Lo! I place under thy kingly care this maiden--the sole child of my house--as surety of my truth; I intrust to thee a life dearer than my own." "You have kept faith with us, stranger," said the king, in that soft and musical voice which well disguised his deep craft and his unrelenting will; "and the maiden whom you intrust to our charge shall be ranked with the ladies of our royal consort." "Sire," replied Almamen, with touching earnestness, "you now hold the power of life and death over all for whom this heart can breathe a prayer or cherish a hope, save for my countrymen and my religion.

This solemn pledge between thee and me I render up without scruple, without fear.

To thee I give a hostage, from thee I have but a promise." "But it is the promise of a king, a Christian, and a knight," said the king, with dignity rather mild than arrogant; "among monarchs, what hostage can be more sacred?
Let this pass: how proceed affairs in the rebel city ?" "May this maiden withdraw, ere I answer my lord the king ?" said Almamen.
The young prince started to his feet.

"Shall I conduct this new charge to my mother ?" he asked, in a low voice, addressing Ferdinand.
The king half smiled: "The holy father were a better guide," he returned, in the same tone.

But, though the Dominican heard the hint, he retained his motionless posture; and Ferdinand, after a momentary gaze on the friar, turned away.