He himself became engaged upon some charts--no doubt covered with "grand strategic plans:" for although we were in the enemy's capital, it was not certain that our campaign had come to a close, and more fighting might be before us. Left free to take my own course, I motioned the Mexican to a seat. He declined it on the score of haste; and standing, I went on with his confession. "How did it happen? When? Where?" was the series of questions I addressed to him in continuation. "On the road, senor--as we came from La Puebla." "From Puebla!" The words startled me into a strange interest. "Si, senor; but much nearer to this city. It occurred within sight of it, I may say--this side Rio Frio, and not far from the _venta_ of Cordova." "You were travelling?" "We were travelling--myself, my two daughters, and our family confessor, the good Padre Cornaga." "In your carriage?" "No, senor; in the _diligencia_. We were stopped by a band of _ladrones_, all wearing crape over their faces." "Well?" "They ordered us out of the coach. Then to lie flat along the ground-- with a threat, that if we looked up till they gave the word, we should be shot without ceremony." "You obeyed, I presume?" "_Carrai, senor_! Why need you ask the question? Not to do so would have been certain death; and, of course, I did as the _ladrones_ commanded. My daughters, I am happy to think, were spared the indignity. But what matters it, since they were carried off?" "Whither?" "_A los montes_!" "_Ay de mi_! Holy Virgin, protect them!" "It is to be hoped she will. But why, may I ask, did you risk travelling in the _diligencia_ between this place and Puebla? You had no escort, I take it; and must have known that the road is unsafe?" "True, cavallero, we had no escort. It was very imprudent on my part, but I trusted to the counsels of our confessor--_un hombre muy sabio_-- who believed there was no danger. The good _padre_ assured us the roads were safe--made so by you valiant _Americanos_--that there was not a robber to be encountered between Puebla and the capital. Even then I might not have listened to him, but that I had a good reason for coming hither with my daughters; and as they--neither of them--were at all afraid, but rather inclined to it, I ventured to travel by _diligencia_. Alas! too easily did I yield consent to their wishes--as I have now reason to know. _Dios de mi alma_! Despoiled of my children! Robbed! Ruined!" "I presume you had money upon your person, as well as these other valuables?" I pointed to the chain and seals hanging from the watch-pocket of the petitioner. "They left you these! How do you account for it?" "_Ay Dios, cavallero_! That is the strangest thing of all. I had both money--gold money--and this watch. It is one of considerable value, as you may judge for yourself."