He was evidently referring to the duelling episode, and Howard did not answer. There was a moment of painful silence. "What do you suppose has become of my daughter?" "I cannot imagine, sir. I sincerely trust she escaped injury, and is safe. I imagined she was with you." "She was; but when the tide of battle turned I left her in Lieutenant Mazenas's charge." "Mazenas!" Howard uttered a groan that did not escape the attention of Estella's father. "Sir, you say I am more of a man than you supposed. Why will you not believe me when I tell you that that fellow is one of the greatest rascals unhung. I will prove my words, if you will but give me a chance. Stop!" he went on, as General Corona was about to speak. "I must tell you all, so that you will have the opportunity to judge me fairly ere you die. Will you listen?" "Go on," the general said, harshly, his lips quivering with agitation. Drawing up a camp stool, Howard proceeded to tell his story from beginning to end; how he had left New York with the double purpose of serving the Press Association and of unearthing the fraud in connection with his Uncle Robert's estate, and of all the many surprising things that had happened since, including the story of the attempted poisoning by Captain Nocolo and Lieutenant Mazenas, and of how the latter was suspected of issuing a forged order to the rebel guerillas to burn the Corona plantation. General Corona listened with interest; several times he wished to interrupt, but Howard made him listen to the very end. He had about concluded, when there was a slight commotion, and four soldiers passed, carrying a man on a stretcher. "Nocolo," murmured General Corona. "Heaven has sent him here to testify for or against you." Howard leaped up, and saw that it was, in truth, Captain Nocolo, who lay in a dying condition, shot through the lungs. He motioned the soldiers to bring their burden to General Corona's side. Nocolo scowled as he saw Howard, and the scowl deepened as he gazed at the old general. Then suddenly a crafty look came into his face. "You are badly hurt, Nocolo, I see," said the general, seeming to gain temporary strength. "Señor Sherwood has been telling me strange stories of yourself and Lieutenant Mazenas. Have you anything to say before they take you away?" The captain gasped for breath, then he scowled again. Evidently he wanted to say something, but did not know how to begin. Finally he burst out: "Yes, I'll speak. They tell me I'll be dead by night, so I suppose I had better free my mind. I don't love you, and I don't love this American; but I have reason to hate Lieutenant Mazenas more deeply than I detest both of you." He grated his teeth. "Dios! I, a captain, to play second fiddle to him, a mere lieutenant! Corona, take my advice, and don't let Mazenas marry your daughter. He is a swindler, a liar--nay, a perjurer. It was he who issued the order to burn your plantation and tried to lay the blame on Sherwood here."