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e inn, in which he was zealously joined by Peregil, he said in a melancholy tone, "Well, as there is no remedy, we must put up with this misfortune as well as we can." "So we must, Senor," replied Peregil; "and at least there is some consolation in the reflection that we are already on such familiar terms with dame Fortune, that this new instance of her good-will ought by no means to take us by surprise.--But may I ask whither we are going?" "To seek refuge in the mountains," gloomily answered Don Rodrigo. "Well, may the help of God be with us!" ejaculated Peregil, "for we stand marvellously in need of it." Saying this, they bent their course to the Alpujarras, as melancholy and slowly as suited the condition and convenience of the animals that bore them. Indeed, from time to time, the reverend mule actually stood still, as if pondering what he should do, and it required all Don Rodrigo's caresses (for he dared employ no other means) to induce her to proceed. Thus the distressed master and his humble valet continued their march, for the space of three hours, in a most gloomy night. Observing at length that his servant made a dead stop, Don Rodrigo determined to assist him, and accordingly indicated his intention to the mule; but to his utter dismay he found that she had profited by the good example set by her companion the ass, and stood stone still. This obstinacy of their animals proved more than equal to the powers of Don Rodrigo and his man, who, after exhausting their strength in fruitless chastisement, prudently resolved to wait the leisure of their more determined companions. They took shelter, therefore, under the spreading branches of a large tree, and there they remained in anxious expectation of day-break, passing the tedious hours in silent and profound reflections on their miserable condition. CHAPTER VIII. O gran contrasto in giovenil pensiero, Desir di laude ed impeto d'Amore; Ne chi piu vaglia ancor si trova il vero, Che resta or questo, or quello superiore. _Ariosto._ At first a vague suspicion, a blind dread, Then a quick feeling of the fatal truth Instinctive flashed across her mind. _Wiffin's Tasso._ The first rosy tints of morning at length began to appear, and the heavy clouds of night were gradually rolling away before the splendour of the approaching sun, when Don Manuel d
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