"The same, Senor. In that prosecuted by a like ill, no doubt, the devil all the time directing it." "But where have you been since, sirrah?" "Ah! _Excellenza_! that's just it; the very thing I want to tell you. I was on my way to the city in hopes of obtaining an interview with you. What a bit of fortune you passing here: 'twill save me a journey I was ill able to make; for I'm quite worn out, and weak, from being starved up there in the mountains." "Oh! you've been up there?" "Yes, Senor Coronel, in hiding with the others. But not like them voluntarily. They took me along with them, whether I would or no, and have kept me ever since--till this night, when an opportunity offered for giving them the slip. It isn't all of four hours since I parted company with them. But if your Excellency wishes to hear the whole story, perhaps you'd like it better in private. If I mistake not, some of it should only reach your own ears." Santander had been already thinking of this, and turning to the officer by his side, he said-- "Take the men on, Ramirez. Halt at a hundred yards or so, and wait for me." In obedience to the order the escort moved on, stopping as directed, the dialogue between Santander and the dwarf meanwhile continuing. It was more of a monologue, the latter giving a detailed relation of all that had occurred to him since the time of their escape from the chain-gang, with comments and suggestions added. After hearing all, Santander rose in his stirrups, his features showing triumph, such as Satan might feel at a world of souls just delivered to him. "The game is mine at last!" he muttered to himself, "every trick of it. They're in a trap now; and when they go out of it, 'twill be to the _garrota_." For a moment he sat silent, apparently considering what was his best course to pursue. Then, seemingly having decided, he called out-- "Ramirez! Send a couple of men to me--the corporal and another." These, detached from the escort, came trotting back along the road. "Here, _cabo_! Take charge of this curious specimen. Keep him here, and see that you hold him safe till you have my orders for releasing him. Don't stray from this spot as you value your own neck--not an inch." Saying which he put spurs to his horse, and rejoined his escort. Then commanding, "Forward! at the double quick!" they started off at full gallop towards the city. CHAPTER FIFTY ONE. A GRUMBLING GUARD.