"Oh, señor," said Rita, anxious to strike while the iron was hot, and secure her freedom at once, "if this information is welcome and valuable, the only reward I want is to let us go. Let us go, noble señor, for we have urgent business, and our detention here may be our ruin." "Ruin ?" cried Lopez; "what nonsense! You are free now, and safe from the Carlists. As to letting you go, that is out of the question. You are the very woman I want to see. You know all about this castle. You must be my guide back to it. I have been sent to recapture those unfortunate prisoners. I have been unable thus far to get on their track. As to that castle, there is a certain one up yonder which I had an idea of reconnoitring; but if all I hear is true I shall have to get artillery. Now you have escaped, and you may be able to give me information of a very valuable kind. I should like to know how you contrived to escape from a place like that, and I urge you to be frank with Remember this, that the quickest way to liberty will be to help me to get those prisoners. You must remain with me until then. The sooner I capture them, the sooner you shall be allowed to depart." me. All this was a sore blow to Rita's hopes; but her quick mind soon took in all the facts of her position, and she concluded that it would be best to be frank, as the captain had urged. She also saw that it would be for her interest that the castle should be captured as soon as possible. And she knew, too, that a band of brave men, headed by a determined leader, could have no difficulty in capturing the castle by a surprise, if she should only make known to them the passageway by which she had lately escaped. Accordingly Rita proceeded to give to Lopez a full account of the way in which she had managed to effect the escape of herself and her companion from the castle. Lopez listened with the deepest attention, making her explain with the utmost minuteness the nature of the chambers and passages which she had traversed, and their position with reference to the rest of the castle; also the track down the sides of the chasm; its height, length, and width, and how far it offered concealment to those passing over it. "My good woman," said he, "do not object to a little further detention. I assure you it need not be for more than twenty-four hours. After all, what is that? By this time to-morrow I shall have that castle in my own hands. It is of such infinite importance to me to capture those prisoners that I assure you there is nothing I will not do for you if you are faithful to me till I conclude this business of mine. So make up your mind to work for me in a cheerful, loyal, active way; and you will rejoice to your dying day that you ever met with Hernando Lopez." During this conversation, Russell, standing apart, had watched them attentively. Although unable to understand the words, he was able to gather from the faces, gestures, and tones of the two a very fair idea of their meaning. He could see that Lopez grew more and more excited; that the excitement was most intense, yet altogether agreeable; and that he himself was far, very far, from being the subject of that conversation. He could see that the effect produced upon Lopez was of the most desirable kind, and that the dreaded captain was now in a mood from which no danger was to be apprehended. And therefore it was that the virtuous yet undeniably timid Russell began to pluck up heart. To such a degree was his late terror surmounted that he now became conscious of a fact which had hitherto been suppressed under the long excitement of hurried flight and sudden capture, and this fact was that he had been fasting for a long time, and was now ravenously hungry. At length the conversation ended, and Lopez was about to turn away, when suddenly he noticed Russell. He raised his hat courteously as if to a lady, and Russell returned this civility with a most awkward bow. But Lopez did not notice this. was in a pleasant frame of mind, and full of excited hopes. He garian lady! Ah, true-I had forgotten. | many were the theories hazarded by each And so, Rita, your friend is a Hungarian in turn toward the solution of those points. lady?" Yes," said Rita, delighted at having her companion's nationality so conveniently disposed of. "Yes; she's a foreigner, a Hungarian lady, and no one can understand her language. "Very good," said Lopez. "It is all the same whether Hungarian or Spanish. She is a lady, and shall be treated as well as possible. And now, Rita, you must rest, for you must be strong and active for to-morrow's work." With these words Lopez showed them to their resting-place. It was in the loft, where Brooke and Talbot were confined. Here Rita ascended nimbly, and Russell followed, not without difficulty; and soon Rita forgot her fatigue and Russell his hunger in a sound sleep. Morning at length came, and the prisoners awaked. Rita was first