Think
not, because the fires of the _auto da fe_ are extinct, a churchman
here can safely abjure his profession and his faith. A man may live a
life of martyrdom, although he escape a martyr's death."
They had ridden on some miles, and new scenes had suggested other
topics, when they heard a shout behind them, and, looking round, saw
the old man of the _Venda_ displaying unwonted energy. He was
vigorously pummeling with his heels the vicious _burro_ on which he
followed them, while he held up some article of clothing, and shouted
after them at the top of his voice.
They stopped for him to come up, and he handed to Lady Mabel a rich
shawl, which she had left behind in her bed-room, and a scrap of dingy
white paper. Refusing any reward for his trouble and honesty, he at
once took leave and turned back, the ass showing a more willing spirit
on his homeward path.
After trying in vain to decipher the scroll, Lady Mabel handed it to
L'Isle. "_Cito, tute, jucunde peregrineris_." "Swift, safe and
pleasant may your journey be," said L'Isle, translating it. "This is,
doubtless, from the young friar. He is anxious to show you at once his
scholarship and his good-will.
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