must be Carlists. It will be dangerous for us to go on any farther. It will be better to hide here until they pass." "Very well," said Talbot. "I quite agree with you. I should hate to go back again." There was on their right, not far from the road, an old windmill, which stood upon a gently rising ground, and was quite a conspicuous object. This caught the eye of Brooke as he looked all around him. "There," said he, "is the place for us. These fellows seem to be on the march. They will soon pass by this and be gone. Let us hide in the old mill." Talbot at once assented. They then In a left the road and crossed the fields. short time they reached the mill. It was deserted, and the machinery was out of order, but otherwise it was in good preservation. The door was open, and they entered. Having once obtained this concealment, they stood in the doorway anxiously watching. At length they saw a crowd of men come up along the road, and these they regarded with quick-beating hearts. "Brooke," said Talbot, in a whisper. "What?" CHAPTER XIII. HOW BROOKE AND TALBOT MAKE SEVERAL NEW ACQUAINTANCES. FOR Some time the two fugitives remained motionless and listened. There seemed to be a large number of men below, of whom a few were inside the mill, but the greater part remained outside. These kept up an incessant jabber; but it was of a discordant character, some talking about getting ready a supper, some about making a fire, some about forage, while at times a word would be dropped which seemed to indicate that they were in pursuit of fugitives. Nothing more definite than this could be learned. Brooke, however, had been gradually creeping to one side of the mill, where there was a window, while Talbot followed as noiselessly as possible, until they both were able from their concealment to look out upon the scene below, which was in no way calculated to re-assure them. They saw a crowd of men, about a hundred in number, who looked very much to Brooke like the train-stoppers of the day before. Their arms were piled, and they themselves were dispersed about, engaged in various occupations; some eating, some drinking, "What shall we do if they happen to some smoking, while from them all a concome here?" "That's a solemn question," said Brooke. "We ought to have something to fall back on. Wait." He went away for a few minutes, and then returned. As he came back to the door Talbot pressed his arm and pointed. Brooke looked out. To his horror the whole band had stopped, and some of them were facing toward the mill as though about to approach it. fused hubbub arose. Half a dozen ill-looking fellows came toward the door of the mill. "A fire!" said one. "Let's burn down the old mill. There's wood enough in it." "Ay," said another, "wood enough for a hundred fires." A shout of applause greeted this proposal, but the hearers above felt their hearts quail with horror. Talbot laid her hand on Brooke's arm. Brooke, to re-assure her, "What a mistake we've made!" said took her hand in his and pressed it gently, Brooke. and felt it cold and tremulous. He drew her nearer to him, and whispered softly in her ear: "They're coming here," said Talbot, in a thrilling whisper. "What can we do? Can we fly?" "No," said Brooke; "they'll see us. We have only one hope. There's a ladder here, and we can climb up into the loft. Come." Taking Talbot's hand, Brooke led her to the ladder, and they climbed up into the loft, where they sat listening. Talbot's anticipation was too true. The band approached toward the mill, and soon the two fugitives heard them all around. work, while others busied themselves with preparing splints with which to kindle the fire. "Brooke," whispered Talbot, in a tremulous voice-"oh, Brooke, let us go down." "Wait-not yet," said Brooke, on whose brow cold drops of perspiration were already standing. "Wait. Let us see what they will do.” Talbot drew back with a shudder. "The mill is of stone," said Brooke. They can't burn it.” "But all the inside is of wood," said Talbot-"the floors, the doors, the machinery, the beams." Brooke was silent, and watched the preparations outside.. These grew more and more menacing. A great pile of wood was soon collected, which grew rapidly to more formidable proportions. If these prisoners hoped for life, they must leave their present hiding-place, and soon, too; for soon-ah, too soon, if that pile were once kindled-the flames would pour in, and burn all the inner wood-work, even if the walls were of stone. At this moment a man came hurrying forward and burst in among the crowd. "What's the meaning of all this nonsense?" he asked, in a stern voice. "Why, we're burning the mill," said one of the most active of the party. "Fools!" cried the other. mad? It will attract attention. be seen-perhaps attacked." 66 "Are you We shall Pooh!" said the man, impudently; "what of that? That's all the better." The other laid his hand upon his sword, and looked as though he was about to use it; but a wild outcry burst forth from all the crowd, and with an impatient gesture he turned away. By his dress, which was the only uniform visible, and also by his bearing, he seemed to be the captain of the band, yet his authority did not seem to receive any very strong recognition. Still, the sight of this uniform was of itself encouraging to Brooke, who now at once decided upon the course which he should adopt. There was no longer time to hesitate. Already the match was struck, the next moment the flame would be touched to the kindling, and the fires would blaze up. So Brooke called in a loud voice, "Stop! stop till we come down!" At this cry they all looked up in amazement. The match dropped from the hand Then turning to Talbot, he whispered: "Now, Talbot, is the time to show the stuff you're made of. Courage, my boy! courage! Remember, Talbot, you're not a girl now-not a weak