on her feet, and Brooke was able to read her whole character at a glance. He saw her to be a common sort of woman, with a bold face, piercing eyes, and ready tongue, He soon entered into a conversation with her, and learned from her exactly what she had already told Lopez. She also informed him that Lopez had detained her in order that she might guide him back to the castle. This much Brooke had already gathered from what little he had overheard of the examination of the previous evening, and it gave him unmixed pleasure. For, although he had refused to violate his honor by acting as guide to betray the castle, he had no objection that others should do so. The fate of the castle and its Carlist occupants was in itself a matter of indifference to him. To be taken there would make an agreeable change for himself and Talbot. If Lopez should take them with him, it would be pleasant to go back with Talbot to that tower and renew the past; and although, for reasons already given, he did not feel like flying with her, still he felt that libIt was fortu-erty would be better for both, and was ready to avail himself of any chance that might offer. CHAPTER XXXVI. IN WHICH RUSSELL MAKES NEW FRIENDS, AND TALBOT SEES NEW PERILS. RUSSELL and Rita had thus been brought to the loft of the old mill, in which Brooke and Talbot were prisoners. nate for these latter that there had occurred Brooke reported to Talbot what Rita They had seen the arrival of the prisoners from the window, and had watched them closely. The two fugitives had been captured close by the mill by the band of Lopez, just as that band was approaching the spot after a weary and useless day. The examination had been overheard by the two listeners in the loft, who were thus able to understand the meaning of the new turn which affairs had taken. After the prisoners had been brought up to the loft, their character and appearance still formed a field for ingenious speculation; and Then, Unable to sleep any longer, Russell roused himself, and slowly putting himself on his feet, walked to the window. His figure and movements at once struck the notice of Talbot, who drew the attention of Brooke to the strange and eccentric attitude of the "Hungarian countess." Brooke scrutinized the good Russell closely, and expressed his opinions with great freedom, and a severe criticism followed, in which these two, safe, as they supposed, in the ignorance of the foreigner, made very severe strictures upon Russell's whole personnel. Russell, for his part, watched them as "Oh, sir," said he, "I'm not a Hungarian countess at all. I'm a poor unfortunate English woman, that's escaping from the banditti, with the help of this good creature. And I know I can trust you.' well as he could, and listened attentively, | glances, and with such very extraordinary without being in the least offended. He gestures that Brooke and Talbot regarded could perceive easily enough that the him in great surprise. priest was English and the other was American. He longed, in his helplessness, to take them into his confidence. He was not at all satisfied with his own relations toward Rita, and thought that if he could only trust these two, who were of his own blood, he might be safe. And yet he felt the need of caution. They might betray him. Like himself, they were prisoners, perhaps in a more perilous situation, and would not hesitate to sacrifice him if they could gain anything by it. When he heard of the proposed return to the castle he felt at first thoroughly dismayed. Farther thought, however, made it seem less dreadful, for he hoped that if Lopez were to capture the place and deliver Katie, his wrath might be appeased, and he might recover his hidden treasure; while, on the other hand, he perceived that if the worst came to the worst and his disguise was discovered, Lopez even then could not be more dangerous than "his Majesty" had been. There was something, however, in the tone and manner of these two, as well as in their general aspect, which gradually broke down the mistrust and reserve of Russell. He began to feel convinced that he might trust them, that his secret would be safe in their hands, and that they might give him valuable information and advice, if not assistance. Besides, he reflected that chances of escape might arise, and he thought that he would be safer in their company than in that of Rita. Finally he came to the conclusion to trust them. But here he determined to go only halfway. He would tell them that he was English, but not an Englishman, and would leave further disclosures to the chapter of accidents. If Lopez should discover this much and no more, there would be no danger, and he might conclude that he himself had made the mistake, since Hungarian and English were both alike unknown to him. After careful observation Russell also concluded that he would be safer if he addressed his confidences to the