My happiness is never complete unless I am near you. Tell me,
darling, that you return my love!" "How could I help but love you--you
who saved my life? Oh, Leone, you cannot think how proud I am at being
chosen by you before all others!"
With a joyous exclamation, Panteleone drew her to his breast, pressing
passionate kisses on her brow, cheeks, and lips, his heart thrilling
with rapture at the realization of his dreams.
CHAPTER IV.
The next morning a small band of soldiers, headed by Henrique
Ferriera, wound their way toward the humble home of Jarima.
On arriving, they found to their astonishment the door fastened close,
and no one to answer their knock.
"Never mind, break it down," Henrique said, roughly.
In obedience a few heavy blows fell on the woodwork, which soon gave
way beneath their force.
Stepping over the scattered splinters, Henrique saw a sight which
filled him with horror.
Crouching on the bare floor, her hands twined convulsively in her long
hair, was a woman, with three sleeping children leaning against her.
On a hard straw mattress, almost in shadow, lay Jarima, his face
covered with blood, which oozed in streams from his mouth.
Henrique gazed for an instant on the awful sight, then turned towards
his men.
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