he muttered fiercely.” He went back in as benign humor as when he first greeted them to enter the saloon and par- take of refreshments. But the prince was anxious to return to his palace, and Sir Idefonse quietly followed his lead. They took leave then, with many thanks for their entertainment. “Well,” said the Spanish knight, when they were once again safely in the saloon of Prince. Azim, ‘‘harm has not befallen me, but you were right. Basilio has some unlmown reason for hating me. Iread it to-day. His shallow arti- questioning. Can it be that he has read the —” He paused abruptly and grew thoughtful, leaning his head on his hand, seemingly quite forgetful of his companion’s presence. “T slept there the first night. I remember now my wonderment at the deep slumber which held me all the night long. He is skilled in all mysterious drugs. Whatif he had searched, if he had found “Tf you bore any explanation of your errand hither, any secret instructions about your per- son, be sure that Basilio’s keen eyes have read every word,” said Prince Azim, quietly. Sir Idefonse started, knit his brow angrily, and then exclaimed : ‘He cannot frighten me with his fiery letters of warning ; I will be on my guard with the evil- minded wizard, but I shall not falter one in- stant from my purpose.” “When you choose to mako me a confidant, when you have need of my assistance, I am ready to be a true and faithful friend to you,” said the youthful host in a calm, serene voice. ‘* Believe me, I shall come to you first of all,” replied Sir Idefonse, warmly. “You can trust me, since I need no assurance | that one of your noble and knightly character comes not on a foul, treacherous errand.” “Nay, rather on one of mercy, although un- fortunately it needs delicate management and secret investigation. I want to be put upon the track of one Manuel Montez, a Spaniard who left Madrid, near upon eighteen years ago. I have made what inquiries I could, but no one knows aught concerning him, and yet we had good proof that he was in Granada scarcely ao year ago. There is an old man, feeblo and wretched, back there in Spain, praying for death to spare him until my return. For his sake I am impatient at every moment’s delay.” “Manuel Montez,” repeated the prince, thoughtfully. ‘I am sure that I never heard the name here in Gratada, Are you certain he was here a year ago ?” buckle of his shoe. There was Ildefonse with “Our evidence of that fact cannot be dis- fice of the tablet gives me proof beyond need of , THE WIZARD OF GRANADA. 11 puted. The name, after all, is of little account. Where one has good motives it is easy to take a new name. I have an accurate description of his person. To tell the truth, this Basilio an- swers to it well, but I have been assured that he is of Moorish origin. Now that I have discovered his anger at my errand, I suspect him hugely either of being Manuel Montez himself, or an accomplice interested to prevent the discovery of the wretch.” “He had committed some great crime, this Manuel?” said the prince. “ Aya, a dastardly crime, that not only struck its deadly blow at the heart he hated, but which foully wronged the innocent,” “J will help you find him. It is true that we have always considered Basilio a Moor. But now that I think closely about it, Iam not sure there are any proofs of it. I know that he is thoroughly versed in Spanish history as well as entirely at home in its language and customs. J guessed long ago that he was a luke-warm Mohammedan. I never heard of any.relative of his; he seems a solitary, isolated being, which would be unlikely so he were a Moor. You hunt him up for punishment, to avenge the wrongs of that dying old man you spoke of?” “Nay, rather to compel him to give what res- titution is possible. I told you the innocent were involved. He may give a peaceful death- bed yet to my poor old friend, my noble bene- factor. It was in that hope I volunteered my services to search of Manuel Montez.” “If it be possible you shall find him. Then 1 suppose you would bid farewell to Granada at once and forever.” Sir Ildefonse’s eyes were turned away in a dreamy, absent look, while a slow smile softened and brightened his face. “T should go at once,” replied he at length, “yet cannot promise I should stay away.” “There are attractions for you, then, in our poor city?” questioned the prince. Sir Ildefonse smiled again as he replied: “ Granada will always be beautiful to me, for the star which rose upon me here.” The prince was silent a long time. “Tf it should prove that this Manuel Montez is Basilio himself, you will have a difficult task before you. He is a powerful man, master of many subtle devices, and much reverenced by the people, as well as valued by the king. I am ata loss to know how you would move.” “His deep research into science and learning give him a hold upon the ignorant people. It was really admirable, this performance we wit- nessed to-day. The picture was most wonder- fal. Tobe taken thus ina moment so faithfully. It quite passes my comprehension.” While he spoke the knight produced the pic- ture. He uttered an exclamation of dismay as he looked at it. There was only a plate of dense blackness, the picture had faded or been buried beneath the inky pall. Prince Azim looked at it with a melancholy smile, “That is Basilio’s great trial. He does not grasp the true key yet. His pictures will not last. If the sun obeys him as he declares, it likewise mocks him and takes back what has been given capriciously. Itwere a precious for- / me, and that is enough punishment. tune, so he could hold the picture perfect. But had I failed of coming, the prince would have Rest quietly | exonerated you from blame, and confessed to I shall be looked for at the palace. here