The conspirator of Cordova

Front matter

Price, 25 Cents.

THE POPULAR SERIES

Issued Semi-Monthly.

Chapter I. The Norman Knight — An Adventure

At the time of which we write nearly the whole of the Spanish peninsula, south of the Pyrenees, was under the Moorish rule. Abderahman III. sat upon the throne of Cordova, and the season of his reign is known as the Golden Age of the Moorish empire. The Moors were an enlightened and industrious race of people, and during their occupation of the country, agriculture, as well as the arts and sciences, flourished in a remarkable degree.

In short, so far were they in advance of other European nations in general knowledge, that great numbers of Christians, of all countries, went to study in the Arabian schools of Cordova. And, furtheimiore, the Moors had brought with them from the Orient a thousand ideas of luxury and elegance never entertained by the Goths ; so that even their social and domestic

TIu Conspirator of Cor arrangements were far above those of their predecessors in point of comfort and refinement. The proximity, however, of these devoted followers of Islam to the restless and warlike knights of the Cross, led to continual scenes of border strife, and to not a few romantic adventures.

A day in early summer, had been warm and clear ; and now, as the sun was sinking towards the western horizon, the balmy breeze, which had been laden with fragrant odors from a thousand groves of orange and of citron, died away, until the leaves of the aspen were still, and the surface of the water reposed like a mirror. A few miles out from Cordova, where the road lay close upon the northern bank of the Guadalquiver, and beneath the shade of a grove of olives, sat two men. The first was a Christian, and a noble knight, as his garb plainly indicated. His boots were russet, with light, golden spurs attached ; his hose of white silk, with trunks of amber satin ; a doublet of emerald velvet ; a short cloak of purple, slashed with white satin, with collar of rich point lace ; and a light cap of green velvet, from the side of which swept a white ostrich feather. He was about five-and-twenty years of age, possessing a powerful frame, the full, symmetrical, muscular form of which had been developed by a thorough course of knightly training even from childhood. His face was fair and frank, the features bold and marked, the whole contour presenting a remarkable type of strong masculine beauty.

Such was Leon de Bournay, a knight of Normandy, and only son of the old Baron, Robert de Bournay, whose deeds of arms were known throughout all

I

The Norman Knight — An Advenhire, g

Christendom. Sir Leon had come to Cordova to study. The time might not be far distant when he would be called to rule over the broad barony of Bournay, and he wished to qualify himself for the work. In the science of arms he was already a proficient ; few men dared to oppose his lance or broadsword, but he felt that the true prince should be able to instruct his people in those sciences which come nearer to the peace and comfort of their homes and firesides, and hence he had sought the help of the renowned scholars of the Moorish schools.

Sir Leon's companion was a short, stout, hearty, genial looking individual, with broad, massive shoulders, a thick neck, and a head which betrayed considerable pugnacity in its peculiarity of form, though a rich vein of humor and good-will, which seemed to well up from his deep bosom, served in a great measure to counterbalance the rougher traits of his character. He was the knight's most faithful esquire and body servant, having been his attendant from early boyhood. He was some ten years older than his master, and his garb was much after the same pattern as that already described ; only the fabrics were coarser and more substantial, and the feather which he wore in his brown cap, secured by a silver button and loop, was from an eagle's wing.

“ Come, come, my master," said the esquire, with a restless movement, “ it is high time that we were on our way back to the city ; for, if my wits do not fail me, there is a storm brewing."

The knight turned his gaze upon the point where the sun was just sinking behind the crescent crowned minarets of the great mosque of Cordova, and after a while he replied :

lO

Don't be alarmed, Gabriel. We shall have daylight for a good hour yet."

“ Aye, but it isn't the loss of daylight I'm thinking about," quickly retorted the other. It's the storm that troubles me. We are a league and a half from the city, with nothing but our legs to depend upon ; and it will be dark before we can get home. Don't you feel how the air has changed ?"

