o any shape upon the
anvil, but a will like hers no fire is hot enough to melt, no hammer
hard enough to break or subdue. They promised her pardon, if she would
open her lips; but her scornful smile showed that she would remain true
to her own code of honor, be the consequences what they might. Abundant
evidence proved the guilt of all concerned: the men suffered the penalty
of offended justice, and Francisca was condemned to perpetual
imprisonment, but managed to escape, and was never heard of more.

On the morning following the capture, the secret passage was thoroughly
explored, and a discovery made, involving many important results. A
number of the dungeons were found piled up with merchandise of various
descriptions, and whole chests of gold and silver were there deposited:
information was immediately transmitted to government, but the king
himself wrote a letter to Don Alonzo, thanking him for his many faithful
and unrequited services, and begging his acceptance of the treasure
found within his walls, much of which was no doubt his own. The Conde
gratefully accepted this evidence of his sovereign's favor, and took
great pains to discover the relatives of those who had been murdered by
the banditti, restoring to them fourfold. The treasure that remained was
more than sufficient to disencumber his estates, and to restore them to
the flourishing condition of olden times. He endowed hospitals,
churches, and schools with the residue; and the peasants of all that
region will long have cause to bless Dona Clara's bravery and Don
Alonzo's munificence.

It is almost needless to add that Maria, in whom every day developed new
graces under the quickening influence of kindness, was well provided for
by the Conde; and upon her marriage with his secretary, Senor Roberto,
he presented her with a handsome dowry. The old castle of Alcantra,
delivered from its spectre, was soon converted by masons, carpenters,
and upholsterers, into a most comfortable abode; and the hospitality of
its noble master, and the charms of his fair daughters, attracted to it
all that was worthy, intelligent, and lovely in the adjacent country.

"Is that all?" said Amy, who had been listening with glistening eyes.

"All? I hope so indeed; for do you know, my dears," said Mrs. Wyndham,
"that it is past eleven o'clock? Hasten away now to your nests, and take
care not to dream of the spectre of Alcantra."

CHAPTER V.

A SKATING ADVENTURE.--WHAT IS