He will give me strength to undergo all the trials and torments
with which its foes may seek to afflict me."

Brave Julianillo! He went along the street singing a joyous air. To
the words, however, he wisely did not give utterance. He took the way
to the lodgings of the advocate, Herezuelo. Don Antonio had not
arrived. After waiting some time, Julian became anxious. Could he have
been seized by the officers of the Inquisition? It was too likely.
Herezuelo had, he knew, openly preached the doctrines of the Reformation
in his part of the country. At last, Julian thought that he might
possibly be at Dona Mercia's. "Why did not that occur to me before?" he
said to himself. "Of course, if I knew that there was danger, I should
stay by the side of my intended wife."

He hurried off to Dona Mercia's abode. He was at once admitted. He
found the family in some consternation, for it was reported that Doctor
Zafra had himself been seized, and, if so, there could be little doubt
that he would be put to the torture and made to confess that the persons
denounced by the poor mad woman were really guilty of entertaining
Lutheran opinions. Herezuelo was endeavouring to comfort his friends.
He could not but feel that the reports were possibly true. Of human
help, therefore, he could not speak. An attempt to flee from the
country would be hopeless, but he could point to Jesus Christ, to the
God of mercy and love.

"Ah, my dear friends," observed Don Antonio, "never let us forget that
He has redeemed us and washed our sins away; and if He thinks fit to
call us to Himself, even through fiery trials, He will give us strength
to endure all that we may be called on to suffer, that we may glorify
His name."

"Just the remark I lately made, senors," observed Julianillo, who at
that moment entered the room. "Satan tries to frighten us, and to make
us believe that He is stronger than our Master; but praised be God, we
know that we serve One all-powerful to save, and who can, if He will,
crush Satan under His foot."

"The truth, brave Julianillo," exclaimed Herezuelo, who in the volunteer
muleteer found one whose heart sympathised cordially with his own. "And
what do you propose doing?"

"Wait till daylight, and see what comes of this matter," answered
Julianillo. "Those who fly will be the first suspected. Doctor Zafra
is a wise man. Sense may be given to him to outwit the inquisitors, or
should he fail to do that, he w