ows garb, like a hooded friar; but
with head erect and a face of iron. The Escribano was demanded in
exchange, according to the cartel. The once bustling and self-sufficient
man of the law was drawn forth from his dungeon, more dead than alive.
All his flippancy and conceit had evaporated; his hair, it is said, had
nearly turned gray with fright, and he had a downcast, dogged look, as
if he still felt the halter round his neck.

The old governor stuck his one arm akimbo, and for a moment surveyed him
with an iron smile. "Henceforth, my friend," said he, "moderate your
zeal in hurrying others to the gallows; be not too certain of your own
safety, even though you should have the law on your side; and, above
all, take care how you play off your schoolcraft another time upon an
old soldier."

FOOTNOTES:

[20-1] The Alhambra was the fortified palace, or citadel, of the Moorish
kings when they reigned over Granada, in Spain. It was built in the
thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, and is one of the most beautiful
examples of Moorish architecture.

[20-2] A toledo is a sword having a blade made at Toledo, in Spain, a
place famous for blades of remarkably fine temper and great elasticity.

[21-3] _Imperium in imperio_ is a Latin phrase meaning a _government
within a government_.

[22-4] _Contrabandista_ is a Spanish name for a smuggler.

[Illustration]

THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER[29-*]

_By_ SAMUEL T. COLERIDGE

PART I

It is an ancient Mariner,
And he stoppeth one of three.
"By thy long gray beard and glittering eye,
Now wherefore stopp'st thou me?

"The Bridegroom's doors are opened wide,
And I am next of kin;
The guests are met, the feast is set:
May'st hear the merry din."

He holds him with a skinny hand.
"There was a ship," quoth he.
"Hold off! unhand me, gray-beard loon!"
Eftsoons[30-1] his hand dropt he.

He holds him with his glittering eye--
The Wedding-guest stood still,
And listens like a three years' child:
The Mariner hath his will.

The Wedding-guest sat on a stone:
He cannot choose but hear;
And thus spake on that ancient man,
The bright-eyed Mariner:[30-2]--

"The ship was cheered, the harbour cleared,
Merrily did we drop
Below the kirk, below the hill,
Below the lighthouse top.

"The sun came up upon the left,[30-3]
Out of the sea came he!
And he shone