ic place full of people of different ranks, the effect is still
more curious. The lively conversation of the smart lady and the gallant
cavalier is cut short, the donkey-driver with uplifted arm ceases to
belabour his beast, the oath dies on the lips of the rough seaman or
uncouth black, the workman drops his tool, the shopman lays down his
measure, children refrain from their play, men quarrelling suspend their
dispute, lazy monks engaged in their constant game of draughts neglect
to make the intended move, vendors of fruit no longer utter their cries,
and one and all engage in silent prayer till the bell has ceased to
toll, and then in a moment the noise and bustle of active life once more
goes on.

When I retired to my room for the night, not a little tired with my
exertion, Ithulpo made his appearance.

"How long, Senor, may I ask, does your father purpose remaining here?"

"Some short time; a week or two perhaps," I replied, rather surprised at
his question.

He went to the door and looked cautiously out, and then, speaking almost
in a whisper, as if he were afraid the walls might convey the
intelligence, he said--

"You have a mother and sisters and young brothers at your home in the
mountains. As you love them, press your father not to remain here
longer than you can help. Two or three days at furthest is all you
should take, and then by travelling fast we may arrive in time. My
orders are to accompany you to your home; but I tell you that it shortly
will no longer be a place of safety for you or those you love. More I
may not say."

"You have already been of infinite service to us, Ithulpo; and I know
that you would not, without good reason, alarm us; but cannot you tell
me more particularly what sort of danger we have to apprehend?" I
asked.

He shook his head as he answered--

"Indeed, Senor, I cannot; and you must caution your father not to give a
hint to any one of what I have said, or the worst consequences may
follow. I rely on your discretion."

I promised to be cautious, and Ithulpo, saying that he would call me at
an early hour as I desired, left me. Tired as I was, I could not for a
long time go to sleep, but continued thinking of what Ithulpo had told
me, and trying to discover to what he alluded. I heard my father enter
his room, which was next to mine, but I would not run the risk of
depriving him of his night's rest by telling him of what I had heard.

As my object is not only