In these gates, however, there was a difference as to the strength of their guard detail, and the possibilities of their being passed. All of which one of the fugitives well understood--Rivas, who, as a matter of course, had assumed direction of everything relating to their flight. When opposite the old convent, which gives its name to the street, he leaned his head out of the carriage window, and said to the _cochero_:-- "Take the route by El Nino Perdido. You know the way; show it to him." The "him" was Cris Rock, who still had hold of the reins, and who, not understanding Spanish, could not be addressed direct. The result of the order was, that shortly after, the horses were headed into a side street, indicated to the Texan by a nod perceptible only to himself. It would not do for the real coachman to appear as aiding their escape; though there was no danger of the dwarf observing it--the latter having been crammed down into the boot--where he was held with his head between Rock's huge thighs, as in a vice. The street into which they had turned was a narrow one running along a dead wall--that of the ancient monastery, which occupies acres of ground. And in its strip of sidewalk just then there was not a pedestrian to be seen--the very thing Rivas had been wishing for. Again speaking out, he said:-- "Slowly for a bit. I see a _seraph_ out there. Tell the Tejanos to put it on." For the next hundred yards or so--along the dead wall--the horses went at a walk, they inside the carriage, as also one on the box, all the while busy as bees. And when they came out at the end of the quiet street entering upon a more frequented thoroughfare, the brisk pace was resumed; though no one could have believed it the same party, seen but a minute or two before driving at a racecourse speed along the Calle de Plateros. Jose alone looked the same, in his sky-blue livery and cockaded hat. But the big man by his side had so far effected a change that his mud-stained habiliments were hidden under an ample _seraph_, which covered him from neck to ankles; while the little one was altogether invisible, and under a threat of having his skull kicked in if he attempted to show himself. Alike quick and complete had been the transformation of the "insides." There now sat two gentlemen, decently, indeed rather stylishly dressed-- one wearing a blue cloth cloak with velvet collar; the other a scarlet "manga," with gold bullion embroidery from neck to shoulders.