CHAPTER XXV.
WHEN THE OFFICER OF THE GUARD CAME.
It was a remarkable tableau.
The dark dungeon with its mouldy stone walls was a fitting background.
Roderic's little lantern did not cast a superabundance of light, but there was enough to show the three figures in the scene.
Inez, poor girl, had staggered back and seemed almost paralyzed—half crouching she leaned one hand against the wall for support, and with eyes distended by amazement and horror, stared at the prisoner as though appalled by the thought that her Leon had gone mad—that the cruel Spaniards had driven him out of his mind, else why should he treat her so roughly, she who would give her life for him if need be?
Roderic grasped the truth, and yet it was so astounding that he could not believe the positive evidence of his senses.
It seemed as though the hand of a magician had been extended to bring about such an amazing transformation.
He came to rescue Leon, and found in the young man's dungeon—Georgia!
Was ever surprise more complete?
Who could the wizard be—had brother and sister the power of changing their personality at will?