of his condition was the violent
nervous fever, traces of which had previously displayed themselves,
which now broke out in all its fury. It is matter of notoriety that a
tremendous fire had been kept up on Valenzia for three days and nights
with the most terrible effect, that all the terror and horror of this
bombardment spread abroad in this city thronged to excess with
people--that the self-same populace, excited to fury by the Junta,
after insisting that Blake should keep up the defence to the very
utmost, turned round and demanded an immediate surrender under the most
violent threats--that Blake, with heroic self-command, drove the crowds
asunder by Walloon Guards, and then made an honourable capitulation to
Souchet. Don Rafaele Marchez would not allow Edgar, sick unto death, to
fall into the enemy's hands. As soon as the capitulation was arranged
and the enemy within the walls of Valenzia, Edgar was removed to the
vault, where he was safe against discovery. "Friend of my sainted
Baldassare," (thus he finished his narrative) "be _my_ friend too. Your
blood has flowed for my country--every drop of it has fallen seething
into my breast, and washed away every vestige of the mistrust which
cannot but arise in this fateful time. The same fire which enflames the
Spaniard to the most bitter hatred flashes up in his friendship too,
making him capable of every deed, every sacrifice, for his ally. My
house is occupied by the enemy, but you are in safety, for I swear to
you that whatever happens I will rather let myself be buried under the
ruins of Valenzia than betray you. Believe me in this."

In the daytime a profound stillness as of the grave reigned around
Edgar's room, but in the night he often thought he heard in the
distance the echo of soft footfalls, the hollow murmur of many voices
together, the opening and shutting of doors, the clatter of weapons.
Some subterranean action seemed to be going on during the hours
of sleep. Edgar questioned the Franciscan, who only--and that
rarely--quitted him for an instant or two, tending him with the most
unwearied care. But the Franciscan was of opinion that as soon as Edgar
was well he would hear from Don Rafaele what it was that was going on.
And this was so. For when Edgar was well enough to leave his bed, Don
Rafaele came one night with a lighted torch and begged Edgar to dress
and follow him with Father Eusebio, which was the name of the
Franciscan, his doctor and nurse.