Roderic, upon hearing the first Spanish word in that thick voice knew discovery was at hand, and the little cherub of good fortune had suddenly taken a back seat. If anything were done to prevent a general alarm from going forth, it would have to come from him, since Leon was hardly in a position to attempt any aggressive act, having a woman's arms about his neck. Roderic unfortunately had his back turned in the quarter from whence the men advanced, else he might have detected the glow of light even before they turned the corner of the passage. There was little use in crying over spilt milk. What was done could not be undone. The best he could do was to make some show of holding the enemy, perhaps incarcerating him in the dungeon so lately Leon's abode. Unfortunately it happened that the rules and regulations of the Spanish army do not allow a captain of the guard to make his rounds alone and unattended. A non commissioned officer, perhaps a sergeant, stood at his side holding the lantern and presenting a most astonished appearance at witnessing so remarkable a scene. Roderic, without losing time, made a dive at the two soldiers, having whipped out his revolver. "Surrender!" he exclaimed, not forgetting to put the emphatic word in Spanish as became the character he represented. To his disgust the fellow who held the lantern was so overwhelmed by his alarm that his fingers lost their grip, consequently the article of illumination fell from his grasp and as Roderic's little affair had taken a notion to go out, owing to the abrupt movement he made, they found themselves enveloped in darkness that was not excelled by that of Egypt when the plague came. It was very very unfortunate. Just when the Yankee had begun to feel confident he could grasp the game, and manipulate it to his liking, it was snatched out of his hands. He knew the two men were beating a hasty retreat, for they made plenty of noise as they stumbled along the dark passage. "We must lose no time--Leon, look to your wife--this way Georgia--please Heaven we will yet find safety on Cleo's yacht." He had thrown a stout arm around her, and together they pushed forward, while the others came close behind. At last the moon had pity for their misfortunes, for presently the fair mistress of the night shone forth and dissipated some of the shadows that had hung so heavily around them. If it had been of moment that Roderic should use caution in making his advance toward the dungeon, surely there was now double reason for such exactness, since their case was desperate enough without any further accidents, such as wandering from the beaten track. Fortunately they were two, and where his knowledge of the right passage was in doubt Georgia came to the rescue with her woman's wit. Thus they went on without a mistake.