nan Ramirez did not cease to trouble Bernardo. His efforts to ascertain the cause of that sudden disappearance had been useless, and his hopes had almost abandoned him, when Edelfrida, to whom he communicated his anxiety, tranquillized his fears in part, by telling him what she knew of the matter.

This lady, having retired to her apartment the night that Bernardo took leave of her for Miduerna, found her maid very much occupied, to all appearance, with an important secret, and with a great desire to discover it. "What is the matter?" said Edelfrida to her maid, whose mysterious air had called the attention of her lady; "what has occurred to-day? what discovery have you made that you are so full of ?”

"Alas!

"Do you not know, then, what has occurred?" said Casilda, for so the maid was called. my lady, we have great news, but they are private affairs; it is a secret of the cabinet."

"Come, then," said Edelfrida, "speak, and let us know this secret so important."

"Then, my lady," continued Casilda, " you must know that Ruy Velasco, the peasant of Miduerna, who passes for so good, is neither good, nor a peasant, nor is his name Ruy Velasco; for he is a traitor; he is the Count Fernan Ramirez, and to-morrow, God willing, we shall have him here a prisoner, for every thing has been discovered."

"Hold, Casilda," said Edelfrida, "and do not go on, for you fill my soul with bitterness. But, say, who communicated to you such terrible news? Why have they given orders to arrest Fernan Ramirez ?"

"If you neither give me liberty to speak," replied Casilda, "nor yet wish me to be silent, I can hardly-"

"Tell me all, then," said Edelfrida, interrupting her," and let me know the full extent of this event, as unfortunate as it is important."

"The fact is," continued Casilda, " that a page of Alvar Fañez, yesterday talking with me, informed me that his master had intrusted to him a very secret and delicate commission, for the execution of which he should leave Burgos to-night, or to-morrow morning at the latest. I pressed him to discover to me the nature of his orders, and at last I made myself master of his secret. The king, informed that Fernan Ramirez was hid in the valley of Miduerna, who, when he was sentenced to death for a traitor, managed to escape from his prison, has commanded Alvar Fañez to arrest him, and bring him to the capital. Alvar Fañez, placing a competent force at the disposal of his page, gave him the necessary instructions for the execution of these orders, which are perhaps a consequence of his advice to his sovereign. This, lady, is what is going on, and this is what I had to tell you."

The relation of Casilda had filled Edelfrida with astonishment, for she knew the history of Fernan Ramirez, and saw the blow which threatened him without at first finding any way to avoid it. At last a resource offered itself to her, and it was to despatch a messenger to the count. With this intent she had taken her measures on the instant, and before the day dawned a messenger well mounted, was on his way to Miduerna with a letter for Fernan Ramirez, in which he was warned of the danger that threatened him.

This care Edelfrida had taken, and these were the news that she could impart to Bernardo upon a subject that interested him so much. But the messenger who carried the letter having not yet returned, the doubt always arose whether the warning had or had not arrived in time. Meanwhile, what could be the fate of Fernan Ramirez? Had his pursuers obtained possession of him? Was he now groaning in a prison, or had he saved himself by flight? This cruel uncertainty rendered Bernardo pensive and full of anxiety, for not being able to do any thing more, he must remit to time the discovery of a truth which was hidden from him in the shades of mystery.

CHAPTER XV.

THE skilful arrangements of Don Alfonso had already put his armies in a condition to open the campaign. Every thing had been attended to, and all was prepared, and the troops, both national and foreign, encamped in a field near Burgos, only waited the presence of their new general to place themselves at the first intimation on the march against the enemy.

The fame of Bernardo, whom they used now to call the Infante of Castile, had spread among the soldiers, inspiring in them the most flattering hopes. So that when he appeared before them that they might acknowledge him as general, he was received with acclamations, and the shout of "Viva Bernardo del Carpio! Long life to the Infante of Castile !" resounded through the host. Surrounded by his captains, Bernardo rides through the ranks, dividing the squadrons, and puts in order the soldiers; he examines every thing, and by his presence infuses into all valour and confidence. His gallant figure, his youth and elegance, attract the eyes and hearts of all who behold him. One observes the dexterity and

grace with which he manages his spirited steed; another admires the beauty and curious workmanship of his arms, which on this occasion were black, as well as the plumes of the pompous crest which crowned his helmet. All were in amazement at the intrepidity of soul which his eyes announced with a look both gentle and fiery.

The united forces of the three armies displayed upon that vast plain offered a majestic and imposing spectacle. The thick columns of the Christian king, and the brilliant battalions of Marsilio and Almanzor, covering an immense space, extended farther than the eye could reach. The respective standards of the three monarchs floated majestically above the inferior banners; and there might be seen to wave the Lion of Castile joined with the crescents of the Saracen ; thousands of lances and breastplates glittered in the rays of the sun, and Christian helmets mingled with Moorish turbans, the whole field was brilliant with arms and trophies.

The sharp sound of the trumpet was heard, and that immense living mass, motionless till now, advances, and after some evolutions, begins its march; a cloud of dust arises; the heavy tread of the horses makes the earth shake; the voices of the leaders, the clashing of arms, and the sound of warlike instruments resound. Meanwhile Edelfrida, from a balcony of the palace at Burgos which overlooked the field, saw with