young priest with the sweet and gentle face. The other one looked less trustworthy, or at least less inclined to pity. Under these circumstances, therefore, and with this design, the good man began his advances, moving in a hesitating way toward them, with furtive At this the amazement of Brooke and Talbot was inexpressible. Brooke, however, held his tongue, seeing that as Talbot had been addressed, it would be better for her to answer. So Talbot, after a few expressions of sympathy, asked Russell to explain farther. Russell then informed them that her name was Mrs. Russell; that she had been captured, along with her daughter, by the Carlists; that she had escaped, hoping to get help to rescue her daughter. All this Russell stated not without much circumlocution and contradiction. Brooke now interposed. "But don't you know," said he, “that these people are Republicans-that they're going to capture the castle, or try to? If they succeed, they will free your daughter. So you see you have fallen among the right sort of people, and you may be quite at your ease. It's all the best for you. If I were you I would tell the captain all about it. Get yonder good woman, your companion, to explain." At this Russell gave a look of despair. "The very thing," said he, "that I dare not do." "Why not?" Russell then, still keeping up the part of Mrs. Russell, and mentioning Katie as her daughter, explained that Lopez was his bitter enemy, and told them about his love for Katie, and his ejection from the railway carriage. "Well," said Brooke, "you needn't be afraid of him. This matter will settle itself. He'll free your daughter from captivity, and she'll marry him, of course. After that you can take the sweetest revenge on him by tormenting him for the rest of his days as his mother-in-law." Russell sighed a heavy sigh and turned away. As he did so, he caught the eyes of Rita, which were fastened upon him with a fixed, earnest, eager stare, and there was that in her look which served to drive away every other thought except the one that in this woman there was a new danger, more formidable than any which had yet menaced him. This look made him Some will be killed. That's natural enough. Have you nerve enough to perform the burial service?" "I might "I don't know," said Talbot. as well try to command a regiment." feel like an arrested debtor in the grasp of | castle. the bailiff, or like an insane man under the watchful eye of his keeper. In Rita he now recognized his bailiff and his keeper. She was worse. She had designs on him! And for what? For marrying him. Marriage was, of course, impossible, for he had a wife already; but did Rita know this? To tell the truth, he had been fooling her, and he now saw for the first time that he would have to answer for this. But Señor," said he, "I have been thinking over your case, and I have concluded to hand you over to my military superiors. They may take the responsibility of deciding about your guilt or innocence. for the present, as I am responsible for you, I must detain you as my prisoner. If you were only connected with some recognized profession I should be happy to accept your parole, and let you follow at your leisure; but as you are considered here a possible spy, I can not think of that. You must therefore come with us under guard. Moreover, as to your friend, this young priest, he must consider himself as bound, for a short time, with us. I expect to have need of him in a few days. I have nothing against him; he is not a prisoner, but is detained merely for a purpose in connection with his sacred office. When that purpose is accomplished he will be at liberty to go or stay." He With these words Lopez retired. had taken no notice of Russell, at which the latter felt a deep sense of relief. Far different, however, were the feelings of Brooke, and of Talbot also, when he had translated to her the captain's words. "He has need of me," repeated Talbot, "for a purpose in connection with my sacred office. Is that what he said, Brooke?" "Yes," said Brooke, in a low voice. "But what am I to do?" Brooke led her away, out of Russell's hearing, and conversed with her in low whispers. "Don't anticipate trouble, Talbot," he whispered. "Oh, I'll show you the whole thing. All you've got to do is to read the burial service out of the breviary. We'll practice it together. You need only pronounce the Latin like Italian. Do you know Italian ?" "No." "French ?" "No." "Oh, well, you're an English priest, you know, and so you had better pronounce it like English. These devils will be none the wiser." Talbot was silent and thoughtful for a few moments. "Brooke," said she at length, "what were they saying about Lopez going to rescue an English girl, this—this person's daughter? This person-a-Mrs. Russell said that Lopez was in love with the girl. You spoke about his rescuing her and marrying her." She hesitated. "Well?" said