hat you are in a certain amount of
danger."

"But," continued Eusebio, after having maintained a thoughtful silence,
with downcast eyes, for a time, "there _is_ one way of escaping all
risk. You have only to throw yourself into the arms of the Frenchmen.
They will get you out of Valenzia."

"What are you talking about?" Edgar burst out. "Sooner death without
reproach, than escape coupled with miserable disgrace."

"Don Edgar," cried the monk with enthusiasm, "you _are_ no traitor!" He
strained Edgar to his heart, and left the chamber with his eyes full of
tears.

That night Edgar, happening to be alone (the Colonel chancing to be
from home), heard steps approaching, and Don Rafaele's voice calling,
"Open your door, Don Edgar." On opening it he saw Don Rafaele with a
torch in his hand, and Father Eusebio behind him. Don Rafaele begged
Edgar to accompany him, he having to attend an important meeting in the
vault of the Franciscan monastery.

As they were passing along the subterranean passage, Don Rafaele being
in advance with the lighted torch, Eusebio whispered softly in his ear,

"Oh, God, Don Edgar! you are going to your death! There is no escape
possible for you now."

Edgar had ventured his life in many a fight with brave
lightheartedness; but here all the anxiousness, the uncertainty of the
manner of his assassination, could not but weigh heavily upon him, so
that Eusebio had some difficulty in supporting him. And yet, as the way
was still long, he managed to acquire a measure of self-control which
enabled him not only to command himself, but to resolve upon the line
of conduct which he should adopt in these circumstances. "When the door
of the vault opened, Edgar saw the terrible Empecinado, with rage and
fury flashing from his eyes. Behind him were standing several Guerillas
and one or two Franciscan friars. Having now quite recovered his calm
courage, Edgar walked firmly and fearlessly up to the Guerilla chief,
and, addressing him gravely and quietly, said--

"It happens very fortunately that I am brought face to face with you
to-day, Don Empecinado. I have been anxious to make a request to Don
Rafaele, and now I have the opportunity of laying it before yourself.
As Father Eusebio, my doctor and faithful guardian, will testify, I
have now quite recovered. I am well and strong, and find it impossible
to bear the tedious idleness of life among enemies whom I detest. I
therefore beseech you, Don Empecinad