"Enough, then; continue to pursue this road for some miles, you will find a branch to the left where it runs parallel with the river Figuero, and leads to Castello de Vide. Proceed straight on and you will come to Marvao; six miles further on is Valencia de Alcantara, garrisoned by the French; cross the river Sever, and a league or so further brings you to Herreruela. Ere long I, too, shall be there, so we may meet again; but remember that the whole country swarms with the accursed French, and that your red coat will ensure your captivity or death." "I shall be wary." "Be so, or, Santos! I would not give a _claco_ for your life! Do you see yonder hill?" asked the Spaniard, pointing to a lofty peak--the highest of the mountain range. "Yes--a vapour hovers near it." "I am going there to see what news the eagles have for the loyal Portuguese." "The eagles!" "Exactly--but I forget that you are a stranger and don't understand me," replied the other, laughing. "Adios, senor," said Quentin, preparing to start. "Adios, senor soldado--adios, vaya!" The Spaniard pocketed his book of fables, threw his mantle over his left shoulder, grasped his cajado, and waving his hat, proceeded to ascend with great activity a steep zigzag path up the mountain side, while Quentin Kennedy pursued his solitary way, which opened into a level district covered with green orange, lemon, and olive groves; and though the warnings of his late acquaintance did not fail to impress him with anxiety, he felt hopeful that he would achieve in safety and with honour the duty assigned him--escaping the perils that might be set him, and the deadly snare into which Cosmo hoped he might fall. CHAPTER XV. THE MULETEERS. "Riper occasions will thy valour claim, Danger comes on; Typhœus-like it comes, Whose fabled stature every hour increased." AQUILEIA--_Old Tragedy._ While Quentin travelled onward, thinking over his recent meeting at the well, and puzzling himself about the enigma that was probably concealed by the words of the stranger concerning the eagles having news for Portugal, he was roused from his reverie by the jangling of bells, and ere long a string of mules, all sleek, well-fed, of dapple-colour, and in size larger than any he had ever seen, appeared in view, descending with sure and steady steps a narrow rocky path between the olive and orange groves that covered the steep mountain side.