By Don Jose's advice, we kept close in our room during the remainder of the day; and it was growing dark when Domingo appeared, with a bundle under his arm. "I have been provided with this for you to put on, senor," he said, producing a serving-man's dress, similar to that which I had worn at Popayan. It was curious that the same disguise should have been chosen. "You are suspected of being a Liberal; and whether you are so or not, you are to be arrested to-night, and probably share the fate of those who were shot this morning. I am desired to tell you, therefore, that you must make your escape as soon as it is dark--you taking one direction, while Senor Miguel and I take another." Before I had time to ask further questions, Domingo retired. I began to put on the dress he had brought me, and was quickly changed into a serving-man. While I was thus engaged Mr Laffan came in, and I told him what Domingo had said. "But I cannot desert you, Duncan!" he exclaimed. "I will stick by you, whatever happens." I soon convinced him that we should thus only increase the risk of being arrested, and advised him at once to make his way to Honda, as we had told Murillo we intended doing. If not molested, he might thence, instead of embarking on the Magdalena, travel over the mountains westward to one of the towns on the Cauca. As he had no proposal to offer against this plan--indeed, there was no other to be pursued--he agreed to it. "But how will you be able to travel alone?" he asked. "I do not intend to travel alone, if I can help it," I answered. "I believe that Antonio will succeed in liberating Uncle Richard, and that I shall be able to help him to make good his escape." I was unwilling to leave the house without wishing Don Jose and his family farewell; and as I was thinking how I could best manage to do so, I discovered a slip of paper pinned on to the front of the jacket, on which was written in a feigned hand,--"I know your feelings, and what you would desire to say; but it is safer that we should not again meet. Farewell. Destroy this when you have read it." The paper was not signed, but I guessed it came from Don Jose. Domingo having now reappeared, and announced that the horses were ready, we descended to the courtyard. "It will be safer for me to slip out first," I observed. To this Mr Laffan agreed. "You had better take Lion with you," I said; and I ordered my faithful dog to remain with Mr Laffan. But on this occasion the usually obedient animal was disobedient. When I had made my way out of the yard I found him following me, and I had not the heart to send him back.