d
from a large house to which the devouring flames had already
communicated. Don Alonso boldly rushed forward; his pity required no
stimulus, but yet it was considerably heightened, when as he approached
the building, the cries of affliction were clearly distinguishable in
the Spanish tongue. He darted with velocity to the spot, and rushed
through the fiery clouds that enveloped the house. He passed the
entrance--traversed the court--reached the stairs--mounted them with the
eager alacrity of youth, and guided by the distressing sounds, he at
length attained the door of an apartment which was strongly fastened. In
an instant it gave way to his powerful strength, when amidst the obscure
fog that was fast filling the room, Don Alonso perceived a female form
kneeling on the ground, in the attitude of one who had abandoned all
hope from mortal assistance.

The noise of the bursting door had called the attention of the
unfortunate towards that direction, and when she beheld her deliverer,
she uttered a cry of joy, and sprung eagerly into his arms. But the
sudden transition from a state of anguish and despair, to that of hope
and life, was too much for her to bear. Scarcely had the lovely sufferer
contemplated the prospect of a rescue, than overpowered by tumultuous
feelings, her energies faltered; the blood forsook its channels to
return to its fountain source, and Don Alonso de Aguilar received a
lifeless burthen into his arms. The danger was appalling, for the
flames had already enveloped the house, and the undaunted warrior, more
apprehensive for the safety of his charge than for his own, hastened to
snatch her from the dreadful spot.

Aguilar supported the unconscious female with one arm, whilst with the
other he gathered together the light and flowing drapery with which she
was attired, lest the inflammable nature of the material might attract
the fire. Thus he reached the summit of the stairs. There for a moment
he stood aghast, for the wooden steps had already become the prey of the
fiery element, and a descent appeared totally impracticable. In this
emergency, Don Alonso firmly grasped his lovely burden, and with a
promptness of decision and rapidity of execution congenial to his
character, he threw himself fearlessly from the place, and clearing the
flaming obstruction, alighted on the floor, without sustaining any
injury. Dauntless he pierced through the rolling mist; he gained the
entrance, crossed it, and arriv