"No--no--no! who would open the gate for papa? No--no--no! it would not do." She reflected. "And yet, if he gets out before the horses are ready, they will soon miss--pursue--overtake him. He _will_ get out, I am sure of it. How long would it occupy him? not long. He will easily undo his cord fastenings. I know that--he once said he could. Oh, holy Virgin! he may now be free, and waiting for me! I must haste--the portero--Ha!" As she uttered this exclamation she turned suddenly to Andres. A new plan seemed to have suggested itself. "Andres! good Andres! listen! We shall manage it yet!" "Si, Senorita." "Thus, then. Lead the horses out the back way, through the garden--can you swim them across the stream?" "Nothing easier, my lady." "Good! Through the garden take them then. Stay!" At this she cast her eyes toward the entrance of the long alley leading to the garden, which was directly opposite to, and visible from, the zaguan. Unless the portero were asleep, he could not fail to see four horses passing out in that way--dark as was the night. Here, then, a new difficulty presented itself. Suddenly starting, she seemed to have thought of a way to overcome it. "Andres, it will do. You go to the zaguan. See whether he be asleep. Go up boldly. If asleep, well; if not enter into conversation with him. Get him to open the little door and let you out. Wile him upon the street, and by some means keep him there. I shall lead out the horses." This was plausible, and the groom prepared himself for a strategic encounter with the portero. "When sufficient time has elapsed, steal after me to the garden. See that you manage well, Andres. I shall double your reward. You go with me--you have nothing to fear." "Senorita, I am ready to lay down my life for you." Gold is powerful. Gold had won the stout Andres to a fealty stronger than friendship. For gold he was ready to strangle the portero on the spot. The latter was not asleep--only dozing, as a Spanish portero knows how. Andres put the stratagem in practice, he offered a cigar; and in a few minutes' time his unsuspicious fellow-servant stepped with him through the gate, and both stood smoking outside. Catalina judged their situation by the hum of their voices. She entered the dark stable; and gliding to the head of one of the horses, caught the bridle, and led the animal forth. A few moments sufficed to conduct it to the garden, where she knotted the rein to a tree. She then returned for the second, and the third, and the fourth and last--all of which she secured as she had done the first. Once more she went back to the patio. This time only to shut the stable-door, and lock that of her own chamber; and, having secured both, she cast a look towards the zaguan, and then glided back into the garden. Here she mounted her own horse, took the bridle of another in her hand, and sat waiting.