as it is, we cannot miss our way; it leads directly to the church
of St. Nicholas. But, perhaps," added the Princess modestly, "you
have no reason to leave the castle, nor have I farther occasion for
your service; in a few minutes I shall be safe from Manfred's rage-
-only let me know to whom I am so much obliged."

"I will never quit you," said the stranger eagerly, "until I have
placed you in safety--nor think me, Princess, more generous than I
am; though you are my principal care--"

The stranger was interrupted by a sudden noise of voices that
seemed approaching, and they soon distinguished these words -

"Talk not to me of necromancers; I tell you she must be in the
castle; I will find her in spite of enchantment."

"Oh, heavens!" cried Isabella; "it is the voice of Manfred! Make
haste, or we are ruined! and shut the trap-door after you."

Saying this, she descended the steps precipitately; and as the
stranger hastened to follow her, he let the door slip out of his
hands: it fell, and the spring closed over it. He tried in vain
to open it, not having observed Isabella's method of touching the
spring; nor had he many moments to make an essay. The noise of the
falling door had been heard by Manfred, who, directed by the sound,
hastened thither, attended by his servants with torches.

"It must be Isabella," cried Manfred, before he entered the vault.
"She is escaping by the subterraneous passage, but she cannot have
got far."