“I risk capture perhaps, but I must get some sleep,” he told himself. He extinguished the lantern the gentile had carried from the other room, barred the door, saw that the window was fastened securely, and stretched himself on the floor close to the wall. A pounding on the door awakened him; he sprang to his feet. “_Señor! Señor!_” the voice of the Indian was calling. “I am here!” “The time is up, _señor_!” “Ah! From the din, I supposed the Governor approached with a large force!” It was a yawning caballero who threw open the door and stepped into the barracks-room to face three wide-awake soldiers with angry faces. Sergeant Cassara was mumbling curses under his breath again, and tugging at his bonds. The caballero smiled at him pleasantly as he advanced to the table and took the wine cup the gentile had filled. “It desolates me to leave such good company,” he said, “but duty calls. Have you been worrying these past few hours, sergeant, that the hostiles outside the wall would enter and tear you limb from limb?” “I suppose you will hand us over to them, renegade! Be a man for once! Release but one of my arms, give me a sword and let me face you!” “The Governor has need of your sword-arm, I believe. As for the hostiles waiting outside, sergeant--please to remember that I said ‘suppose’ when I spoke of them. I am a truthful man and would not be considered otherwise. If you have felt fear, then I am sorry, for there was no cause. This gentile here is perhaps the only one within half a score of miles at present.” “Hah!” the sergeant cried. “If it was a subterfuge, consider that it was necessary, for I was forced to have food and sleep, and you had orders to take me dead or alive.... Gentile, go outside and watch!... And you, sergeant, attend me closely. The blow has not fallen yet; I said ‘suppose’ when speaking of that, too. What I told you about the location of the Indians’ camp is true. Pass the word along. And pass the word also that the hostiles will attack night after next, both here and at San Luis Rey de Francia. Attend me! By the saints, I speak truth! It is a warning I have brought you at risk of losing liberty.” “What mean you?” Cassara cried. “You, Captain Fly-by-Night, giving information like this? Ah! You are a double traitor, eh? The hostiles have disowned you? You hope to gain pardon from the Governor by aiding us now to overthrow the conspiracy you have created?” “Who can tell?” the caballero replied, smiling and drawing on his gauntlets. “There may come a time when many things will be explained. _Adios_, sergeant! Give my compliments to His Excellency the Governor. Ah, yes! I have written a message!” He spread out the paper and tucked one corner of it in the sergeant’s belt, and for an instant fumbled with the man’s bonds, so that they could be loosened in time by hard work. Then he waved a hand in salute and passed out into the night.