"Of course, yes; for the very reason--the very purpose we've been speaking of. That's just why I ask you to take me with you. It will never do to offend his High Mightiness, angry as we may be with him. I'm now sorry at having shown temper; but how could I help it, hearing Ruperto called a robber? However, that may be all for the best. So, upstairs; turn out your _guarda-roba_, and your jewel case; array yourself in your richest apparel, and be in readiness for the gilded coach when it comes round. _Carramba_!" she added after drawing out her jewelled watch,--one of Losada's best--and glancing at its dial, "we haven't a moment to spare, I must be off to my toilet too." She had made a step in the direction of the street, when suddenly turning again she added-- "As a last word, lest I might forget it. When next you appear in the Grand Presence drop that forlorn doleful look. Misery is the weakest weapon either man or woman can make use of--the very worst advocate in any cause. So don't show it, especially in the company of Don Carlos Santander, where in all likelihood you will be before the end of another hour. Try to look cheerful, put on your sweetest smile, though it be a feigned one, as I intend doing for Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna." She took her departure now; but as she passed out through the _saguan_ a cloud could be seen upon her countenance, more than that from the shadow of the arched gateway, telling that she herself needed quite as much as her friend, admonition to be cheerful. CHAPTER TWENTY TWO. IN THE SEWERS. Along with a score of other prisoners, the "chain-gang" of the Acordada, Kearney, Rock, Rivas, and the dwarf were conducted out into the street, and on the Calle de Plateros. Dominguez, the gaoler, went with them-- having received orders to that effect--carrying a heavy _cuarta_ with hard raw-hide lash knotted at the end. Their escort consisted of two or three files of the prison guard, dirty looking soldiers of the _infanteria_, in coarse linen uniforms, stiff shakoes on their heads, their arm the old-fashioned flint-lock musket.