e turned out of the high road, with the
intention of continuing his journey during the moonlit hours of the
night. He had not gone far when he saw approaching him a man riding a
tall mule, and leading a string of five or six pack mules.

The muleteer was jogging on, to all appearance, carelessly singing what
sounded like one of the plaintive ditties then become common in Spain,
though learned from the Moors. There was something, however, in the
tone, and in a few of the words that reached the ear of Don Domingo,
which made him look hard at the muleteer.

"My friend, if I mistake not, Julianillo!" he exclaimed. "What brings
you this way?"

"Evil times, Don Domingo; for I know you in spite of your disguise,"
answered Julianillo. "I received notice from a trusty friend that all
the passes are guarded, and that I shall not have a chance of escaping,
nor will you. For the present, if we would be safe, we must lie
concealed. Come with me; we shall not be the first Christians
compelled, for the truth's sake, to take shelter in the caves of the
earth; nor shall we be the last. I wish that we could give notice to
more of our brethren, who might join us."

The arrangements proposed by Julianillo were now concluded; and,
followed by Don Domingo, he led the way down a road, or bridle path
rather, which branched off to the right. Scarcely had he turned aside
when the noise of horses' feet coming rapidly along the road was heard.
Don Domingo's servant, who was some little way behind, came spurring on
crying out, "Flee, master, flee! They are officers of justice! They
are in pursuit of us!"

The advice was followed, but the path was rough. Don Domingo's horse
stumbled, and in another instant he and his servant found themselves in
the power of the officers of the Inquisition. Their mouths were
instantly gagged, and a dark cloak and hood were thrown over their
heads, completely concealing their figures and features. Some of the
horsemen pushed on, but after a short time returned, and Don Domingo had
the satisfaction of believing, from some of the expressions they let
fall, that Julianillo had escaped. As far as he could judge, his steps
were retraced till the party reached the neighbourhood of Calahora; they
were then joined by another band of horsemen escorting prisoners. He
had too much reason to fear that his friend De Seso was one of them.
Among the prisoners were several females--of that he was certain. He
lon