who, urging his horse to his utmost speed, hurried towards the wood, through which the narrow path taken by the veteran knight wound towards the sierra. CHAPTER II. "The sun had sunk, and after him the star Twilight upon the earth, short arbiter 'Twixt day and night, and now from end to end Night's hemisphere hath veil'd th' horizon round." Paradise Lost. THE sun is fast descending the western sky, appearing to hasten his course as he nears the bosom of the broad Atlantic; as if, in accordance with the dreams of poesy, seeking repose on ocean's breast after his glorious race. How thankfully doth many a weary head note his downward course-for the hour approaches when its sorrows may be escaped, or its toils suspended, in the calm forgetfulness of sleep. And many a young heart beats joyfully as it watches the day decline, and welcomes the sweet vesper time, when they meet once more whom day's busy cares have unkindly severed. Some perhaps view with regret the departure of the day that will soon be gone for ever; but these, how few! for anticipation hurries on the frail child of time, who is insensible to the value of his greatest treasure, until it is his no more! With such as regret that the day is closing, must we number the travellers whom in our last chapter we saw hurrying across the sun-burnt plains of Castile. Amidst the long range of hills known by the general name of Sierra de Gata, though in almost every district bearing some distinctive appellation, they were now winding their weary way; and with no small degree of anxiety watched the gathering shades of evening, which having already enveloped the valleys in gloom, were gradually ascending the mountain side. The arrangements of their journey were somewhat changed. Owing to the steepness and ruggedness of the way, the utmost speed they could command was a brisk walk, and that sadly at variance with the wishes of their jaded beasts. Some distance before them, in the capacity of guide, rode the wild-looking Gitano, and Perez followed his master, beside whom, wherever the path permitted, the graceful jennet ambled still. The knight had resumed his helmet, and the whole party, admonished by the sharp mountain winds, had thrown capotes or wide hooded cloaks over their armour. The glances which the leader of this little band cast ever and anon around him, were replete with anxiety; and distrustful were the looks with which he regarded the swart and silent guide; at the same time, perhaps unconsciously, laying his glittering lance in rest, or carefully noting that the heavy mace at his saddle-bow was so placed as to be ready on any sudden emergency. The mountain air grew keen and chill, and as the last rays of the sun faded from the few light clouds that hovered on the horizon, and the slender crescent of the young moon descended the western sky, the countless stars began to spangle the blue vault of heaven. The jutting rocks and stunted shrubs which the travellers passed, assumed, in the momentarily decreasing light, strange and uncouth forms;an oppressive feeling of danger and doubt crept over their hearts, and boding thoughts were read by each in the countenance of his companion. At length the knight, checking his steed, drew up on a spot where the path slightly widened, and motioning his daughter to pass on, joined Perez, whom he addressed in a low tone, as if unwilling to awaken fears in the minds of others: "The chimes of compline must have long since tolled, yet we have heard no convent bell. In less than an hour night will be upon us. Knowest thou aught of yon varlet ?" The knight's troubled countenance reflected the feelings that had long burthened the mind of |