to books.

The schoolmasters noticed the strange conduct of their formerly bright pupil and marvelled of it.

When he tried to read philosophy, he saw only a pair of bright eyes on the page. When studying astronomy, the stars became the beaming orbs of Inez. Manfully he kept his secret. He wandered over the country more frequently than usual, going farther than he had ever gone before. The hamlet and castle became special objects of interest, and, from a far-off hill, he watched the sun set, casting its last fading ray on roof and tower. Then he would rise and begin his silent homeward march.

Again and again he wandered to the hill and the village, hoping to be repaid by another sight of Inez; but he was always disappointed. He grew madly jealous of Antonio. Reason told him that the boasting fellow had spoken falsely; but love is unreasonable, and takes to itself a thousand disagreeable forms and annoyances.

Would not the kind Heaven which sent the wandering breeze to lift her veil bring about some chance by which he might meet her? One evening Christopher had wandered as usual to the hill to gaze on the far-off castle which held the object dearest to his heart. In despair he turn to retrace his steps to Salamanca, vowing never again to come

to the hill-top. He descended to the densely wooded valley and entered the Salamanca road, which was growing dim in the twilight.

As he paused here a moment, before retracing his steps, there came on the air from behind him a wild clatter of hoofs, and above the noise of thundering feet, a piercing shriek. Filled with wonder and alarm he involuntarily laid his hand on his sword. He was not long in suspense. A dark Arabian horse, with eyes emitting dangerous fire, came flying toward him, wild with rage and terror. On his back, sitting firmly in the saddle, holding the reins in both hands, was the vision of his dreams, Inez Oviedo.

"Saint Anthony be praised for this!"

Madly he leaped toward the frightened steed, hurling himself almost under its hoofs. It was a daring act; but he snatched the reins, and, with superhuman strength, hurled the animal back upon its haunches, holding him there with one hand, while with the other he assisted Inez to dismount. "Thank you, señor!" the trembling maiden whispered in his ear.

King Ferdinand was not more proud at the fall of Granada, than was Estevan at this moment. The conquered horse stood trembling in the grasp of his master.

This is a pleasure, I assure you," he stam

mered, "to be of service to Doña Inez Oviedo. That is your name, I believe?"

"Yes, señor, and, if I mistake not, you are the student whom we passed the other evening."

"I am; Christopher Estevan is my name, and America my birthplace.'

"A native of America! Are you one of those strange people of whom I have heard so much?"

"I am, like yourself, a Spaniard," he answered, smiling. "My parents were born in Spain, but emigrated to America soon after its discovery. My mother lives in Cuba, while my father is with Cortez in Mexico.

"Hernando Estevan ?"

"That is his name."

"I have heard of him. My uncle, the chronicler, is also in the New World."

"How came your horse to run away with you?" "He became frightened at some object at the roadside."

"It is dangerous for you to ride alone so late." "Father was to accompany me. He was ready to mount, when something detained him a moment at the castle, and I thought I would ride a short distance and wait."

"He knows nothing of the runaway?"

"Nothing."

Before more could be said, there came from the