The Count was much affected by the representations of this man, whom he
knew to be an honest and worthy fellow, and was full of regret for what
he now felt to be criminal negligence on his own part; and promised him
that full investigations should take place, and that perfect justice
should be done. The innkeeper asked him if his servants were well armed;
"For," said he, "the nearness of the castle is no protection to you from
robbery. Many travellers have left this inn, in high health and spirits,
and with trunks laden with merchandise, but have never arrived at their
destinations. The road is, as you well know, rough and precipitous,
over-hung by huge rocks and dark forests, and the banditti have taken up
their quarters somewhere in this neighborhood, though where it is none
can discover. Many murders have been committed here, and many a poor
fellow lies buried in unconsecrated ground, Heaven have mercy on their
souls! but the murderers have never yet been caught. It is not thought
that the band can be a large one, but they are very daring; it is now
more safe than usual, for an atrocious murder occurred a few miles from
this place within the last week, and a company of soldiers is expected
here every moment; they will stay a week, and will try to capture them,
but unless the Saints defend us, and all the Martyrs, Heaven only knows
what will become of us all."

Don Alonzo assured him that he feared nothing, as including the coachmen
they were six well-armed men, upon every one of whom he could entirely
depend. "And," said he, smiling, "if matters come to a bad pass, I could
count upon my daughter here, my brave Clara, as my seventh soldier; I
have taught her to fire a pistol without shrieking, and to hit the mark,
too, and with her protection Magdalena and I need fear nothing."

After this conversation, it is not wonderful that all were on the qui
vive as they ascended the mountain road leading to the castle of
Alcantra. Magdalena started at every sound, and even Clara, fearless as
she was, felt relieved when she saw the lofty turrets and extensive
battlements she had dimly remembered, spreading out before her, their
dark outline relieved against the blue sky. If the approach was romantic
and alarming, it was a good preparation to their minds for the castle
itself; it was built in the times of feudal power and intestine wars,
and its massive walls had well performed their part in the defence of
its inmates during many