, leaped lightly into the room, before Isabelle had recovered
her breath. Finding her very pale, and tremulous, the child said
smilingly, "You were frightened, eh? and thought Chiquita would fall
down among the frogs in the moat. When I tied my cord to the branch,
I only made a slip-knot, so that I could bring it back with me. I must
have looked like a big spider climbing up its thread," she added, with a
laugh.

"My dear child," said Isabelle, with much feeling, and kissing
Chiquita's forehead, "you are a very brave little girl."

"I saw your friends. They had been searching and searching for you; but
without Chiquita they would never have found out where you were hidden.
The captain was rushing about like an angry lion--his eyes flashed
fire--he was magnificent. I came back with him. He rode, and held me
in front of him. He is hidden in a little wood not far off, he and his
comrades--they must keep out of sight, you know. This evening, as soon
as it is dark, they will try to get in here to you--by the tree,
you know. There's sure to be a scrimmage--pistol shots and swords
clashing--oh! it will be splendid; for there's nothing so fine as a good
fight; when the men are in earnest, and fierce and brave. Now don't you
be frightened and scream, as silly women do; nothing upsets them like
that. You must just remain perfectly quiet, and keep out of their
way. If you like, I will come and stay by you, so that you will not be
afraid."

"Don't be uneasy about that, Chiquita! I will not annoy my brave
friends, who come to save my life at the risk of their own, by any
foolish fears or demonstrations; that I promise you."

"That's right," the child replied, "and until they come, you can defend
yourself with my knife, you know. Don't forget the proper way to use it.
Strike like this, and then do so; you can rip him up beautifully. As
for me, I'm going to hunt up a quiet corner where I can get a nap. No,
I can't stay here, for we must not be seen together; it would never do.
Now do you be sure to keep away from that window. You must not even go
near it, no matter what you hear, for fear they might suspect that you
hoped for help from that direction. If they did, it would be all up with
us; for they would send out and search the woods, and beat the bushes,
and find our friends where they lie hidden. The whole thing would fall
through, and you would have to stop here with this horrid duke that you
hate so much."

"I will not go