Carlo made his way very cautiously out of the forest for fear of meeting any stray dogs that might be prowling round. But all was quiet and silent as he crept up to the breach, which the pirates had never yet taken the trouble to repair. Whether Andreas’ warnings had made him more nervous, or whether he were trying to be more watchful, he could not tell; but as he approached the verandah he fancied he heard a slight noise among the bushes. He paused, and the sound ceased; then he made a few steps forward, and, hearing nothing more, he cautiously climbed up the verandah and swung himself as usual over the low balcony. The window was left open, and before closing it he looked down into the bushes. Once again he fancied he heard a soft stir, but the darkness prevented him seeing anything more than a slight waving motion among the great rose-bushes. In the sitting-room everything looked as usual. Felipa was bending over some embroidery as if she were still the little mistress of Santa Teresa, and Etta’s face looked flushed with excitement as she fixed her blue eyes intently on a palm-leaf basket she was weaving, which work Andreas had taught her long ago. ’Carlo, look!’ she cried. ’I have had a mishap with two baskets, but this one shall succeed. How have you fared to-day, and did Harry Fenn have good sport?’ ’Andreas gave him a lesson on the blow-pipe, and I can tell you your Englishman opened his eyes wide. But what of the Frenchman, Señora? Have you seen him?’ ’No; but we heard a bustle in the hall, and the soldier who came this evening said we should have a visitor to-morrow.’ ’Has Harry Fenn heard of any ship in our neighbourhood?’ said Doña Elena, anxiously. ’Catalina says this Frenchman has a bad name, and that she fears you will be discovered if they set a stronger guard; so do be careful, my poor Carlo.’ Carlo thought of the noise he had heard in the bushes, and wondered if he had already been seen and betrayed; but he deemed it wiser not to mention this. ’One thing I swear,’ he said suddenly: ’they shall not separate us again. Felipa, say you will follow where I lead, little sister. If we must die, let us at least die together.’ ’Indeed I will, Carlo, for I am weary of being a prisoner,’ she answered with a sigh; and Doña Elena, looking up, saw a strange look of pain and sadness pass over the girl’s face. Suddenly Etta sprang from the low couch on which she was sitting and put her finger on her lips. ’Carlo! Carlo!’ she whispered, ’hide quickly! Catalina, help him--I hear steps. Make haste, prithee, make haste!’ Carlo listened, but heard nothing, only Etta’s hand pushed him towards the cupboard door, and to please her he retreated. Poor much-tried Doña Elena turned pale, whilst Felipa drew near to her; for now all of them heard distinctly the steps. In two more minutes, after an impatient knock, the expected Frenchman entered, and his quick glances took in the party as he made a profound bow, and said: