ourse, mere outside show. He
was too proud to let his captors see his real distress; but his acting
did not deceive me.

We had reached the market-place, and I was wondering at the absence of
the soldiers, when Jose suddenly appeared, coming from the governor's
house. On seeing us, he approached, saying, "You have been a long
time. I began to think you had missed your way."

"The guide was late in the first place, as the doctor would not take
the nearest way, and we did not hurry. But where are the troops?"

"Off again!" said he, his eyes twinkling: "the colonel has gone for a
little jaunt of ninety miles or so to intercept a Spanish column.
Thank goodness, we have missed that!--How did you leave your men,
major?"

"One is dying, I fear," replied Santiago; "but the others will soon be
all right, unless your doctor kills them!"

"I was sorry to send him," said Jose, "but I had no choice. He was the
only one in the place available. He didn't offer his services, I can
assure you."

"I can well believe it," laughed the major. "The poor fellow was half
dead with fright when he reached us, and vows he will never risk the
danger of getting down again."

"We must have him tied to the rope, and lowered like a sack of
potatoes. Meanwhile, what is to be done with you?"

"The only suggestion I can make is that you set me free!"

"Perhaps I had better report to the governor," observed Jose
thoughtfully. "He is Colonel Miller's representative. I daresay he
will parole you till the chief comes."

"No, no!" cried the major hastily; "I've done with paroles! From this
moment I consider myself free to escape."

"To _try_," corrected Jose. "Well, the effort will fill up your time,
and keep you from being idle. Of course," he added, "it will change
the position a little. We can still remain on friendly terms, only I
must not forget to load my pistol. And now let us interview the
governor."

A sentry stood at the outside gate, and several soldiers were in the
courtyard; but passing through, we entered the house, and found
ourselves in the governor's presence. He was a military-looking man,
though holding no rank in the army--a Spaniard who had recently come
over from the enemy. Two or three officers were in the room, and a
young man sat at a table, writing.

Jose told his story briefly, concluding with a proposal that the
prisoner should be left in his charge until Colonel Miller's return.

"There is a mor