"He broke from the train, the brute," answered Cabrera, "and gave us all the trouble. I wish you’d tell the chief we’ve taken him on, and that he’s safe in the lock-up. Come on, Garcia, or the beast may be up to some of his tricks again. Let’s get him under lock and key;" and, shoving me forward, they pushed by the soldiers, who drew aside and wished them luck for this good day’s work. "Thank the Virgin, we hadn’t to break their heads with their own guns," growled Cabrera; and the moment we were out of sight of the men we set off running again at full speed, and did not stop until we reached the house where we were to find horses. This was an inn, and both my companions were well known to the old man who came out to meet them. A white-haired, exceptionally dark-skinned, and most picturesque-looking old fellow, who greeted the two quietly, but cordially, and looked suspiciously at me. "Who’s this?" he asked. "The most honoured guest who ever crossed your threshold, Tomaso," answered Cabrera. "Take off your hat to him; and if his name were whispered in your ear, you’d be ready to bow your head to his boots. We must have three horses instantly. The dogs are close on our heels." The old fellow raised his hat and bowed his head, and the long white locks shone in the mellow light of the now dying sun. To act the part which Cabrera had thus assigned to me, I returned the bow, and in a quick, imperious tone, said: "The horses, my good Tomaso, the horses, with all the dispatch you can show. Even minutes may spell danger." "Your lordship can depend upon me," he returned, deferentially, and, turning, gave a sharp order to a groom who stood near. "You will take wine while you wait. It will be but a minute." We entered the house, and food and wine being laid out in readiness, we ate and drank hastily; and the moment the horses were at the door I paid him liberally, and we mounted. "Is the road clear, Tomaso?" asked Cabrera. "Yes, senor, I believe so. Juan and Andreas rode forward with the senorita some four hours ago. I instructed them to ride with their eyes open, and if they saw anything suspicious during the first half-score of miles, one of them is to hide with the senorita and the other return and warn you. After that you will be safe, and among our own people. I wish you all God-speed on the journey, and glorious success at the end of it. If there is any trouble, Andreas or Juan will show you the mountain paths." "The senorita?" I asked, pricking up my ears at his words. "Aye, the blessings of the Holy Virgin rest ever on her lovely face—the Senorita Castelar," and he bared his old head again, with a look of deep enthusiasm on his rugged features. I waited for no more. "Forward, gentlemen," I cried. "Great work lies ahead of us." It was full time we started. We had paused but a few minutes at the inn, but already in the distance behind us signs of commotion in the direction of the station were to be discerned.