found to
my consternation that I had killed the Count ----, an aid-de-camp of
the captain-general, and a son of one of the most powerful noblemen
in the mother country. Horror-struck, we fled. The next day the whole
city resounded with the fame of the so-called assassination. The
government offered immense rewards for the discovery of the murderer.
Since that time I hold my life, fortune and honor by the feeble tenure
of Don Carlo's silence. His power over me is very great. I distrust
him much. Unknown to but very few, I have a yacht lying at a little
estate in a rocky nook at Point Yerikos, in complete order to sail at
any moment. On board of her is a large amount of property in money and
jewels, but still, alas! I should, in case of flight, be forced to
leave behind the greater part of my patrimony, which is in real
estate, which I dare not sell for fear of exciting Alvarez' suspicion.
I live on red-hot coals. Clara alone detains me. It is true that she
might fly with me, but she would leave her large fortune behind in the
hands of her devil of a guardian. Now, with what knowledge you already
have of my father's will, you can easily guess the rest. You are no
stranger to me. I know your history, your family, your education, and,
under the most felicitous circumstances, would be proud and happy to
call you brother. Now, then, decide to try again. Clara shall not
refuse you; she does not wish to do so; on the contrary, she loves
you; but some of her oddness was in the ascendant to-night, and so it
happened as it did. At any rate I can no longer trifle with my own
safety, and have no authority or means to prevent Don Carlos from
exercising unlimited power over my sister's actions. Good-night,
senor, you can strike the gong when you wish for a servant and a
light. I shall have your answer in the morning.'

"Don Pedro left the room in great agitation, and soon after I retired
to bed. I lay a long time thinking over the events and revelations of
the evening; love and pride alternately held the mastery of my
determinations. I loved Clara well and truly, and sympathized with her
and her brother in their unfortunate situation, but I had been
virtually refused once, and my pride revolted from accepting the hand
thus forced into mine by the misfortunes of its owner. At last, as the
clock struck three, I fell asleep, still undecided. The sun had first
risen in the morning when I started from an uneasy slumber. I dressed
myself,