girl, but you're a boy-and an English boy! Remember that, my lad, for now your life and mine too depend upon you!" Don't fear for me," said Talbot, firmly. "Good!" said Brooke. "Now follow me, and be as cool as a clock, even if you feel the muzzle of a pistol against your forehead." With these cheerful words Brooke descended and Talbot followed. The ladder had not been removed, for the simple reason that it consisted of slats nailed against two of the principal beams, too solid even for Samson himself to shake. On reaching the lower story they hurried out at once, and the gang stood collected together awaiting them-a grim and grisly throng. Among them the man whom Brooke had taken for their captain was now their spokesman. "Who are you?" he asked, rudely, after a hasty glance at each. Brooke could not now adopt the tone which had been so effective in the morning, for his gown was off, and he could no longer be the Curé of Santa Cruz. He kept his coolness, however, and answered, in an off-hand manner: "Oh, it's all right; we're friends. I'll show you our papers." 66 "All right?" said the other, with a laugh. That's good too!" 66 At this all the crowd around laughed. "I belong to the good cause, "said Brooke. "I'm a loyal subject of his Majesty. Viva el Rey!" He expected some response to this loyal sentiment, but the actual result was simply appalling. The captain looked at him, and then at Talbot, with a cruel stare. "Ah!" said he. "I thought so. Boys," he continued, turning to his men, "we're in luck. We'll get something out of these devils. They're part of the band. They can put us on the track." This remark was greeted with a shout of applause. "Allow me to inform you, señor," said With this cry a hundred fierce faces the captain to the unfortunate Brooke, surrounded them, and glared at them with "that you have made a slight mistake. fiery eyes. It seemed as though their last You are not our friends, but our ene- hour had come. The crowd pressed mies. We are not Carlists, but Repub- closer, and clamored for their immediate licans. I am Captain Lopez, of the Four-destruction. The only thing that held teenth Regiment, and have been detailed with these brave fellows on a special mission. You are able to give us useful information; but if you refuse to give it you shall both be shot." In spite of the terrible mistake which he had made, Brooke kept his coolness and his presence of mind admirably. "I'm very glad to hear it," said he to Lopez. "The fact is, I thought you were Carlists, and so I said that I was one too -as any one would do. But I'm not a Carlist; I'm a Republican." Lopez at this gave utterance to a derisive laugh. "Oh yes," he said, "of course you are anything we please. And if we should turn out, after all, to be Carlists, you would swear that you are a Carlist again. Doesn't it strike you, señor, that you are trifling with us?" "I assure you, Captain Lopez," said Brooke, "that I'm not a Carlist, for I'm not a Spaniard." "You may not be a Spaniard, yet still be a devoted Carlist. "Yes, but I'm not. I assure you that I'm a Republican. Shall I prove it to you and to all these gentlemen ?" "Try it," sneered Lopez. "I'm an American," said Brooke. "An American," repeated Lopez, bitterly. "Better for you to be a Carlist than that. Is it not enough for you Americans to intermeddle with our affairs in Cuba, and help our rebels there, but must you also come to help our rebels here? But come-what is your business here? Let's see what new pretense you have to offer." "I am a traveller." "Yes, I suppose so," sneered Lopez. "And who is this other?" "He is a young priest." "A young priest? Ah! Then, señor, let me inform you that as Spaniards we hate all Americans, and as Republicans we hate all priests. Spain has had too much of both. Americans are her worst enemies outside, and priests inside. Down with all Americans and priests!" The echo to this sentiment came in a shout from all the followers of Lopez: them back was the attitude of Brooke, who stood perfectly cool and tranquil, with his eyes fixed on Lopez, a good-natured smile on his face, and his hands carelessly in his pockets. Close beside him stood Tal bot, pale, it is true, but with a calm exterior that showed not one trace of fear. Brooke did not see her, and did not venture to look at her, but he felt that she was as firm as a rock. Had they faltered in the slightest degree, the storm must have burst; but as it was, the calmness of these two disarmed the fury of the mob, and their fierce passion died away. 66 'Captain Lopez," said Brooke, in a quiet and friendly tone, "you may have reason to hate my country, but I assure you that you have absolutely no cause for complaint against me and my friend. We are simple travellers who have been interrupted on our journey, and are now trying to get to the nearest railway station so as to resume it as soon as possible. "How did you get here?" asked Lopez, after a pause, in which he again scrutinized severely the two prisoners. Brooke had anticipated this question, and had made up his mind as to his answer. It was his intention to identify himself with Talbot, and speak as though he had all along been travelling with "the young priest.' "Our train stopped," said he, “and we took the diligence over this road yesterday. We were stopped again, captured and robbed by Carlists, and we have escaped from them, and are now trying to get back." "Was your train stopped by Carlists?" "No; the diligence." "Where did the Carlists go?" "I have no idea." 66 Where did you come from last ?" "Where are you going now ?" "To England," said Brooke; “and finally," he added, "allow me to show you this, which I am sure will establish my character in your eyes.” With these words he drew forth a paper, and handed it to Lopez. The latter took "Down with all Americans and priests!" | it, and one