The assistants of Calavarez, armed with swords and bearing torches, advanced, carrying a block covered with black cloth, the use of which was evident enough from the ax which lay upon it. They placed their torches in their sockets, and strewed sawdust upon the ground. All this took but a few seconds, and they stood awaiting their victim. On the appearance of Calavarez, Ruy Lopez started from his seat, but the duke moved not; he remained with his eyes fixed on the chessboard, paying no attention either to the men or their fatal preparations. It was his turn to move. Calavarez, seeing the duke thus fixed and motionless, laid his hand upon his shoulder, and uttered one word--only one--but in that word was the destruction of a young life, with all its memories and all its earthly hopes. That word was "Come!" The prisoner started, as though he had trod upon a serpent; then, recovering himself, said imperiously, "I must finish my game." "Impossible," replied Calavarez. "Possible, or not possible, I must see my game out. I have all but checkmated him. Unhand me! Come on, Ruy Lopez." "Impossible," repeated the executioner. "Are the three hours then out?" "To the very second. The king must be obeyed." The attendants, who had stood leaning on their swords, now advanced. The duke was seated with his back to the wall, just under the narrow window. The table was between him and Calavarez. He rose, and exclaimed in an imperious tone, "I will have this game, and then my head is yours. Until I have finished it I will not stir. I must have half an hour, and wait you must." "Duke," replied Calavarez, "I have great respect for you, and would willingly give you all accommodation; but this is out of my power. The delay would be as much as my life is worth." Don Guzman started up. Then, drawing off his rings, and detaching his diamond clasps, threw them to the executioner, saying carelessly, "To our game, Ruy Lopez." The jewels rolled along the floor, but none stooped to pick them up. The executioners gazed upon each other in astonishment. "My orders are precise," cried Calavarez, determinedly. "Your pardon, noble duke, if we employ force; but I have no choice; the commands of the king and the laws of Spain must be obeyed. Rise, then, and do not waste your last moments in a useless struggle. Speak to the duke, my lord bishop! Exhort him to submit to his fate." The answer of Ruy Lopez was prompt and decisive; for, seizing the ax that was lying on the block, and whirling it over his head, he exclaimed, "Stand back! for, by heaven, the duke shall finish this game!" At this unexpected demonstration of the bishop, Calavarez started back, and almost fell over his assistants, who, brandishing their swords, were about to rush upon the prisoner, when Ruy Lopez, who appeared suddenly metamorphosed into a Hercules, threw down his heavy oaken stool upon the floor, exclaiming--