Aroused from a nap, the governor was not in the best of humor, yet he listened patiently to what Estella had to say. "It is strange that you should come in behalf of this American spy," he said, when Estella had concluded. "But, if I remember rightly, you have been living in America for two years, and that may account for your extraordinary interest in the young American. But I cannot see what I can do. Sherwood is to have a hearing in the morning." "You will see that no harm befalls him in the meantime?" "No harm can come to him unless he inflicts it on himself. He is in solitary confinement." "At what time will the hearing take place?" "At eight o'clock to-morrow morning." "And where, pray?" "Most likely at the Council Hall on the plaza. There is no place at the prison." "Can I be present?" The governor hesitated. "Yes; but you must not interfere with the proceedings." This ended the interview, and the governor again sought his bed immediately. Not quite reassured that all would go well, Estella turned away from the house, and with Cara and her servants started to return to her father's plantation. The night was dark and the oppressive, sultry air proclaimed that a violent tropical storm was approaching. Occasionally fitful luminous flashes to the westward showed where the lightning was already playing. The distance to the plantation was about half covered when one of the men, who rode in front, suddenly called a halt. "There is a body of horsemen ahead--to the left," he whispered, in his Spanish patois. "I cannot tell whether they are friends or foes." "How many?" asked Estella. "At least half a hundred, and all heavily armed." Estella's heart began to beat quickly. It was not likely that the troops stationed around Marambo were out so far. It must be a body of rebels! "Are any of them on the road?" she whispered. "No. I fancy they heard us coming and took to the brush and woods." "Perhaps they will allow us to pass without molestation," suggested Cara. "That is, if we go on as if we had not seen them." The servant shrugged his shoulders and looked at Estella. "Well, we cannot remain here in the dark," said the young mistress. "Lead on, Coji, but hold your gun in readiness." The two servants went on, and Estella and Cara kept close behind them. A hundred yards were passed, and they began to think themselves safe, when a tall, dark figure rose out directly in front of them. "Who comes?" shouted a commanding voice, and in the dim light they saw the glint of a rifle barrel. "Spain!" shouted one of the servants, ere Estella could warn him. "Caramba!" muttered several voices, and in a trice the little party was surrounded. They were told to hold up their hands or they would be shot. "What is the meaning of this outrage?" asked Estella, as she came forward.