handsomely fitted up cabin was
revealed.

Fernand's heart had already sunk within him through foreboding
apprehension; but now an ejaculation of mingled rage and grief burst
from his lips, when, on a sofa in that cabin, he beheld his loved--his
dearly loved Nisida, seated "like an image of despair," motionless and
still, as if all the energies of her haughty soul, all the powers of her
strong mind had been suddenly paralyzed by the weight of misfortune!

Wagner stood gazing--unable to utter another word beyond that one
ejaculation of mingled rage and grief--gazing--gazing, himself a kindred
image of despair, upon this mysterious and unaccountable scene.

But gradually the interior of the cabin grew more and more indistinct,
until it was again completely shut in by the black side of the
harbor--her dark hull disappearing by degrees, and melting away in the
distance. Wagner dashed his open palm against his forehead, exclaiming,
"Oh! Nisida--Nisida! who hath torn thee from me!"

And he threw himself upon a seat, where he remained absorbed in a
painful reverie, with his face buried in his hands--totally unmindful of
the presence of the demon.

Two or three minutes passed--during which Fernand was deliberating
within himself whether he were the sport of a wild and fanciful vision,
or whether he had actually received a warning of the fate which hung
over Nisida.

"Art thou satisfied with the proof of my power?" demanded a deep voice,
sounding ominously upon his ear.

He raised his hand with a spasmodic start; before him stood the demon
with folded arms and scornful expression of countenance--and though the
phantasmagorian scene had disappeared, the supernatural luster still
pervaded the dungeon.

"Fiend!" cried Wagner, impatiently; "thou hast mocked--thou hast
deceived me!"

"Thus do mortals ever speak, even when I give them a glimpse of their
own eventual fate, through the medium of painful dreams and hideous
nightmares," said the demon, sternly.

"But who has dared--or rather, who _will_ dare--for that vision is a
prospective warning of a deed to happen four days hence--who, then, I
ask, will dare to carry off the Lady Nisida--my own loved and loving
Nisida?" demanded Wagner, with increased impatience.

"Stephano Verrina, the formidable captain of the Florentine banditti,
has this night carried away thy lady-love, Wagner," replied the demon.
"Thou hast yet time to save her; though the steed that bears her to