hat I may return no more to Granada. Should
this be so, you will be heir to such wealth as I leave in these places
I know that your age will be consoled for the lack of children when your
eyes look upon the laugh of gold."

Ximen bowed low, and mumbled out some inaudible protestations and
thanks. Almamen sighed heavily as he looked round the room. "I have evil
omens in my soul, and evil prophecies in my books," said he, mournfully.
"But the worst is here," he added, putting his finger significantly to
his temples; "the string is stretched--one more blow would snap it."

As he thus said, he opened the door and vanished through that labyrinth
of galleries by which he was enabled at all times to reach unobserved
either the palace of the Alhambra or the gardens without the gates of
the city.

Ximen remained behind a few moments in deep thought. "All mine if he
dies!" said he: "all mine if he does not return! All mine, all mine!
and I have not a child nor a kinsman in the world to clutch it away from
me!" With that he locked the vault, and returned to the upper air.

CHAPTER III. THE FUGITIVE AND THE MEETING

In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.
Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a
commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil's banners; the populace rose,
beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last
of their race of kings. The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards
retreated, resisted Boabdil's arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls,
promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive
scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced. Not only did more
than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand
Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in
whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into
prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice
of half their treasures. At this time, however, there suddenly broke
forth a formidable insurrection amongst these miserable subjects--the
Messenians of the Iberian Sparta. The Jews were so far aroused from
their long debasement by omnipotent despair, that a single spark,
falling on the ashes of their ancient spirit, rekindled the flame of the
descendants of the fierce warriors of Palestine. They were encouraged
and assisted by the su