scream of an owl from one of the trees around here, and then we may pray
for the soul of our poor young mistress."

At that moment a voice--this time certainly a human voice--proceeding
from the direction of the lake, interrupted the speaker. It seemed to
arise out of the bosom of the water.

The four domestics started, and sat regarding each other with looks of
affright. There could be no doubt of its being a human voice which they
had heard, as if intoning a song or chaunt, but uttered in some unknown
tongue--such as that in which the ancient Indians used to converse with
their divinities.

"Santissima madre!" muttered one of the domestics, "what if it should be
the Indian who searches for his heart?"

His companions made no other answer than by nodding their heads to
signify that such had been the thought of each.

At this moment another noise reached them. It was a rustling as of
leaves, and almost simultaneously they saw the figure of a man making
his way through the reeds that grew by the edge of the water.

In the clear light of the moon they could see that the man was
completely naked, and that his skin was of a bronze or copper colour--in
other words, that he was an Indian.

As he passed through the reeds he parted their stems with his
outstretched arms--at the same time keeping his eyes bent downwards as
if searching for something.

After reaching the edge of the open water, he plunged in; and, swimming
vigorously out into the lake, appeared to direct himself towards the
enchanted hill.

"God of heaven!" muttered Zefirino, in an accent of terror. "It is the
Indian searching for his heart!"

CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR.

AN AERIAL COUCH.

After escaping from the company of Arroyo and his bandits, Don Cornelio
mechanically followed the guidance of Costal--who was now aiming to
reach the lake of Ostuta as soon as possible, in order that he might
commence his incantations before the rising of the moon.

Don Cornelio knew that it would be breath thrown away to attempt
persuading the Indian to abandon his absurd and superstitious design;
and to propose accompanying him, and becoming either actor or spectator
in the pagan ceremony, would be equally against the wishes of Costal.

After they had ridden for some distance towards the lake, the Captain
admonished his companions of his intention to stay behind and wait for
their return, after they should have accomplished their purpose, and had
their i