"Here is some water for you," said the jailer, roughly. "I forgot to bring you any before." "Thanks for your thoughtfulness," returned Howard, as cheerfully as he could. "I must confess that, damp as it is down here, I am decidedly thirsty." "Well, drink your fill; water is free enough," laughed Luigi, brutally, as he walked back to the door and let himself out. He glanced back sharply, however, to see what Howard would do. Never dreaming of what the water might contain, Howard took up the jug, rinsed his mouth with a little of it, and then took a long and deep draught. "That's rather bitter," he remarked, as he set the jug down and puckered his lips. "You'll find it more bitter in less than an hour," thought the jailer. "That was the easiest case of poisoning I ever attempted." CHAPTER XXI. ESTELLA IS INTRUSTED WITH AN IMPORTANT MISSION. Estella saw her father leave the house by the side exit and stride down to the stables. In a few minutes he appeared on one of his favorite steeds, and rode off at full speed in the direction of Jiguani. He went alone, and what his mission was to that distant city she could not surmise. Soon after the general had departed, Cara came to her young mistress to comfort her as best she could. But Estella was now more low-spirited than ever. She went to her room, and, throwing herself upon the bed, wept as if her heart would break. "It is all over!" she moaned. "They will order him shot at sunrise!" "Perhaps not," said Cara, soothingly. "Tomasso says that he cannot be executed until he has had a trial." "Where is Tomasso now?" "I sent him off to watch Lieutenant Mazenas and Captain Nocolo," replied the maid. "I thought you would wish it." "It was thoughtful, although I cannot see how it will do any good," said Estella, drearily. "It is my opinion that they will take Señor Sherwood's life, if not by fair means, then by foul." "They are capable of it, I verily believe," sighed Estella. "Oh, that I might do something to save him!" "Why not go to the prison governor; he will surely listen to your plea and delay Señor Howard's trial," urged Cara. This was a new idea, and it appealed to Estella. She knew the family of the governor well, and they had always been the best of friends. "I will go!" she declared, and as evening was falling, she and Cara set out on horseback, accompanied by two of the plantation servants, heavily armed, so that Estella might not again fall into hostile hands. The road to the governor's home, a fine residence in the heart of Marambo, was heavy, and consequently their progress was slow. Arriving at the house, they learned that the official had just retired to catch a few hours sleep before overseeing the labor of securing the prison against the expected attack of the insurgents, who, however, had withdrawn in the direction of Jiguani.