to-night. Iwill put trusty men upon the scent, and if this Manuel Montez is to be found | liberty. in Granada you shall be brought face to face with him.” “ And if Basilio proves to be the man?” “JT will work cautiously, but you shall still| heavily fringed with silver, which one @f the mysterious shade rather than a real person ; from her alone I may learn concerning Basilio.” “ From her,” cried Sir Idefonse, eagerly. ‘‘Is it @ voman—a young girl? ifso, my object is attained, my quest ended.” The prince looked at him with wondering eyes, but shook his head. “Tt is not a young girl. Sometimes I am not sure it is a living being at all. But I can learn of Basilio. Let me gonow. Make yourself at home in the house of Prince Azim, and trust him for ao true friend,” he added, as he rose to leave the room. Do not fail to read our special and confidential 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 dollars worth of books absolutely free if you will send us only thirty-five cents fora year’s subscription to Tam IntustratED Home Gurst, 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 VI. Prince Azm entered his palanquin and was borne swiftly by its turbaned bearers toward the private entrance of the Alhambra. When there, he dismounted and passed into the great build- ing. A sentinel standing at the door made him a profound obeisance, and then gave a quick, significant gesture. The prince looked anxious, and hurried through a passageway, where he was met by a tall eunuch. “The king has'called for the Princess Xina, and no one can find her,” said the eunuch. ‘His majesty is very impatient.” The prince hurried on, and was met hy the chief of the seraglio. “The king is unusually fretful, and impatient of detention. Where has the princess gone?” exclaimed he, hurrying up to the new-comer, and speaking in a confidential, though respect- fal tone. “T saw her palanquin at the house of Basilio. She is too daring and venturesome. Sometime she will try the king’s temper too severely, and it will be the ruin of all of us.” “Could you go and divert his attention a little time, your highness ?” “Nay; I will find Xina, rather,” answered he, and hastened away. Scarcely more than fifteen minutes passed ere the unusual flutter and excitement among the soraglio rulers was dissipated by the appear- ance of the princess. She stopped to speak an encouraging word to the chief eunuch. “Nay, good Domo, do not look so disturbed. )I stayed a little beyond my time, I grant you, but I have arrived at last. Azim has scolded But even the king that it is by his means I get this larger In which saloon awaits his majesty?” “Jn the violet-room, my princess; hasten, I pray you,” replied the eunuch. She smiled gayly, caught up a satin mantle was an exquisite, octagon room in the seraglio part of the great building. The pavement was of squares of pure white marble, alternating with another richly veined with purple. A fountain bubbled from an ala- baster vase into a marble basin, whose edge was filled with soil in which violets were blooming. The walls were hung with purple silk, looped away here and there with heavy gold cord, to show the rich arabesque and quaint letters of some Koran text. Only two couches, piled with velvet cushions of the same royal hue were in the room, and those drawn up at an arched win- dow, from which, lovelier than any picture, one beheld the matchless scenery of Granada. There were hanging lamps of gemmed gold, and golden baskets heaped with flowers of every hue, and on a massive golden salver, on the one table, was heaped a pyramid of fruit. Reclining among the cushions of the larger couch, with a bunch of grapes beside him, the eres AES the king. She came forward unhesitatingly, bowed twice, and with crossed arms waited for him to speak, The dark eyes of Ismael wandered over the bright, beautiful face, the queenly figure, with a fierce, intense, passionate gaze. “ Xina,” said he, ‘I sent for you, and I have waited long.” “Ah, yonr majesty, I crave pardon. I didno know it. I had wandered away from the obser- vation of the seraglio chief. I was close a hand, and yet they knew not where to find me. What can I do for you, my king?” Ismael held out his white, jeweled Moe and motioned to the pile of cushions bofore the couch. The girl came to them unhesitatingly, sat down there, and took in hers the thin, white hand, looking anxiously into the dark, troubled face and the brightly gleaming eyes. “You are ill to-day, your majesty,” she said, in a low voice, dropping her eyes before his im- passioned gaze. “ Aye, my heart is on fire—Xina, Xina, I can- not conquer it. I love, I adore you. Have done with the idle address of ceremony. Call me not your king, Xina, I who long to throw | myself at your feet. Oh, Xina—Xina, if only I could dare to marry you, how gladly I would fling away my sceptre and descend even from this throne of Granada to attain it. For I love you, I adore you, Xina!” “ Hush, oh, Ismael, hush,” cried the princess, in a yoice of deep distress. “‘ You know it muat not be; it cannot be. The sacred teachings of the Koran, the laws of nature itself, must not be set at defiance.” The king groaned and covered his pallid face with his hands. Then, removing them sudden- ly, he said, fiercely : “Tt is not nature’s law; else why is this con- suming fire in my heart? You knowI turn with loathing from the caresses of the most beautiful ones in the seraglio, though I have sought to find attraction there. Itis you, only you, Xina, who reign queen of my heart, my thonghts, my very life. Ihave tried pleasure; I havé tried ambition; I have tried every form of excite- ment; and I cannot tear my thoughts from you, not for a single day or hour.”’ “JT am sorry,” said the princess, st