Senor Owen should not be put to death, but held a prisoner until they could hastily leave Dublin bay on board the blockade runner as per their previous arrangement. It was only hastening plans that had already been well arranged. The young girl stood there an anxious spectator, while her lover's fate was being decided, and when the final ultimatum had been rendered she gave him a pleased smile of encouragement. Roderic, wise man, had made up his mind not to resist the decree of fate, especially since it appeared that he would only be put to a little inconvenience and encounter small danger. He had no desire to provoke the anger of these men further than was necessary--there would come a time when he might meet them face to face on equal terms, with weapons in his hands, and until that hour it was policy for him to laugh and let them have their sweet way. A long lane it is that has no turning. His time would come sooner or later. Then the blustering Roblado might be made to sing more softly, and those who handled him so roughly be compelled to take a turn themselves. Surrounded by the voluble and excited group, the American was led down into the cellar of the unique bungalow on the Rathmines road. Here they left him, with fervent hopes, openly expressed that the rats would feed upon his wretched porcine carcass, and never allow him to again see the light of day. Owen was not in despair. On the contrary it is doubtful whether in all fair Dublin that night a lighter heart could have been found than his. There was reason for it too. As to the danger menacing him, he laughed that to scorn--it was only a little adventure after all, one of many that marked his life. He had won back the treasure that was almost beyond his reach, and the man who found himself secure in the love of that divine girl had cause for deep and heart-felt satisfaction. Roderic could never tell how it ever came these fellows neglected to take what portable property he chanced to carry. It was really a remarkable omission and might be laid to the fact of their being gentlemen though he himself was rather inclined to believe the truth rested in another quarter--that they had been ashamed in the presence of Georgia, and likewise confused by his positive statement about the Scotland Yard officers on their trail. Having a deep seated aversion to English prisons, quite excusable, they had found their nerves unstrung. Hence Roderic profited by their confusion. He hunted up a cigar and a match. That was comfort enough for half an hour. The future could take care of itself. Such is the philosophy of a dare devil who, from long familiarity has conceived a species of contempt for danger. He could hear some one moving about above, and understood that the general must be preparing to leave the odd little furnished cottage which he had hired. More time passed. Owen was only waiting until they left the house, when he would undertake to get free from his prison.