lie concealed in some neighbouring caves, and will at
the first summons readily obey my orders. But what are thy designs, my
noble friend? Dost thou contemplate the surprise of some fort? or hast
thou in meditation a second expedition to the _Sierra Nevada_?

"Neither;" replied El Feri: "my plans of operation are now widely
different; I mean to strike the blow far from the city of Granada: more
I will impart to thee at a future period. Art thou well determined to
second my exertions?"

"Yes," answered Caneri, bowing his head. "In the name of the holy
Prophet, I swear to follow thy instructions."

"Well then," returned El Feri, satisfied, "this very night I set out for
the _Sierra Bermeja_, attended only by Mohabed and a servant: that
opulent Moor has enthusiastically joined our cause, and several of his
friends, slow to contribute with their persons towards the result, have
at least liberally assisted us with their gold. Thou, Caneri, must not
tarry here, but with the utmost expedition march to Alhaurin, a town
neglected by the Christians, which thou wilt easily surprise; this is to
serve as a rallying place for all those who may flock to our standard. I
am assured that the mountain inhabitants of the _Sierra Bermeja_ are
prepared to join me,--thus, while the proud Spaniard triumphs in
security, and rejoices at the supposed death of El Feri, he will
suddenly dissolve the charm, and summon his enemies again to encounter
the effects of his wrath and vengeance. And now, Caneri, remember that
Alagraf and Malique are the only persons through whom we are to
communicate: so to your post, and there await my further instructions.
Farewell! and when we meet again, may victory have rewarded our
exertions!"

He said; and the two chiefs taking friendly leave of each other, El
Feri, without delay, returned to Granada. Caneri, scarcely able to
contain his joy, rose and paced around the cave as if he were already
dictating from his palace at Alhacen.

"Now, my brave followers!" he cried, suddenly halting, "be prepared to
march at a moment's notice."

Such an injunction was perfectly useless; for it so happened that his
gallant followers had no other preparation to make than to rise and
march, having no baggage to encumber their operations beyond the very
slender equipments which they carried on their persons.

"But!" exclaimed Caneri, in the midst of his exultation, "Alagraf, if we
depart immediately, how is thy promise concer