THE TWO CAPTAINS.
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step farther. God will protect the noble Fadrique. How could a
father forsake such a model of knightly excellence?" "The disciple
shames the teacher," replied Heimbert, his sad face brightening into
a smile. "We have done our part, and we may confidently hope that
God will come to the aid of our failing powers and do what is
necessary." As he spoke he spread his mantle on the sand, that
Antonia might rest more comfortably. Suddenly looking up, he
exclaimed, "Oh, God! yonder lies a man, completely buried in the
sand. Oh, that he may not be already dead!"

He immediately began to sprinkle wine, from the flask he carried, on
the brow of the fainting traveller, and to chafe his temples with it.
The man at last slowly opened his eyes and said, "I had hoped the
morning dew would not again have fallen on me, but that unknown and
unlamented I might have perished here in the desert, as must be the
case in the end." So saying he closed his eyes again, like one
intoxicated with sleep, but Heimbert continued his restoratives
unwearyingly, and at length the refreshed wanderer half raised
himself from the sand with an exclamation of astonishment.

He looked from Heimbert to his companion, and from her again at
Heimbert, and suddenly exclaimed, gnashing his teeth, "Ha, was it to
he thus! I was not even to be allowed to die in the dull happiness
of quiet solitude! I was to be first doomed to see my rival's
success and my sister's shame!" At the same time he sprang to his
feet with a violent effort and rushed forward upon Heimbert with
drawn sword. But Heimbert moved neither sword nor arm, and merely
said, in a gentle voice, "Wearied out, as you now are, I cannot
possibly fight with you; besides, I must first place this lady in
security." Antonia, who had at first gazed with much emotion at the
angry knight, now stepped suddenly between the two men and cried out,
"Oh, Fadrique, neither misery nor anger can utterly disfigure you.
But what has my noble brother done to you?" "Brother?" said
Fadrique, with astonishment. "Or godfather, or confessor,"
interrupted Heimbert, "as you will. Only do not call her Zelinda,