“ I feel that the breeze has died away," replied Sir Leon, without looking up.

And that isn't all, my master. Just look oif towards those mountains. There's where the storms gather."

The knight looked as his companion had directed. A spur of the Sierra Morena loomed up darkly in the distance, and heavy masses of clouds were already gathering above it.

‘‘ There may be a storm of some kind," he said ; but it isn't worth while to fret about it. We’ll start soon."

Gabriel regarded his master for some time in silence, and his countenance plainly showed that he was far from being satisfied. Finally, with an effort such as one makes who has resolved to do some hazardous thing, he said :

“ My dear master, I know very well what all this means. Don't be offended, for I would offer no insolence. But I know what it signifies. You wish to see the lady Lulah. You know that she has ridden out into the country with her attendants, and you will stop here just to see her return."

‘‘Well," answered the knight. He did not seem to be offended ; and yet he did not appear to be pleased. “Well," he said, looking into his follower’s face.

The Norman K^iight — An Adve7iture. ii

But it is not well,’* returned Gabriel. “ It is as bad as it can possibly be.”

“ I don’t see how,” said Leon, carelessly.

“ I’ll tell you how,” responded the esquire. “ In the first place, am I not right in my conjecture ?”

“ Perhaps so.”

‘‘ Then just look at it : Suppose you sit here, and she passes — you will not see her face I”

She may raise her veil,” suggested the knight.

Ah, ” cried the esquire with a shake of the head ; it is just as I thought. You are fairly in love with the Moorish maiden. And yet you have seen her only twice.”

“ But,” interposed Leon, ardently, “ I know that she revealed her charming face to me on the second occasion of her own free will ; and I know, too, that she looked upon me with tender emotion. By my knightly honor, she is the most beautiful creature I ever saw !”

“ And what if she is,” proposed Gabriel, argumentatively. “ What can she ever be to you T If she loves me, she may be much.”

Bless my soul and body, what do you mean ?”

I mean just what I say. I must know if she returns my love, and, if she does —

‘‘ Well— what

Why — then I’ll next try to gain her for my own.” Are you crazy, my master ?”

Not quite, Gabriel !’'

And yet you talk of gaining Lulah T ‘‘ Well.”

But, I say, it is not well. Is she not the proudest maiden in all Cordova? — aye, in all Spain, for that matter, for the king has no daughter ; so the daughter of his chief sheik and vizier must be the foremost princess of the realm. And do you suppose that Baal Tamar will ever give his only child up to a Christian knight

Not quite so fast, my good Gabriel. It hath happened, ere this, that Christian knights have won Moorish damsels without regard to the will of the parents.*'

“ Now, by Saint Mark, Sir Leon, if thy whim runneth in that wise, I shall set thee down for mad. Dost mean, in sober truth, that thou would'st try to run away with the lady T*

I mean this,” replied the knight, speaking with vehement earnestness : ‘‘ if the daughter of Baal Tamar returned my love, I would have her if the thing were possible. So there let the matter rest.”

“ Allow me one word more,” urged Gabriel, with persistent zeal. I have not said all yet. Hath it not occurred to you that the lady Lulah is betrothed to the Sheik Abu Zamar, Governor of Cazalla ?”

That is no proof that she loves him.”

O, my master, your blindness is past my understanding. Verily the face of this Moorish maiden hath bewitched thee.”

Peace, good Gabriel. I have heard sufficient. What sound is that ?”

“ Sound enough !” replied the esquire, casting his eyes to the northward. It is as I warned you. The storm is even now upon us. See — it is almost here. The sun is gone, and the rain is coming.”

It was as Gabriel had said. The wind came suddenly

The Norman Knight — An Advenhcre, 13 sweeping upon the river with a cheerless voice ; the tops of the great trees swayed to and fro ; and presently the rain-drops began to fall. Sir Leon knew that the storm thus brewed in the stern passes of the wild Morena, was to be a severe one, and he thought of shelter. Not far from the olive grove was the cot of an humble vine dresser, and towards this he concluded to make his way. In fact, it was the only dwelling within half a league, so he was not long in making the choice.

‘‘We can find shelter there,'’ he said to his companion ; “ and, if need be, we can remain all night.”

“ Aye,” returned Gabriel, whose anxiety for his master’s comfort overcame all other considerations, “I think the old man can find good rest for thee. I know him well.”

“ So do I,” added Leon, as they started into a brisk walk ; “ and as for rest, a Norman knight asks only room in which to stretch his body, and a shelter from the falling rain.”

The cot in question was situated beneath a high bluff which lifted a crown of citron trees high over the bank of the river, against the face of which was trained a luxuriant growth of grape vines.

Between this bluff and the river the space was but a few rods ; the cot was not directly in this pass, however, but a little upon one side, in a sort of niche which seemed made on purpose to receive it. Our two adventurers had just reached the door of the humble dwelling, when they were startled by the sound of a horse’s feet close at hand.

“ That animal is frightened,” said Gabriel, after he had listened a moment.

“ Aye, surely,’' returned Leon. ‘‘ And — ^hark — there is more than one. By my natal star, there is trouble afoot. Ha ! did’sthear that cry ? Now by Saint Peter, there’s work ahead !”

Thus speaking, the knight leaped out into the road, and in a moment more a horse came dashing at headlong speed around the bluff ; but its gait was not a steady one ; it came with plunging, rearing leaps, swaying ever and anon from a direct course. Two things Leon saw at a glance : The horse had a female upon its back, and a javelin in its side. A few more plunges, and the foaming, bleeding beast stopped suddenly, and went down upon its knees. The knight was upon the spot in an instant, and lifted the fair rider in his arms ere she was thrown from the saddle. The thick veil was blown from her face, and he gazed upon the features of the Lady Lulah ! For an instant, as he held her to his bosom, his heart beat with a wild thrill ; but a sense of knightly duty quickly recalled him from the sweet delirium, and he bore the maiden towards the cot. He saw that she was sensible, and as she opened her eyes upon him, he asked her if she was hurt. But her answer was cut off by the dashing up of another horse, and as she heard the sound, she clasped both her arms about the neck of the Norman knight, and cried out, in frantic tones, for him to save her.

They have captured my attendants — they have killed my horse — and they seek to capture me !”

Who ? — who ?” asked Leon.

The mountain robbers !” she replied.

Leon comprehended the whole thing in a moment, and his movements were prompt and decided. Alcassim,

The Norman K^iight — An AdveriHcre, 15 the old vine-dresser, had come out from his cot in season to witness the falling of the maiden’s horse, and to him our hero resigned his fair charge.

“ Bear her quickly to a place of shelter,” he cried, “ and leave us to deal with these fellows. For your life stop not here, but go !”

Without a word the old man caught the girl in his arms, and hastened to his cot ; and Sir Leon, as he turned, was just in season to confront the horseman who had pulled up close upon his heels. The latter was a tall, powerful Arab, swart and sinewy, whose wicked look and wild garb bespoke the robber at a glance. And he was not alone, for behind him, and arriving almost at the same moment, came a companion of like look and bearing.

‘‘ Hold there !” cried the first robber, leaping from his horse, and starting towards the cot, where the vine-dresser was just entering the door with his fair burden.

Back !” shouted the Norman knight, snatching his sword from its scabbard, and springing before the outlaw.

The robber stopped, for he could not well leap over the stalwart form which had thus interposed itself.

Who are you ?” he asked, moving back a pace, and drawing his broad sabre. At first he seemed inclined to treat the youth as of little account, but as he surveyed his proportions more critically, he evidently altered his mind, for he gathered himself as though for desperate work.

“ I am one who will protect yonder maiden from all enemies,” replied our hero. “ Now who are you ?”

