"That is a mere detail," said Jack, hastily. "Marina is an Indian, and knows the whole country round for miles. After stealing the plans, she doubtless slipped out of the country gate and travelled up the coast. There a boat from _The Pizarro_ could pick her up." "Where is Don Miguel?" "My father was summoned before dawn to a special meeting of the Junta. I believe the assemblage has been sitting all night to deliberate on what is to be done." "Oh, my poor Dolores," groaned Jack, covering his face with his hands; "where are you now?" "She is on board _The Pizarro_, I doubt not, Don Juan," said Rafael, approaching the young English-man, "I feel sure this is the case. But courage, mi amigo, we will save your dear one yet." "My dear one!" stammered Duval, in some perplexity. Don Rafael slipped his arm within that of Jack's, and smiled kindly. "Oh, I know all, Juan. Dolores told me of your love when I returned from Acauhtzin." "And you are not angry?" "Eh! mi amigo! Why should I be angry? It is true you are an Americano--a heretic! but do I not know what love is myself? This makes me kind to you, and when the war is over, I will do all in my power to aid you with my father." "Gracias Rafael!" rejoined Duval, wringing his friend's hand with intense gratitude; "but first we must rescue Dolores from the Indians." "I tell you she is not with the Indians, Jack," said Philip, who had been at the other end of the terrace and just returned within earshot; "she is on board _The Pizarro_." "I think so also, Juan. If so, we will chase the war-ship in the vessel of Don Felipe." "But I have given her to the Junta, for political, purposes." "Bueno! that is so. But when my father returns from the Palacio Nacional, I am certain he will request you, in the name of the Republic, to start for Acauhtzin before noon." "In order to demand the surrender of Xuarez," said Jack, clenching his fist; "those rebels will not do that; but if Dolores is there, I will save them the trouble of answering, by man-handling Don Hypolito till he'll be fit for nothing but his bed." "Dos pajaros al un golpe," replied Rafael, significantly. "Dolores and Xuarez being the birds, you, mi amigo, the stone. Ah!" he added, as the bell in the cathedral tower chimed the hour, "there is eight o'clock. I think it will be as well, Señores, to have something to eat." "I couldn't eat a thing," said Jack, abruptly, as they descended the staircase to the patio. "That is wrong, Juan. You will need all your strength to regain Dolores." "Where are the ladies?" asked Philip, anxious to see Doña Eulalia. "They are not yet up, Don Felipe! Nor do I wish to disturb them, for they are worn out with sorrow." On hearing this, Philip agreed that it would be better to let them rest, and accepting Rafael's invitation, they sat down to a hastily spread meal. In the middle of it, Don Miguel, followed closely by the ubiquitous Tim, entered the patio.