"
"Who saw him last?"
"Your handmaid, she brought him his supper."
"Let her be called instantly."
Here was new matter of confusion. The chamber of the demure damsel
was likewise empty, her bed had not been slept in: she had doubtless
gone off with the culprit, as she had appeared, for some days past, to
have frequent conversations with him.
This was wounding the old governor in a tender part, but he had
scarce time to wince at it, when new misfortunes broke upon his
view. On going into his cabinet he found his strong box open, the
leather purse of the trooper abstracted, and with it, a couple of
corpulent bags of doubloons.
But how, and which way had the fugitives escaped? An old peasant who
lived in a cottage by the road-side, leading up into the Sierra,
declared that he had heard the tramp of a powerful steed just before
daybreak, passing up into the mountains. He had looked out at his
casement, and could just distinguish a horseman, with a female
seated before him.
"Search the stables!" cried Governor Manco. The stables were
searched; all the horses were in their stalls, excepting the Arabian
steed. In his place was a stout cudgel tied to the manger, and on it a
label bearing these words, "A gift to Governor Manco, from an Old
Soldier."
A Fete in the Alhambra.
THE SAINT'S day of my neighbor and rival potentate, the count,
took place during his sojourn in the Alhambra, on which occasion he
gave a domestic fate; assembling round him the members of his family
and household, while the stewards and old servants from his distant
possessions came to pay him reverence and partake of the good cheer,
which was sure to be provided.
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