Don Ignacio's daughter was both puzzled and surprised at the strange words. But she knew the Countess had strange ways; and, though a bosom friend, was not without some secrets she kept to herself. This was one of them, no doubt, and she forebore pressing for an explanation. What the Condesa hinted at was that disaffection in the south, the expected _pronunciamento_, which, if successful, would not only depose the Dictator, but of course also his Cabinet Ministers, her friend's father among them. With some knowledge of coming events, she declined imparting this to the Dona Luisa through delicacy. Right was she, also, in her surmise as to the messenger; none had been intercepted, none having been sent out, just for the reason surmised by her. They had made a turn or two of the grounds, thus conversing, when both came to a sudden stop, simultaneously uttering exclamations of alarm, "_Santissima_!" and "_Madre de Dios_!" "What can it be?" gasped Dona Luisa. "Is it a man?" No wonder she should so doubtingly interrogate, since her question referred to that strange creature on the top of the wall, seeming more ape than human being. That he was human, however, was to be proved by his being gifted with the power of speech, put forth on the instant after. Before the Countess could make answer to the question (of course overheard by him), he interposed, saying-- "Pray, don't be alarmed, your ladyships, at a poor miserable creature like me. I know that my body is anything but shapely; but my soul-- that, I trust, is different. But, Senoritas, surely you remember me?" While speaking, he had raised himself into an upright attitude, and the moonlight falling upon him showed his shape in all its grotesqueness of outline. This, with his words, at once recalled their having seen him before. Yes; it was the _enano_, whom the big Texan had swung up to the box of their carriage. Astonishment hindering reply to his interrogatory, he continued-- "Well, your ladyships, I'm sorry you don't recognise me; the more from my being one of your best friends, or, at all events, the friend of your friends." "Of whom do you speak, sir?" asked the Countess, first to recover composure, the Dona Luisa echoing the interrogatory. Both were alike anxious for the answer, better than half divining. "Two worthy gentlemen, who, like my poor self, had the misfortune to get shut up in the Acordada; more than that, set to work in the filthy sewers. Thanks to the luck of your ladyship's carriage coming past at a convenient time we all escaped; and so far have been successful in eluding the search that's been made for us." "You have succeeded--all?" both asked in a breath their eagerness throwing aside reserve. "Oh yes; as I've said, so far. But it's been hard times with us in our hiding-place; so hard, indeed, we might well have wished ourselves back in the prison." "How so, sir? Tell us all! You needn't fear to speak out; we'll not betray you."