vintage of the Val-de-peñas, and even the Gitani were invited to taste of the horn beaker as it passed around the circle. Whilst partaking of the repast, however, Inez continued her ceaseless scrutiny of their hosts, for her mind was still disturbed with apprehensions, which were not the less lively that they appeared to find no place in the bosoms of her companions. Her father smiled as he quaffed to her more suitable lodging, and in his open brow she read no sign of distrust or fear. Perez del Carpera, satisfied with their escape from the dark and unknown road, where unseen dangers lurked at every step, gave himself to the jovial feeling of the moment; and even the timid Sanchiza, reassured by the return of the stalwart attendants, and strengthened by a draught of the delicious wine produced by one of the choicest vintages of Spain, tranquilly partook of the welcome meal.

CHAPTER III.

"Oh for a beaker full of the warm south,
Full of the true-the blissful Hippocrene;
With beaded bubbles winking at the brim,
And purple-stained mouth."

Keats.

E

ઃઃ

"We have partaken of thy wine,” said the guide, whom his companions addressed by the name of Hamet, now, señor, we will convince thee that the wild haunts of the Sierra de Gata can supply as luscious a draught as the rich huertas of Alcantara. Brothers! we are not often favoured with such noble guests, try if ye cannot find a bota of moçao for the honour of our rugged home."

Without making any reply, unless such

could be called a look stealthily exchanged between them, one of the tribe arose, and disappeared at the back of the cavern. Agitated by vague fears, Donna Inez drew closer to her father, but to her unspeakable relief the man in a few minutes returned unaccompanied, save by a leathern bota, with the contents of which a small horn was quickly filled and handed to the knight. He pronounced it excellent. "Nor is finer wine drank in the palaces of Toledo," he observed, as turning to his daughter he offered to her the delicious beverage. Every eye among the Egyptians was fixed upon Inez, and it appeared to her excited mind that there was a meaning in their eager looks, not to be explained by the pride with which they proffered their boasted wine. She suffered the brim of the sparkling horn to touch her lips, but declined the earnest invitation of Hamet to taste

of it more

freely, and the cup passed on;

each of the Spaniards unfearingly partaking of

the Gitani's delicious draught.

By degrees an unsuspicious confidence was established among the travellers. Nought but a hospitable welcome, if rough, yet kind, appeared in their hosts; and even the apprehensive lady, though rendered suspicious by the perilous position of her beloved and only parent, began to reproach herself that her distrust had been ungenerous and misplaced But suddenly the animated conversations with which the cavern rung were checked by a deep voice at the entrance, exclaiming:-"How now, my merry men,-what cheer?" At the same moment a sturdy, thick-set figure leisurely advanced towards the fire, giving abundant opportunity for all to mark his countenance and bearing; -and they were well calculated to revive the fears, now nearly subsided. His wide trousers and loose vest were fashioned like those of the rest of his tribe, as also were his gay sash with its dagger and curved scymitar. But his frightful countenance distinguished him not

only from them, but from the whole human race; and on it the eyes of Donna Inez dwelt with an involuntary and immovable gaze of horror, only to be compared to that which fixes the doom of the victim of the rattlesnake. Some fell accident, or strange freak of nature, had given to the upper part of his face a crushed appearance, and where the nose should have been, only two small orifices which served as nostrils were perceptible. His brows, though bushy, were unprojecting; his eyes deeply set, and expressive of recklessness and cruelty; whilst in proportion as the upper portion of his face retreated, the jaws and lower part of the cheeks advanced, and a wide shapeless mouth and lips, only indicated by a narrow streak of somewhat deeper brown than the rest of the face, displayed long fang-like teeth, of which one or two were wanting. A white turban, surmounting his long, straggling, and dull dark hair, aided in giving distinctness t

VOL. I.

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