'Suppose I did, how could that hurt me? It was the loveliest song I
ever heard!'

'Yes, and after the song will come the apparition; and after
that--after that----'

'I don't understand. Well--after that?'

'After that--death.'

Alonzo stared at her. Had she really gone mad? Such talk was very
unlike Julia; but before he could collect his senses the girl spoke
again:

'That is the reason why I implore you never to go there again; at any
rate till after we are married.'

'And what difference will our marriage make?'

'Oh, there will be no danger then; you can go to bathe as often as you
like!'

'But tell me why you are so afraid?'

'Because the voice you heard--I know you will laugh, but it is quite
true--it was the voice of the Yara.'

At these words Alonzo burst into a shout of laughter; but it sounded
so harsh and loud that Julia shrank away shuddering. It seemed as if
he could not stop himself, and the more he laughed the paler the poor
girl became, murmuring to herself as she watched him:

'Oh, heaven! you have seen her! you have seen her! what shall I do?'

Faint as was her whisper, it reached the ears of Alonzo, who, though
he still could not speak for laughing, shook his head.

'You may not know it, but it is true. Nobody who has not seen the Yara
laughs like that.' And Julia flung herself on the ground weeping
bitterly.

At this sight Alonzo became suddenly grave, and kneeling by her side,
gently raised her up.

'Do not cry so, my angel,' he said, 'I will promise anything you
please. Only let me see you smile again.'

With a great effort Julia checked her sobs, and rose to her feet.

'Thank you,' she answered. 'My heart grows lighter as you say that! I
know you will try to keep your word and to stay away from the forest.
But--the power of the Yara is very strong, and the sound of her voice
is apt to make men forget everything else in the world. Oh, I have
seen it, and more than one betrothed maiden lives alone,
broken-hearted. If ever you should return to the pool where you first
heard the voice, promise me that you will at least take this with
you.' And opening a curiously carved box, she took out a sea-shell
shot with many colours, and sang a song softly into it. 'The moment
you hear the Yara's voice,' said she, 'put this to your ear, and you
will hear my song instead. Perhaps--I do not know for certain--but
perhaps, I may be stronger than the Yara.'

[Illustration: JULIA SINGS HE