of the men lighted a bit of wood, which served as a torch, after which | Accordingly the ladies were taken away Lopez read the following: "HEAD-QUARTERS, VITORIA, May 10, 1873. "This is to certify that the bearer of this is an American citizen named Raleigh Brooke, and is correspondent of a New York journal. He has permission to traverse our lines in pursuit of his business. "CONCHA." Lopez read it over a second time. "A newspaper correspondent!" said he. "H'm! That means a spy." He handed it back again to Brooke, who replaced it in his pocket. "I'll think it over," continued Lopez. "I'll examine you both tomorrow, and inspect your papers. I'm too tired now. You may both go inside again where you were hiding before. We won't burn you up." At these last words the whole gang burst into a jeering laugh that foreboded something so horrible that the stout heart of Brooke quailed within him, as, followed by Talbot, he once more entered the old mill. CHAPTER XIV. HOW THE ANXIOUS RUSSELL SEEKS TO by some female attendants, while Russell, in company with Harry, was taken to their quarters on the opposite side of the great hall. Here they found themselves in an apartment which was very long, very wide, and very lofty. The roof was arched, and all the stones were of cyclopean dimensions. At one end there was an immense fire-place. On either side there were narrow windows, which on one side looked down on the front yard inside the wall, while on the other they commanded a view of one of the inner court-yards. Harry, on his first entrance into the room, walked about surveying the place, and noting these particulars by the lurid glow of the torches. On the whole, the prospect was highly unsatisfactory, and Harry turned away from this first survey with a feeling of mild dejection. There was scarcely anything in the room which deserved the name of furniture. In one corner there was a rude structure with straw on it, which was intended for a bed. Opposite this there was a ponderous oaken bench, and upon this old Russell seated himself wearily. Here he sat, and as Harry completed his survey of the apartment his eyes rested upon his unfortunate companion as he sat there, the picture of terror, despondency, and misery. Harry felt an involuntary pity for the man; and as his own flow of spirits was unfailing, he set himself to work to try and cheer him. "Well," said he, this is rather a dismal place, Russell; but, after all, it's better than being put in a vault underground." THE Russell party, on reaching the castle, were all conducted inside, where they found themselves in an arched hall which has already been described. Traversing this, they ascended the massive stairway at the end, and came to another large hall immediately above the lower one. This had once been the grand banqueting hall of the castle, and was less rough and se- "It's pup-precious kik-kik-cold," said vere in its appearance than other parts; Russell, his teeth chattering, partly from for while the walls elsewhere showed the cold and partly from terror. "This 'll unfinished faces of the rude blocks of bring on an attack of rheumatiz-that's stone, here there was an effort after some- what it's going to do. Oh, I know it!" thing like ornament; yet this was so 'Well, it is a little chilly, that's a slight that even here the general air was fact," said Harry, shrugging his shoulstill one of severe and austere grandeur. ders. "It's a pity we couldn't use that If Harry had cherished any hope of pro-fire-place. But what a tremendous firelonging his acquaintance with Katie, he place it is! Why, it's as big as a barn. was now destined to be disappointed; for What do you say to our amusing ourselves on reaching this upper hall they were in- by starting a fire? It would be great formed that they would have to be separated-the men to go in one direction and the women in another. This arrangement was partly for the comfort of both parties, but still more for their safe-keeping, since escape would thus be far more difficult. fun." "What with ?" HIS UNFORTUNATE COMPANION SAT THERE, THE PICTURE OF TERROR, DESPONDENCY, AND MISERY." "Why, with my pocket-knife, of course. We could whittle enough chips off it to make a good big fire, and still have enough left for a bench. In fact, we could get enough fuel off that for a dozen fires. Why, man, there must be at least a cord of wood in that bench. Whittling's rather slow work, it's true, but in a place like this it 'll be an occupation, and that's something. Prisoners go mad unless they have something to do; and so, just to save myself from madness, I mean to go in for fuel-unless you can think of something else that's better." Rattling out this in his usual lively fashion, Harry went to the bench, and began a solemn examination of it with a view toward whittling it up into fire-wood. Russell did not move, but regarded Harry with the same silent misery in his face. At last he spoke: "What did-did-do you think they're a-going to did-did-do?" "Who?" asked Harry. "Why, these people-that kik-kik-captured us." "These Carlists? Well, I don't know: seems to me they want to make some money out of us." "Why did they let all the Spaniards go and kik-kik-capture us?" "Oh, well, they think as we're English, we'll probably have more money about us than their own countrymen, and be safer plunder also." "Did-did-do you think they'll go so far as to pip-pup-plunder us?" asked Russell, in a voice of horror. "Haven't a doubt of it." "Oh Lord!" groaned the other. "What's the matter?" Russell gave a fresh groan. "This kik-kik-cursed kik-kik-country!" he at length ejaculated. "Oh, well," said Harry, "it isn't the country; it's the people." "Do you think they're really Kik-kikCarlists?" "Well, yes. I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be." "I was thinking that they might be bub-bub-bandits" |