of the cave, a sound like the rushing of the wind was heard and a mighty genius stood before him. "I know thy wish," cried he with a loud and terrible voice "and I will grant it. In two months' time thou returnest to the castle whence thou camest hither and surrenderest thyself into my power." O'Donell promised that he would and instantly he found himself at the door of the old castle and in the land of his birth. He pursued his journey for three days and on the third day, he arrived at the mountain which overlooked the city. It was a beautiful evening in the month of September and the full moon was shedding her tranquil light on all the face of nature. The city was lying in its splendour and magnificence surrounded by the broad stream of the Guadima, the palace was majestically towering in the midst of it and all its pillars and battlements seemed in the calm light of the moon as if they were transformed into silver by the touch of a fairy's wand. O'Donell stayed not long to contemplate this beautiful scene but, descending the mountain, he soon crossed the fertile plain which led to the city and entering the gates he quickly arrived at the palace. Without speaking to anyone he entered the inner court of the palace by a secret way with which he was acquainted and then going up a flight of steps and crossing a long gallery he arrived at the King's private apartment. The door was half open. He looked and beheld two very handsome young men sitting together and reading. He instantly recognized them and was going to step forward, when the door opened and the Great Duke entered. O'Donell could contain himself no longer but, rushing in, he threw himself at the feet of his Grace. "O'Donell, is this you?" exclaimed the Duke. "It is, my most noble master," answered O'Donell, almost choking with joy. The young princes instantly embraced him while he almost smothered them with [9] caresses. After a while they became tranquil, and then O'Donell at the request of the Duke related all his adventures since he parted with them not omitting the condition on which he was now in the palace. When he had ended, a loud voice was heard saying that he was free from his promise and might spend the rest of his days in his native city. Some time after this, as O'Donell was walking in the streets, he met a gentleman who he thought he had seen before but could not recollect where or under what circumstances. After a little conversation, he discovered that he was Alexander Delancy, that he was now a rich merchant in the city of Paris and high in favour with the emperor Napoleon. As may be supposed, they both were equally delighted at the discovery. They ever after lived happily in their separate cities and so ends my little tale. C Bronte August the 17 1829 Contents Chap I Character of O'Donell--cause of his travels Chap II Set out--meeting Delancy--coming to the old castle--entering the new world--description