"They won't do that, mi amigo! if I know anything of Don Hypolito." "It is true that he has great influence over them," said Rafael, thoughtfully; "but the power of the Opposidores is as nothing before that of the Junta; if they are wise, they will lay down their arms." "They are not wise, however," said Jack, dryly; "and they won't lay down their arms. And how does the embassy propose to get to Acauhtzin?" "It is said that Señor Felipe has offered his ship to the Junta," said Rafael, bowing courteously to the baronet; "and the Junta have decided to accept that grand offer with a thousand thanks." "Bueno!" cried Philip, heartily. "I am glad _The Bohemian_ will be of some service. Yes, Don Rafael, my yacht is at the disposal of the Government. But tell me, Señor, who goes north with the embassy?" "Yourself, Señor Felipe, if you will come; my father and myself, with a company of soldiers." "Why yourself, Don Rafael?" The young hidalgo blushed, and rolled a cigarette with pretended indifference. "I! Oh, I wish to hurl defiance in the teeth of Xuarez." Philip had received a hint of Don Rafael's passion and as Jack was busily talking with Garibay, approached the captain with a smile. "Is that all?" he whispered, smiling. Don Rafael looked at him steadily, and then caught his hand with a sudden passion of friendship. "No, mi amigo. I wish to see Doña Carmencita, and, if possible, carry her south." "Will she come, Rafael?" "Yes, she loves me; her father is cruel to her; she will come, if you will permit it." "Señor, my ship and all I have is at your disposal." "A thousand thanks, Don Felipe," said Rafael, cordially pressing his friend's hand; "I will take advantage of your kindness. Not a word to my father, Señor. He knows nothing as yet; I will tell him all at Acauhtzin." "I will be silent." "Gracias mi amigo. I will give you my help in the like case." "It will certainly be needed some day," replied Philip, significantly. "But not as yet. Ah, Señor, you do not then know what it is to love." "Don't I?" thought Philip, and saw before him, as in a dream, the fair face of Doña Eulalia. It was now late, so, after they had dined with Garibay, the two Englishmen, at the invitation of Don Rafael, went to the Casa Maraquando. When they arrived, to their surprise, all was in confusion. The servants were running aimlessly about, Doña Serafina and Eulalia were in tears, and Don Miguel was cursing loud and deep. "What is the matter?" asked the young men in alarm. "Dolores is lost!" CHAPTER XII. A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE. Shepherds kind! my love hath left me, Therefore am I filled with woe; Of my heart hath she bereft me; Thievish nymph! why didst thou so? Ah, well-a-day! True love is a jewel! Why hence away? Oh, my Chloe cruel.