’I will not be included in the treaty, however,’ he thought suddenly. ’I have spoken against it, and I will use my bullets and my sword as a good and honourable soldier should do.’ Then, suddenly, the idea of danger for his sister and Etta entered his head. Tales of captivity endured by women and children when they fell into the pirates’ hands crowded into his head. How could he trust his father now? Certainly he must be losing his mind: this was the only charitable way of looking at his conduct. If this were the case, the welfare of Felipa was his duty, and, slowly rising, he tried to wash away traces of tears which might perhaps seem unmanly to those who did not know the reason. When he entered the room to which he had been sent as a prisoner, the girls at once noticed the expression of his face. ’Carlo, what is the matter?’ ’Surely all will be well now,’ added Etta. ’We saw the canoe start with the answer. Ah, those robbers will understand we cannot be taken in brave Santa Teresa, whatever they may do.’ ’I should think not!’ said Catalina. ’Those infidels don’t understand that the saints protect us. So you heard the deliberations, Señor Carlo?’ ’Yes, well enough; but look, Catalina: suppose these pirates should get the better of us--for they are reported to be very strong--is there any place where you and the girls might hide? My father is so busy giving orders that he has not time to attend to all these matters.’ ’No need to prepare for the impossible,’ said Catalina; ’José told me that if Santa Teresa were besieged for a year it would be of no use; we have fleet Indians who can pass through the forest, and could bring in food unseen by any horde of pirates. So, Señorito, do not disturb yourself about us.’ ’But impossible things, as we call them, do happen, Catalina, and it is best to be prepared. Well, anyhow, I shall go out to fight to-night; for it is then the attack is expected, and then I will win a right to my knighthood.’ ’There is the great cupboard in this chamber,’ said Catalina, ’into which opens the secret staircase. Few of the men know it, but the Marquis told me of it. That is safe enough. If any steps are heard without we can easily run down the stairs, and a door there leads to the dungeons below. Never fear, Señor Carlo; old Catalina doesn’t mean to be taken by men who would think nothing of murdering me unless they wanted a wife.’ ’Dear Catalina, you must never marry,’ said Felipa, kissing her old nurse, ’at least not a pirate: I could not spare you. But do leave off talking of danger, Carlo, when there is none. You frighten us for nothing. Look how lovely the garden is after last night’s rain: the tamarind has spread out all its leaves to show us it is fine again. How I long to go out and have a game this morning!’