i, e per le selve ognun traea
Allor la vita, ne fra seta, o lane
Le sue ruvide membra ravvolgea.

_Metastasio._

At a short distance from Granada there is a place called _El cerro de
los Martires_,[42] which traditionary lore had invested with most
appalling histories. This place abounded in deep caverns and
subterranean vaults, in which it was a received tradition that the Moors
used in former times to shut their Christian captives, and make them
undergo dreadful torments. By the vicissitudes of fortune, however,
these dungeons were now converted into secure retreats by the fallen
and dispersed Moors. Several of these lurking places had already been
traced out by the unwearied perseverance of the Spaniards, or betrayed
through the treachery of mercenary Moors, but there still were some
remaining which baffled every research, and whose existence known only
to some of the principal and most faithful Moors, were in no danger at
least of immediate discovery.

To these subterraneous habitations a considerable portion of the
shattered forces of Caneri had repaired, whilst some of the bolder party
of El Feri de Benastepar had fearlessly sought refuge in Granada, where,
in despite of the severe decrees promulgated by the queen, and the
examples made of those who had infringed them, the rebels nevertheless
found shelter and protection from their fellow-countrymen. Thus while
the rebellion seemed quelled to all appearance, it was not entirely
extinguished. A secret fire still slumbered under the ashes, ready to
burst forth when a master hand could be found to raise the flame. But
the want of unity amongst the Moors, and the general dispersion which
had ensued after the destruction of their last town, seemed to offer an
insurmountable bar to the organization of a second revolt. Besides, the
death of El Feri had struck the hearts of his followers with dismay, and
there was no Moor of sufficient talent or enterprize to supply his
place.

Things were in this state, when at the close of a sultry day three men
were seen cautiously traversing the path which led towards _El cerro de
los Martires_. The foremost, who appeared to act as guide, from his
robust and athletic make, and the lowering expression of his
countenance, might be easily recognized as Bermudo, the renegade; the
others were strangers, and apparently disguised. They proceeded onwards,
slowly, and with care, until at length they stopped at a sequestered