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21 companions at his heels. With the utmost speed which sudden panic could impart, they fled before him; and rushing from the shattered mansion, scrambling over the fragments of its ruins, thus saved themselves from the enraged Spaniard, who followed them; but the darkness of the night impeded his pursuit.

He now returned to Seraphina, who had remained in the deepest anxiety for his success, and entering with triumphant looks, loudly exclaimed, "Banish all apprehensions, fair mourner; this arm shall drive thy foes before it—it has ever protected female innocence." Here he started, and striking his bosom gave a deep groan; then, raising his eyes toward heaven, the big tear rolled down his cheek, and mingled with his deeply-clotted beard. Seraphina gazed on him with pity, and her bosom heaved with sympathizing woe: "May heaven relieve the sorrows of thy heart!” exclaimed she.—He gazed upon her with discomposed, yet thankful aspect, and was struggling within himself to make a reply, when the sound of a footstep in the passage, cautiously advancing, arrested their attention.

Seraphina was seized with fresh alarm, and fury glowed anew upon the countenance of the Spaniard. Drawing again his sword, he rushed forward; and now the repeated clashing of weapons in the arched entrance, struck her terrified ear. Long was the contention; but at length the Spaniard was forced to retire before his adversary, and, fighting bravely with undiminished valour, re-entered the chamber. Dismay seized upon the heart of Seraphina, at seeing her defender so hard pressed; and, with her hands clasped towards heaven, she earnestly prayed for his success.

While she was thus employed, the prosperous C2