Dog of a C];iristian ! I’ll let you know who I am i6

The Conspirator of Cordova.

right quickly. The maiden is mine ; so stand out of my way or your head shall fly from your shoulders !'*

“ Beware, villain ! You shall not reach the maiden alive

« Well see

As the robber hissed, between his clenched teeth, he sprang upon the knight, with his heavy sabre uplifted, bringing it down with a force which would surely have accomplished its purpose had it hit where it was aimed. But it did not hit thus. It only cleaved the empty air, and ere the Arab could recover from the headlong impulse of the profitless stroke, the sword of the knight was driven through his body.

In the meantime the second robber had not been unemployed. His first movement upon dismounting, had been towards the cot ; but Gabriel, taking the cue from his master's course, had resolutely interposed. The outlaw seemed to think it an easy matter to sweep the esquire from his path ; but, upon making the attempt, he found the task rather difficult. At the first outset he received a cut upon the right shoulder, which entered to the bone. This served to open his eyes ; but it also made him mad, so that he did not improve by the knowledge he had gained. He rushed upon his short opponent, as though he would trample him to the earth ; but, in his hot haste he seemed to forget that there might be something in his way. He quickly discovered this something, however, though he could not have had much opportunity for considering it, as the point of Gabriel's sword entered the cavity just above the breast bone, passing clear through the

Love, neck and separating two of the vertebrae of the spinal column,

‘‘ It's all done here, my master,” said the esquire, as Sir Leon approached him.

I wonder if there are more coming,” returned the knight, bending his ear towards the road.

“ If there are, the lady will know,” suggested Gabriel. “ So, suppose we get out of this rain. These villains may as well rest as they are for the present.”

So be it,” replied Leon. He cast one more look upon the dead robbers, and then turned towards the cot.

Chapter II. Love. ^

When the Norman knight entered the dwelling, which he did without ceremony, he found the vine-dresser alone, and busily engaged in brightening up a fire upon the narrow hearth. The old man started up as the fierce blast from the open door swept upon him, and grasped a spear that stood close by his side.

‘‘We are friends, my good Alcassim,” said Leon, as he saw the defensive movement.

“ Ah — ^yes, yes — I see,” the host replied, when he had recognized the new-comers. “ But the robbers ?”

“ They are both dead.”

“ Good ! I would have come and helped you. Sir Knight, but I had much to do here. I have but just i8 borne the lady Lulah to my wife's apartment ; and as she was wet and cold I thought I would light a fire. I trust that you are neither of you wounded.”

‘‘Not a scratch,” said our hero. “Your Arab robbers are hardly a match at arms for Norman warriors. But, tell me — ^is the lady safe ?”

“ I think so, fair sir. My good wife has her in charge, and will soon have dry clothes upon her.”

As Alcassim spoke a door in one comer was opened and a woman looked in. She retired in a moment, but soon returned, however, and entered the apartment. She was Doris, the vine- dresser's wife — a small, pleasant-looking woman, some fifty years of age, with a strong cast of Arab features.

“ Friends,” she said, advancing a little way into the room, “we must ,ask your kindness and forbearance under present circumstances. The lady Lulah is forced to appear before you unveiled.”

“ We can't stand upon nice custom always,” remarked Alcassim.

“ Our honor shall be her safe protection,” added the knight.

Gabriel shook his head, and said nothing, though he was evidently thinking a great deal.

Doris withdrew, and presently- re-appeared, leading the maiden by the hand, who, when she saw the young knight, trembled perceptibly, though her salutation was composed and dignified. When she had noticed those who were present, she sat down upon the soft cushion which the hostess had arranged before the fire, and for a little while remained busy with her own reflections. She was in truth a beautiful maiden — people said the

Love, most beautiful in all Cordova. She was nineteen years of age ; of medium stature, and most elegant proportions ; with silken hair of glossy blackness ; deep, dark, lustrous eyes, the lashes of which drooped with a dreamy sweetness ; cheeks full and round ; the nose finely carved ; and lips like blushing fruit just bursting into delicious ripeness. Her skin was as pure and fair as alabaster, its warm, rich tints alone betraying her Moorish origin.

