"I believe you. But, honestly, Herringford, is there any hope for me?" "Why not? Those rascals undoubtedly swindled your uncle. The worst of it is, these folks are all Spaniards, and now most of them are in the Spanish army. There is a Captain Nocolo in the deal, and another rich young blood named Mazenas, who has just been elevated to a lieutenancy in the Court guard--hard people to reach just now--although it would be easy enough to do so in times of peace." "But I thought you said something in your letter about a lawyer named Samuel Barker----" "Biggest villain I ever met. He pushed through the papers for Nocolo, Mazenas & Co. If I could find him, I have plenty to bring him to account for. But he has disappeared into the interior." "I am going into the interior soon, and I hope to be able to locate him," returned Howard. "If you do, let me know--I'll force him into some kind of a confession," growled Thomas Herringford. He was a bluff old lawyer, and never hesitated in coming to the point. In the few times they had met, Howard had come to sincerely admire him. "The Nocolo crowd managed this thing very adroitly," went on the lawyer. "They sent to your uncle a representative who pretended that he held a high position under the government. Your uncle trusted the man, and, consequently, was greatly deceived. The chap's dead now, though." "And so is Uncle Robert." "Yes, poor fellow! and he was a good man, Howard--straight as a die. I remember once when he----Hullo! What's up now?" They had reached Thomas Herringford's home, and were ascending the steps, when, chancing to turn, Howard had seen a figure that instantly arrested his attention. It was one of the soldiers from whom he had escaped. "That soldier is dogging me!" he whispered. "I won't get you into trouble. Good-night. If he asks any questions, tell him I asked you for the nearest route to the shipping." And in another moment he had slipped off in the dark. The soldier attempted to follow, but Howard quickly and easily eluded him. "They won't let up, that's certain," muttered the young war correspondent. "Perhaps I'll have to do as many others--change my appearance whenever I venture out." CHAPTER VI. "LOOK INTO MY EYES, AND SAY YOU WILL SOME DAY BE MY OWN TRUE WIFE." Dodging the Spanish spy led Howard once again in the vicinity of the Plaza del Silveo--although the young war correspondent reached that vicinity unconsciously. He came upon the open square quite unexpectedly, and before he could retire found himself once more in the companionship of Dilwoddy, who was wandering about, wondering what had become of him. Howard explained how he was dogged, and Dilwoddy led the way into another house, not far from the other they had visited. This also overlooked the plaza. The larger part of the crowd had been dispersed, and the Spanish soldiers were patrolling the main thoroughfares leading to the spot.