The Last Look | Page 8

present; and
should He ever require me to witness to the truth of His gospel, I know
that He will give me strength to undergo all the trials and torments with
which its foes may seek to afflict me."
Brave Julianillo! He went along the street singing a joyous air. To the
words, however, he wisely did not give utterance. He took the way to
the lodgings of the advocate, Herezuelo. Don Antonio had not arrived.
After waiting some time, Julian became anxious. Could he have been
seized by the officers of the Inquisition? It was too likely. Herezuelo
had, he knew, openly preached the doctrines of the Reformation in his
part of the country. At last, Julian thought that he might possibly be at
Dona Mercia's. "Why did not that occur to me before?" he said to
himself. "Of course, if I knew that there was danger, I should stay by
the side of my intended wife."
He hurried off to Dona Mercia's abode. He was at once admitted. He
found the family in some consternation, for it was reported that Doctor
Zafra had himself been seized, and, if so, there could be little doubt that
he would be put to the torture and made to confess that the persons
denounced by the poor mad woman were really guilty of entertaining
Lutheran opinions. Herezuelo was endeavouring to comfort his friends.
He could not but feel that the reports were possibly true. Of human help,
therefore, he could not speak. An attempt to flee from the country
would be hopeless, but he could point to Jesus Christ, to the God of
mercy and love.
"Ah, my dear friends," observed Don Antonio, "never let us forget that
He has redeemed us and washed our sins away; and if He thinks fit to
call us to Himself, even through fiery trials, He will give us strength to
endure all that we may be called on to suffer, that we may glorify His
name."

"Just the remark I lately made, senors," observed Julianillo, who at that
moment entered the room. "Satan tries to frighten us, and to make us
believe that He is stronger than our Master; but praised be God, we
know that we serve One all-powerful to save, and who can, if He will,
crush Satan under His foot."
"The truth, brave Julianillo," exclaimed Herezuelo, who in the
volunteer muleteer found one whose heart sympathised cordially with
his own. "And what do you propose doing?"
"Wait till daylight, and see what comes of this matter," answered
Julianillo. "Those who fly will be the first suspected. Doctor Zafra is a
wise man. Sense may be given to him to outwit the inquisitors, or
should he fail to do that, he will, I have hopes, suffer torture rather than
betray his friends. In the meantime, cavalheros, let us be wise, and seek
for strength and endurance from the Giver of all power and might."
Following the advice of the muleteer, or rather the example of the
apostles of old, those assembled knelt down in prayer, thus gaining
strength and courage for what they might have to undergo. Oh, that
Christians at the present day would remember that by earnest, frequent,
persevering prayer, mountains will be removed, guidance obtained,
difficulties overcome!
The greater part of the night was thus spent in prayer. As soon as the
morning dawned, and people were once more passing to and fro in the
streets, Herezuelo and Julianillo went forth to try and ascertain the fate
of Doctor Zafra, on which apparently their own and that of so many of
their friends depended. Should the mad widow's story be believed,
there could be no doubt that such an auto-da-fe would take place as had
seldom been witnessed in Spain. They kept at a distance from each
other, lest being seen together they might be suspected; thus, though
fearless for themselves, wisely taking every precaution to avoid danger.
Herezuelo, as he walked along, thought of his beloved Leonor, so
delicate, so gentle, so faithful. He himself was ready to undergo any
torture the cruel inquisitors might think fit to inflict on him, but how
would she be able to endure their barbarities? His heart rose in his

bosom as he thought of this, and he could not help praying that a power
might arise by which the foes of freedom would be driven from the
land. At first he thought of an arm of flesh, carnal weapons--that some
hero might arise who would liberate long-enslaved Spain; but, by
degrees, a better spirit exerted its influence. "Through the sword of the
Spirit, the Word of God, can error, superstition, tyranny alone be
conquered." He said to himself, "Ah! Julianillo is a greater hero than I
am or can ever become, inasmuch as he