Page:Infernal secret, or, The invulnerable Spaniard.pdf/16

16 lady, and when that hour is past, every thing will be revealed. Show thy hand and arm thou fearful and mysterious being. Montilla's eyes glared savagely on Theodore, but he answered not a word. The youth continued, " Ah, thou canst not, they both are fleshless, cursed from the moment thy infernal compact with the king of fiends was signed -he can only be preserved by wedding with a spotless catholic; thus each century has his mortal existance been preserved." Saying this, Theodore clapped his hands together, which being a preconcerted signal, Antaldi entered, leading the way for an Inquisitor and six familiars. They approached Montilla who did not resist or elude them; but he turned to Isidora and said—“thou see'st me pass to death-farewell ungrateful Isidora." He then passed out, followed by Antaldi. Rosa was dismissed for the night, but not before she had brought the intelligence that Montilla was securely lodged within the walls of the Inquisition. Scarcely was Isidora left alone, ere the bell of the Santa Casa tolled eleven. “Ah," thought Isidora, her mind reverting to the stranger, “ will he then indeed be dragged to death ?" “ Not so, ungrateful woman," exclaimed Montilla, "now shalt thou in spite of every earthly opposition, become my bride;" and he advanced towards her as he spoke, but as soon drew back, at observing she held a crucifix towards him. “Approach not Montilla, this emblem of our faith protects me against umholy power." "But not against thy fellow mortal, Isidora," said the stranger--thou hast refused my interference, but thou wilt immediately be born from this pace; thy friends are now engaged in the palazzo in carousing, to the destruction of the unknown stranger. What, Oh! my satellites," he roared, on which