’’I must see Albert Pride without delay; imminent danger threatens him.  If you persist in refusing me admittance, on your head be the consequences.’

’This reply dissipated all doubt.  I opened the door immediately.  A man, wrapped in a large cloak, entered, whom I instantly recognized as the same person I had found leaning against the rails.  His face, no longer concealed, betrayed evidence of deep emotion.

’Taking a small lamp in her hand, Donna Teresa, after casting a piteous glance toward me, as though she were begging me not to lose sight of them, told the stranger to follow her, and she would show him the way.  He followed, without uttering a word.

‘’This is the door of Senor Pride’s room,’ said she, on reaching the head of the stairs.

‘’Senora,’ said the stranger, ’it may be that he is a sound sleeper, and may not answer my first rap.  I will therefore, with your permission, take the lamp, and will not detain you longer.’

’How far this proposition suited my worthy hostess, I can not say; at any rate, she made no opposition.  As we retired, we heard a firm hand rattling the handle of Pride’s door.

’The sleeping-room I occupied, although contiguous to and on the same floor with Albert Pride’s, was reached by another staircase.  It was very narrow; but I was so familiar now with the house, that I did not wait for my hostess to bring a light, especially as I had candles in my room.  As I entered my room, I fancied I heard a gentle tapping at the door, which was closed up near the foot of my bed, and to which I have already alluded.  If opened, I knew it must lead into Pride’s apartments.

’Again I heard the tapping, and exclaimed:  ‘Who is there?’

‘’Open the door, for Heaven’s sake, open the door,’ was the reply, in a low tone; ‘quick, my life is in danger!’

’I approached the door, and in equally low tones asked:  ‘Who are you?’

’’A woman—­but quick, open—­open the door, for every moment is precious.  I tell you my life is at stake!’

’It seemed to me it was rather a time for action than for explanations, so, taking an excellent Spanish dagger, which I had had in my possession many years, I succeeded in wrenching out the two staples which fastened the door on my side, and then putting my mouth to the key-hole, I asked:  ‘Have you the key?’

‘’Yes.’

‘’Then unlock the door, and bring the key with you to this side.’

’A few moments more, and a woman, to judge from the lightness of the tread, for I was still without light, precipitated herself into, rather than entered, the room.

’’Oh! thanks; from my heart I thank you, Senor, whoever you are; I owe my life to your kind assistance.’

’The sound of her voice, which I at once recognized, changed the suspicion which had from the first moment flashed upon my mind, into full assurance.

‘’Do not be afraid, madame,’ said I, ’you are in perfect safety here.  Do you lock the door, while I look to my candles.’