epresented themselves to be.

"Be quick there," said the strangers, "for we have but a short time to
rest, and we must speedily be again on our road."

"What shall I do, Master David?" said Jose. "If we do not let them in
they will batter down the door; but still I do not like to disturb the
Senor Rexton. They do not look like robbers, so it is all right." With
the knowledge that the Indian concealed in the house was in all
probability the fugitive the officers were seeking, I felt that it was
all wrong, and would have given much to have kept them out; but still I
saw that it would be equally dangerous to attempt to do so. My heart
all the time was beating audibly with agitation; and I was afraid that
even Jose would suspect the secret. However, I replied, "Let them in,
Jose, by all means, and do you attend to what they require."

He accordingly withdrew the bolts and bars of the gate, and two chief
officers--alguazils they are called--and four subordinates made their
appearance.

Two of them remained without to take care of their horses. They were
all fierce, rough-looking fellows, armed with muskets, pistols in their
belts, and swords by their sides. The officers of justice (though I do
not think the name is a proper one) were often pardoned banditti,
cut-throats and robbers of the blackest dye, who were glad to accept the
office as an alternative for the garotte; and I believe our visitors
were of that description. The inferiors were Mestizos, half Indian and
half Spaniards by descent, with dark brown complexions and savage
countenances--altogether gentlemen of a very unprepossessing appearance.
They were accompanied by a dog, a huge, savage-looking hound, whom they
called by the very ugly name of Demonio. If he was a bloodhound, as at
first I thought he was, I felt that the detection of the Indian would be
certain.

"You were a long time opening the gate, friend," observed, one of them
as they strode into the house. "You took us for robbers, I suppose?"

"O no, Senor, not at all," said Jose; "but a servant should not let
strangers into the house without his master's leave."

"Is that young senor your master then?" inquired the alguazil.

"He is my master's son; my master is Senor Rexton, an Englishman, and he
is fast asleep," said Jose.

"Well, you need not disturb him then; all we want is food and shelter
for the night," replied the alguazil. "Be quick with the former, some
straw and blankets w