enemies have thrown the suspicion of
his having stolen a poignard from Manuel Tonza--a poignard which I
know he bought here. It is my fault this has happened. It was to
avenge the death of the man I loved--his dearest friend--that he
placed his life in peril!"
"I remember well. It is quite true he bought it here, soon after
Jarima, the fisherman, had sold it to my grandfather. He, poor dear,
is also in sorrow, imprisoned for having received stolen goods, as if
he could tell when things are stolen!" indignantly.
"I am very sorry, Miriam; but if you help me, you will help your
grandfather also," Lianor urged gently.
"I will!" Miriam cried firmly; "I will never give up until I have them
both safely outside that odious prison!"
Lianor gazed with grateful affection at the girl's expressive face,
which now wore such a look of determined courage.
"If I can do anything, let me know directly," Lianor said, gently.
"Gold may perhaps be useful, and I have much."
"Thank you, but I am rich; and I know grandfather would lose all,
rather than his liberty. You are Don Garcia's daughter, are you not?"
"Yes," somewhat sadly. "You know me?"
"By sight, yes."
"I shall see you again, I hope," Lianor said, as Miriam followed her
to the door. "You will tell me of your success or failure?"
"Yes; I will come or write."
When her charming visitor had gone, Miriam returned to her seat, a
pained expression on her bright face.
"He also there. Poor Diniz! But I will save him yet," determinedly.
Hastily opening a heavy iron box, she drew out a handful of gold.
Placing this in her pocket, she softly left the house, and scarcely
knowing what instinct prompted her, she hurried towards a small hotel
not far from the sea.
"Can you tell me," she began breathlessly to a sunburnt man standing
near, "if there are any ships leaving here to-morrow?"
"I don't know, senora. I will inquire," he answered politely, and
after an absence of about ten minutes, he returned to say "that
Captain Moriz, of the Eagle, was even then preparing for departure on
the morrow."
"Where does he live?" Miriam said, eagerly.
"He is staying at this hotel at present."
"Do you think I could see him? It is very important."
"I dare say. You can at least try," smilingly.
The Jewess thanked her good-natured commissioner, and lightly ascended
the steps.
"I wish to see Captain Moriz. Is he in?"
"I think so," the man answered after one quick gl
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