One moment of human weakness succeeded--it was but one--Hinzára's head fell upon her lover's breast--her bloodless lips met his for the first--the last time. Recovering herself quickly, "Now, beloved," she exclaimed, "thy promise!--and thou, oh blessed Saviour, before whose holy image I now, on bended knees, offer up my last supplication!--who seest the pile already laid to torment with infamous publicity thy too weak servant!--plead, oh plead forgiveness for this act, which hastens me, by but a few short moments, into the presence of an omnipotent, all-merciful creator!"
Ramiro listened to the words of the prostrate maiden with intense and agonised attention, and at the conclusion of her short but earnest prayer drew from his breast a glittering poignard--Hinzára snatched it hastily from his hand,--and the next moment fell a corpse at his feet!
The horror of the spectators, at this unlooked-for termination of Ramiro's interference--the consternation of the officials of the Holy Inquisition--the rage and invectives of the Governor--were such that, amidst the general confusion which ensued, Ramiro, snatching the poignard from the reeking body of his mistress, darted through the crowd, and effected his escape.--Don Guiterre vented his impotent rage on the lifeless body of his victim, by having it burnt, amidst the groans and indignant cries of the assembled multitude.
Every attempt to trace the flight of Don Ramiro failed; but information was eventually received, that an individual answering his description had embarked at Malaga, in a vessel bound to some Italian port.
The excitement caused by this tragic affair gradually subsided. Years rolled on--Abenhabuz was never again seen--and the fate of his daughter was nearly forgotten;--when one morning the Governor of Ronda was no where to be found. Diligent search was of course made, and at length his corpse was discovered in the rocky bed of the Guadiaro, immediately beneath the miraculous bridge, which was now seen for the first time!--On examining the body, it was found to be much bruised and mutilated, as if--which indeed was evident--Don Guiterre had fallen in an attempt to cross the hazardous bridge, and although one deep wound seemed to have been inflicted by some sharp instrument, yet it might have been given by the pointed rocks with which the bed of the rivulet is strewed, and there was no other reason to suppose that he had fallen by the hands of bandits; since nothing had been taken from his person. His sword was found lying near him, but it might have dropt from its scabbard.