repentance and candour varnished
his wily and tortuous features, as he proceeded to greet El Feri with
words of amity and companionship.

"Forgive," he said, "the unwary ebullition of transient displeasure.
Thou knowest the sincerity of my sentiments towards El Feri. But, were
these even to be doubted, the welfare of the Moorish cause imperiously
requires the sacrifice of all private resentment amongst its chiefs."

"Yes," returned El Feri, "the welfare of the Moorish cause requires
union and amity between the chiefs, but these are not the only virtues
necessary to render it successful."

He uttered these words in a significant tone, which could not be
misconstrued, but to which Caneri pretended not to give any
interpretation.

"Is then our danger so imminent?" he inquired.

"This very day," replied El Feri, sadly, "this very day perhaps our fate
will be decided. The victorious army of Aguilar is rapidly advancing
against us. We have been completely routed at Gergal, by forces superior
in number and discipline, and the few who have escaped the slaughter are
indebted for their safety to their knowledge of the mountain passes. We
have no time to spare; our men must be instantly put in a state of
defence or we shall be surprised unprepared: the hidden situation of
this place affords no security, since a traitor Moor is the guide of the
Christians; and to his perfidy is chiefly to be ascribed our late
discomfiture."

This intelligence threw Caneri into some confusion, but he soon
recovered that coolness and presence of mind which constituted his
resources in cases of emergency, and which made up for his moderate
share of personal courage.

"Friend," he cried; "it is enough--let us act."

He was on the point of sallying forth, when he was startled by a
confused murmur from without, and presently a Moor rushed in, with all
the symptoms of fear and alarm.

"Buzcur, what means this trepidation?" demanded Caneri.

"The Christians are in sight," replied Buzcur.

"The Christians! The Christians!" echoed a hundred voices.

"Let us haste then, and prepare for our defence," exclaimed El Feri; and
he rushed forward without even noticing Theodora, for his thoughts were
too much engrossed by the public weal.

Caneri saw him depart with visible pleasure; for though the danger
appeared great, yet he did not lose sight of his expected prey, and
casting a fierce look on the affrighted girl, he exclaimed----

"The next tim