"I cannot thank you too warmly, Captain Nelson, for the kindness that you have shown me," Terence said. "Not at all," that officer replied; "I simply carried out the general's orders, and the duty has been a very pleasant one. No, I don't think I would mount that horse if I were you," he went on, as Terence walked towards his acquisition. "I would have him led as far as Coimbra, while you ride the horse you borrowed there, then he will be fresh for the further journey." "That would be the best way, no doubt, though our stages must all be comparatively short ones, owing to our having mules with us." "I should not press them if I were you. I don't suppose that it will make much difference whether Romana gets the money a few days sooner or later." "None whatever, I should say," Terence laughed, as he mounted his horse. "Still, I do think that he will be able to gather a mob of peasants. Of course, being almost without arms, they will be of no use whatever for fighting, but still they may harass Soult's communications, cut off stragglers, and compel him to move slowly and cautiously." Terence now saluted the Portuguese officer, who said, as he returned the salute: "My name, señor, is Juan Herrara." "And mine is Terence O'Connor, señor. Our journey will be a somewhat long one together, and I hope that we shall meet with no adventures or accidents by the way." "I hope not, señor. My instructions are simple; I am to place myself under your orders, and to convey eight cases of ammunition to the northern frontier, and to follow the routes that you may point out. I was ordered also to pick the men who are to form the escort. I have done so, and I think I can answer that they can be relied upon to do their duty under all circumstances." Terence now turned, and with a hearty farewell to Captain Nelson, rode on by the side of Lieutenant Herrara. The two British troopers followed them, the four mules with their two muleteers kept close behind, and the twelve Portuguese troopers brought up the rear. "It is a strong escort for four mules carrying ammunition," the Portuguese officer said, with a smile. "It may seem so," Terence laughed, "but you see the country, especially north of the Douro, is greatly disturbed."