Page:Infernal secret, or, The invulnerable Spaniard.pdf/13

 the arm of justice, and I demand thy promise." "Yes, yes, stammered the wretch, each limb trembling with alarm; but, oh! release me from the fire of those unearthly eyes, I cannot bear their gaze." " Well then, be it so," replied Montilla, turning from him; "but mark, I can be every where at will, so think not to deceive me-serve me faithfully until the hour of midnight, and all will be well for thee, for beyond that time I shall not need thee more—for then," exclaimed this wretched mortal mentally," I shall be spared another century, or lost for ever." Uttering this to himself he stood musing and silent. Spalatro looked round and recognised the haunt of his former associates ; he felt some slight assurance at sight, and observing the stranger whom he dread to depart towards an upper range of rocks, he felt for his signal whistle; it was there the thought occured, that he would venture every thing, and looking around to see where his dreadful master was, he beheld him mounting a distant rock—to resolve and act at once where the only chance left for him; he kept his eye upon the unknown, who was departing farther away, when, casting aside his cloak, his whistle got entangled with it; and turning once again to see where his dread persecutor was, he stooped to pick up the same signal whistle; but though at the identical moment he bent, he cast his eyes towards the hilly rock, and saw the back of the stranger; yet no sooner had he touched the whistle, than he felt his hand grasped by the same cold bony gripe that had borne him from the rack and from the officers of justice. He turned to the rock, but the stranger had disappeared from thence, and was close by his side regarding him with a ghastly smile. I perceive, said Montilla, that until I have convinced thee thou art nothing in my grasp, thou wilt not obey me, look, I am