Sir Leon gazed upon her until he was lost in wonder at her transcendant beauty ; nor was he recalled to himself until she raised her eyes to wards him. As he met her glance, so full of delicate gratitude, his tongue was loosed, and he found speech.

Fair lady,’’ he said, I trust that I have not intruded upon you. I might not have brought myself thus in your way had not this storm driven me in.”

Kind sir,” she replied, quickly and earnestly, “ you do me wrong if you think I could regard your presence as an intrusion. Indeed, I owe you too much. Rather let me feel that I am the intruder.”

“ With a storm beating down from the sky, and wicked robbers rushing on in the rear, I fancy we should not be too particular touching the place or method of our retreat,” interposed Gabriel, coming to his master’s assistance. The man speaks wisely,” said Doris.

‘‘ Aye, and truly,” added Alcassim.

‘‘ Then we’ll make ourselves as comfortable as possible, and put up with what we cannot help,” responded the esquire ; and thus speaking, he settled back into his seat as though he would leave others to carry on the conversation.

• 20

The Conspirator of Cordova.

The ice was now so far broken that Leon was emboldened to speak more directly to the maiden, especially as he believed that he could detect in her look a willingness, if not a desire, to converse with him.

‘‘ Lady,'* he said, “ you must pardon me if I seem somewhat inquisitive ; but I am anxious to know how the danger you have so narrowly escaped came upon you.’*

“ Surely, sir,** she replied, raising her lustrous eyes till their beams fell upon him with a witching power, you, of all others, have the right to know ; and when I have told you my story you will not feel that the death which has overtaken the dastardly wretches at your hands, was undeserved. It has been my custom, for some time, to ride about the country with my female attendants, though my father supposes that I do not venture beyond the limits of our gardens and palaces without the protection of stouter arms. To-day, however, the sweet and balmy breeze lured me farther away. I started out with four of my trusty females, and, instead of turning back when I ought, I kept on to the mountains.

“We had rested our horses awhile beneath some trees, and were upon the point of starting upon our return, when four horsemen dashed out from a thicket directly upon us. So quick were their motions, and so startled were we, that my companions were captured ere resistance could be thought of. I heard the shouts of the ruffians, and was quickly assured that they were robbers, and that they belonged to the band of the terrible Miramolin. One stout villain seized my horse by the bit, but the noble animal broke from him, and started

Love,^ away. I could not help my poor companions — I would have done it had the power been mine — but, alas, they were beyond my reach. As my horse darted away, two of the robbers hurled their javelins after him, and one of the cruel weapons was buried in his side. But he did not stop — ^he did not slacken his speed. He knew that he was pursued, and he put forth all his strength. By and by the storm came, and that seemed for the time to revive him. The two robbers were very near to me when the clouds burst ; but as the cold rain poured upon my fevered beast, he dashed forward with new strength, and finally brought me to your kind care and protection, O, sir, I cannot tell you how grateful I am.’'

And yet, lady,” returned the knight, in a subdued tone, but with a kindling eye, you cannot be more grateful than I am.”

The maiden cast her eyes upon the floor, for she knew not what to say. That she thought much, and felt much, was very evident ; but she seemed afraid to speak — almost afraid again to meet the gaze of her preserver. Gabriel, however, seemed to understand the matter, for he shook his head with the old meaning look ; and then turned the conversation upon the robbers.

They are a reckless set,” said the vine-dresser, ‘‘ and many a crusade has been made against them : but they cannot be overcome. Their numbers are great, and their strongholds in the fastnesses of the mountains are impregnable. And, moreover, their mighty chieftain, Miramolin, is as crafty as he is bold and wicked.”

