There could be no mistaking what he meant. Anything but a repayal of friendly services, in the way of gratitude; instead, an appeal to the gaol-governor to assist him in some scheme of vengeance. So the latter understood it, as evinced by his rejoinder-- "Of course you can, Senor Colonel. Only say what you wish done. Your commands are sufficient authority for me." "Well," said Santander, after an interval apparently spent in considering, "as a first step, I wish you to give these gentlemen an airing in the street; not alone the Tejanos, but all four." "_Caspita_!" exclaimed the governor, with a look of feigned surprise. "They ought to be thankful for that." "They won't, however. Not likely; seeing their company, and the occupation I want them put at." "Which is?" "A little job in the _zancas_!" "In which street?" "The Calle de Plateros. I observe that its stones are up." "And when?" "To-morrow--at midday. Have them there before noon, and let them be kept until night, or, at all events, till the procession has passed. Do you quite understand me?" "I think I do, Senor Colonel. About their _jewellery_--is that to be on?" "Every link of it. I want them to be coupled, just as they are now-- dwarf to giant, and the two grand gentlemen together." "_Bueno_! It shall be done." So closed the curious dialogue, or, if continued, what came after it did not reach the ears of Florence Kearney; they who conversed having sauntered off beyond his hearing. When he had translated what he heard to Cris Rock, the latter, like himself, was uncertain as to what it meant. Not so either of their prison companions, who had likewise listened to the conversation outside--both better comprehending it. "_Bueno_, indeed!" cried the dwarf, echoing the gaol-governor's exclamation. "It shall be done. Which means that before this time to-morrow, we'll all four of us be up to our middle in mud. Won't that be nice? Ha! ha! ha!" And the imp laughed, as though, instead of something repulsive, he expected a pleasure of the most enjoyable kind. CHAPTER FOURTEEN. ON THE AZOTEA.