pect to have need of
him for a few days. I have nothing against him; he is not a prisoner,
but is detained merely for a purpose in connection with his sacred
office. When that purpose is accomplished, he will be at liberty to
go or stay."

With these words Lopez retired. He had taken no notice of Russell, at
which the latter felt a deep sense of relief.

Far different, however, were the feelings of Brooke, and of Talbot
also, when he had translated to her the captain's words.

"He has need of me," repeated Talbot, "for a purpose in connection
with my sacred office. Is that what he said, Brooke?"

"Yes," said Brooke, in a low voice.

"But what am I to do?"

Brooke led her away, out of Russell's hearing, and conversed with her
in low whispers.

"Don't anticipate trouble, Talbot," he whispered.

"But I must prepare myself for a possible emergency," was the reply.
"Now, what emergency can possibly arise?"

"The burial of the dead, perhaps," said Brooke. "They are going to
attack the castle. Some will be killed. That's natural enough. Have
you nerve enough to perform the burial-service?"

"I don't know," said Talbot. "I might as well try to command a
regiment."

"Oh, I'll show you the whole thing. All you've got to do is to read
the burial-service out of the breviary. We'll practice it together.
You need only pronounce the Latin like Italian. Do you know Italian?"

"No."

"French?"

"No."

"Oh, well, you're an English priest, you know, and so you had better
pronounce it like English. These devils will be none the wiser."

Talbot was silent and thoughtful for a few moments.

"Brooke," said she, at length, "what were they saying about Lopez
going to rescue an English girl, this--this person's daughter? This
person, a--Mrs. Russell, said that Lopez was in love with the girl.
You spoke about his rescuing her and marrying her."

She hesitated.

"Well?" said Brooke.

"Well," said Talbot, mournfully, "don't you see what I mean? and the
use he wishes to make of me in my false character as priest?"

"By Jove!" exclaimed Brooke, as Talbot's meaning dawned upon him.

"You see, Brooke, I'm afraid that in my disguise as priest I may be
required to marry this English girl to Lopez; and that is
sacrilege--it is infamy--it is too horrible. I cannot--I will not.
Never!"

At this Brooke was filled with consternation. He could only say
something about the necessity of not anticipating evil, and express
the hope