I have heard,” remarked Leon, that this Miramolin was once a sheik of noble standing in Cordova.”

The Conspirator of Cordova.

The vine-dresser looked towards Lulah, as though she were best qualified to answer this question.

“ I have heard/' she said, directing her glance once more upon our hero, “ that Miramolin is a nephew of the great rebel, Omar ben Hafs. He comes of a stock fond of rebellion and blood, and is a most fitting representative. He is a daring man, and a wicked one."

“ I should like to meet him," muttered Leon, half to himself.

No, no," cried the maiden, quickly, there is no need of that." She seemed to realize that she had betrayed an unusual emotion, for she cast her eyes again upon the floor with unmistakable marks of confusion.

Gabriel looked into his master’s face, and when he saw the expression which rested there he shook his head with more meaning than before. The host, however, had noticed nothing unusual, and he went on talking about the robbers until his good wife called his attention to the making of provision for entertaining their guests through the night.

I do not think it would be safe for me to venture upon my return in this storm," said Lulah, bending her ear to the howling blast and beating rain.

Mercy !" exclaimed Doris, horrified at the thought.

You could not live in such a time. No, no, — we will afford you such shelter as our poor cot will afford, and in the morning I hope the storm may be passed."

So it was arranged that they should all remain through the night, and at an early hour preparations were made for retiring. The hostess took Lulah with her into her own apartment, while her husband provided for Leon and Gabriel.

Love,

At an early hour in tlie morning our hero was astir, and upon going out of doors he found the sun just rising, bright and clear, over the mountains. The storm had been a severe one, as was evident from the deep gullies upon the hillside, and the swollen, rushing river ; but all was calm now overhead, and the roads were not damaged. He called Gabriel away, and took a walk around the bluff.

‘‘ My master,'' said the squire, after they had walked some distance in silence, I suppose you mean to accompany the lady Lulah back to the city ?"

“ Of course," answered the knight, without raising his eyes.

“Perhaps you would like to have me give up my horse, that I won from that robber, and take myself along on foot."

“ I had thought of that, Gabriel."

“ So I supposed. But, don't you think it would be safer for me to bear the lady company, and leave you to trudge alone ?"

“ How ?"

“ I think I had better be the maiden's escort."

“You, Gabriel.^ Ha, ha, — you are witty this morning."

“ And yet I am in earnest.’'

“ In earnest ? Why — what do you mean?"

“ I mean that the lady has seen enough of you."

“ Gabriel !"

“ Don't be offended, my master ; but be reasonable. I can see, and I know what I say. The maiden already feels more than gratitude — more than friendship — towards you. You have no right to trifle with her.

Don't get angry. I don’t mean that yon would stoop to wilful trifling ; but, if you awaken love in her bosom, your own sense must tell you that it can only end in disappointment.”

Do you think she loves me, Gabriel ?”

Now if the esquire had been wise he would have turned this off very lightly ; but he was honest, and did not know what a power love might have over the bravest knight.

“ Love you !” he replied, with energy. “Why, bless your soul, her heart fluttered when she spoke to you, like a wounded dove. I sat and watched her, and I saw it all.”

“ And I suppose you watched me, too ?”

“ I couldn’t help it.”

“ And did you see my heart flutter ?”

“ Your heart don’t flutter so readily, my master ; but the tale was told in your eyes. Ah — you’d better let me go with her, while you busy yourself with something which may have a more satisfactory ending.”

The knight walked on a little while in a thoughtful mood, and finally he stopped and spoke :

“ Gabriel, I am not offended at anything you have said ; but I do not wish to hear any more upon this subject. I shall be governed entirely by my own judgment, and the consequences be upon my own head. Now let it pass.”

This was a finality which the esquire was forced to accept, and' he would have allowed the conversation to turn upon some other topic, only his master did not seem inclined to talk, so he was comparatively silent during the remainder of the walk.