"Ah, the senor knows of that! The old crocodile showed fight, and killed a good man; but he is safe enough now." "He has not been put to death?" I asked, my forehead clammy with perspiration. "Not yet, senor; he must first be tried." "But what have you discovered?" I asked, thinking the fellow might be able to give me some information as to the cause of Don Felipe's abduction. In this I was mistaken. The man knew, or pretended to know, nothing about it. The chief had given orders, but not reasons, and had, as usual, been obeyed unquestioningly. At a word from him his men would have ridden into Lima and dragged the president from his palace. It almost seemed as if Sorillo expected his stronghold to be attacked. The path was guarded by sentries, and a score of men were stationed at the entrance to the ravine, They passed us through without trouble, and before long I found myself in the presence of the chief. "You are surprised to see me?" I said briskly. "Yes; I thought you were in Lima." "I was there last night." "You have made a wonderfully quick journey. You must be tired and in need of refreshment. Come; I can at least offer you a good supper." "Not yet, thank you. I want to ask you a question first. What have you done with Don Felipe Montilla?" "The dog is in the hut yonder." He spoke with both anger and contempt; his face underwent a sudden change; for the first time I saw how cruel it could look. My heart sank as I realized the uselessness of any appeal to him for mercy. Then I thought of Rosa, and said,-- "It is on Don Felipe's account I am here. What has he done? Why has he been brought here?" "If another dared question me like this, I would answer him with a pistol shot," he cried fiercely; "but I do not forget that you are the son of Don Eduardo Crawford. Come, let us eat and forget this business." "Will you tell me afterwards?" "I will tell you nothing, but you shall hear for yourself. To-morrow the man will be tried, and if he is found guilty, not all South America shall save him. But we will try him fairly, and you shall bear witness to our justice." "I want mercy!" said I. "You do not know what you ask yet. Wait till the morning. And now come; you must not be able to accuse me of inhospitality." The guerillas led away my horses, and I followed Sorillo to his own hut, where in a short time a plentiful meal was laid. I was both hungry and thirsty, yet I had to force myself to eat and drink. Sorillo made no attempt at conversation, and I did not care to talk. When the things were removed, he had a bed made on the floor, and suggested I should lie down. "I am busy," said he. "Most likely I shall be up all night, but that is no reason why you should not rest. I will have you wakened in good time in the morning." "Thank you," I answered; and as he left the hut I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes.