sy
stages to suit the strength of the lady pilgrims, they reached
Monserrate in three days, remained as many more there, fulfilling their
duties as good Catholic Christians, and resuming their journey, arrived
without accident at Santiago, where they accomplished their vows with
all possible devotion. They determined not to quit their pilgrim garbs
until they reached their homes. After travelling towards them leisurely,
they came at last to a rising ground whence Leocadia and Teodosia
looked down upon their respective birth-places, nor could they restrain
their tears at the glad sight which brought back to their recollection
all their past vicissitudes.

From the same spot they discovered a broad valley, which divided the two
townships, and in it they saw under the shades of an olive a stalwart
knight, mounted on a powerful charger, armed with a strong keen lance
and a dazzlingly white shield. Presently they saw issuing from among
some olive trees two other knights similarly armed, and of no less
gallant appearance. These two rode up to the first, and after remaining
awhile together they separated. The first knight and one of the two
others set spurs to their horses, and charging each other like mortal
enemies, began mutually to deal such vigorous thrusts, and to avoid or
parry them with such dexterity, that it was plain they were masters in
that exercise. The third knight remained a spectator of the fight
without quitting his place. Don Rafael, who could not be content with a
distant view of the gallant conflict, hurried down the hill, followed by
the other three, and came up close to the two champions just as they had
both been slightly wounded. The helmet of one of them had fallen off,
and as he turned his face towards Don Rafael, the latter recognised his
father, and Marco Antonio knew that the other was his own, whilst
Leocadia discovered hers in the third knight who had not fought.
Astounded at this spectacle, the two brothers instantly rushed between
the champions, crying out "Stop, cavaliers! Stop! We who call on you to
do so are your own sons! Father, I am Marco Antonio, for whose sake, as
I guess, your honoured life is put to this peril. Allay your anger; cast
away your weapons, or turn them against another enemy; for the one
before you must henceforth be your brother."

The two knights instantly stopped; and looking round they observed that
Don Sancho had dismounted and was embracing his daughter, who briefl