ill, I have hopes, suffer torture rather
than betray his friends. In the meantime, cavalheros, let us be wise,
and seek for strength and endurance from the Giver of all power and
might."

Following the advice of the muleteer, or rather the example of the
apostles of old, those assembled knelt down in prayer, thus gaining
strength and courage for what they might have to undergo. Oh, that
Christians at the present day would remember that by earnest, frequent,
persevering prayer, mountains will be removed, guidance obtained,
difficulties overcome!

The greater part of the night was thus spent in prayer. As soon as the
morning dawned, and people were once more passing to and fro in the
streets, Herezuelo and Julianillo went forth to try and ascertain the
fate of Doctor Zafra, on which apparently their own and that of so many
of their friends depended. Should the mad widow's story be believed,
there could be no doubt that such an _auto-da-fe_ would take place as
had seldom been witnessed in Spain. They kept at a distance from each
other, lest being seen together they might be suspected; thus, though
fearless for themselves, wisely taking every precaution to avoid danger.

Herezuelo, as he walked along, thought of his beloved Leonor, so
delicate, so gentle, so faithful. He himself was ready to undergo any
torture the cruel inquisitors might think fit to inflict on him, but how
would she be able to endure their barbarities? His heart rose in his
bosom as he thought of this, and he could not help praying that a power
might arise by which the foes of freedom would be driven from the land.
At first he thought of an arm of flesh, carnal weapons--that some hero
might arise who would liberate long-enslaved Spain; but, by degrees, a
better spirit exerted its influence. "Through the sword of the Spirit,
the Word of God, can error, superstition, tyranny alone be conquered."
He said to himself, "Ah! Julianillo is a greater hero than I am or can
ever become, inasmuch as he does more to spread the Holy Bible
throughout Spain than any other man."

Hour after hour the friends waited in the neighbourhood of the
Inquisition, in vain endeavouring to ascertain what had become of the
widow and Doctor Zafra. In despair, they were about returning, when a
_caleche_ appeared, in which sat the doctor, with the widow by his side.
He seemed calm and unconcerned, his attention being apparently wholly
occupied in calming the agitation of th