Brooke. "Well," said Talbot, mournfully, 'don't you see what I mean, and the use he wishes to make of me in my false character as priest?" "By Jove!" exclaimed Brooke, as Talbot's meaning dawned upon him. "You see, Brooke, I'm afraid that in my disguise as priest I may be required to marry this English girl to Lopez; and that is sacrilege-it is infamy-it is too horrible. I can not-I will not. Never!" At this Brooke was filled with consternation. He could only say something about the necessity of not anticipating evil, and express the hope that it might only be a burial. But Talbot felt that her fear was just, and that a new and unavoidable danger now arose before her. In a short time after this the band set off, guided by Rita. Toward evening they reached a spot about a mile from the castle, where they secreted themselves in a grove, and rested. Evening came, and the moon rose. Then, as silently as possible, they went to the tower. Here arrangements were made for the security of the prisoners, and Rita prepared to lead the band through the secret way into the castle. RETURN must now be made to the castle and the two young men whose duel had been interrupted. Captured thus, they stood for a time quite overwhelmed, their intense excitement now followed by a violent reaction, in the midst of which there was the appalling thought of the consequences which might flow from this. For Ashby to be found in Harry's room would surely lead to the discovery of everything -the secret passageway, the sliding door, and perhaps their visits to the ladies. Each one thought of this for himself. Each one had believed that the Carlists did not know about the secret passages. But now all was over. "Well," continued "his Majesty," speaking in Spanish, "business before pleasure. We will examine you both about this to-morrow. For the present we will leave a guard in this room. Meanwhile, Señor Rivers, you may hand over that pistol; or, stay-no-you have put it to such a noble use that you may keep it: one pistol against six men need not be feared. And now, gentlemen, adieu till to-morrow." With these words "his Majesty" retired, securing the door behind him, and Harry and Ashby were left with the guards. They stood apart from one another, pale, anxious, and each wrapped up in his own thoughts. For all that had happened each blamed the other, and thus their mutual hate was only intensified. The cause of "his Majesty's" appear ance upon the scene can be easily explained. He had been greatly troubled in his mind by the "ghost" in Mrs. Russell's room, and could not account for it. He had not thought of any secret communication, for, being a comparative stranger here, he had not known of any. Thinking, however, that he might get some light on the subject, he had wandered to the door of Harry's room, and there the sound of voices had arrested his attention. Knowing that Harry was placed there in solitary confinement, he felt that the clew to the mystery might now be here; and so, gathering half a dozen men, he had come in upon them as above described. Leaving this room, "his Majesty" now went once more to the room of Mrs. Rus sell, in the hope of gaining more light yet. Upon entering, he was once more nearly overthrown by the impetuous onslaught of the irrepressible Mrs. Russell, who, at this new and unexpected advent of her royal lover, overwhelmed herself and everybody else with her joyous vociferations. This, however, "his Majesty" endured with truly royal dignity, tempering kindness with firmness, and dealing gently with her weak woman's nature. Katie was there, but the royal eye, on wandering about, noticed the absence of Dolores. Whativer's become av the señorita?" he asked. Mrs. Russell gave a startled look around. "What! Where is she? She's gone!" she screamed; "she's gone! Oh, your Gracious Majesty, the ghost! the ghost! Save me!" "Whisht! Howld yer tung!" said "his Majesty." "The ghost, is it? So he's come and carried off the señorita! Well, I've found the ghost!" "Found the ghost!" gasped Mrs. Russell. "Meself has. Begorra, it's the truth I'm tellin'. Do ye know his name?" "His name!" gasped Mrs. Russell, once more thinking of her late terrible fancy. "Yis, his name; ye can't guess it? No? Well, I'll tell yez. It's Ashby." "Ashby! Mr. Ashby!" cried Mrs. Russell. "Why, how could he get here?" “Oh, well,” said "his Majesty,” “he did get here, an' that's no loie. How he got here I'll find out to-morrer. But he did get here, an' he's been here since, an' by the same token he's sperited off the señorita. But there's two av thim." "Two of them!" repeated Mrs. Russell, in wonder. "Ay, two av thim; an' the other's that young blade Rivers!" Katie, thus far, had not said a word. She heard of the discovery of Ashby with surprise, but with no deeper feeling. The moment, however, that the name of Rivers was mentioned, she gave a gasp, and her head fell forward on her hands. |