may be fatal to him, as he
is sure to stand by you."

"Don't hesitate on my account, Jose," said I. But the major's words
had made an impression, and a shadow of annoyance flitted across my
companion's brow.

However, there was little time for thinking. We heard the tramp, tramp
of marching feet, and presently Rincona entered, followed by about a
dozen soldiers.

"The irons!" roared the governor, beside himself with passion; "where
are the irons?"

"I have sent for them, sir," replied Rincona.

"You might have spared yourself the trouble," remarked Jose; "they
shall not be put on."

"Yes, yes!" exclaimed Santiago; "what does it matter? Better so than
that you two should lose your lives."

I looked at Jose. His lips were set like a vice, and I knew that no
power on earth could move him now. The situation was decidedly
unpleasant, and unfortunately there seemed to be no way out. True, he
might kill the governor, but that would only still further complicate
matters.

The soldiers, as usual, stood with impassive faces; the affair was none
of theirs, save so far as obeying orders went. The officers were
restless and uneasy, and one of them kept up a whispered conversation
with the governor, who listened impatiently, and from time to time
shook his head.

At last two other men arrived, bearing a set of heavy irons, and once
again Santiago turned appealingly, but without effect, to Jose.

One might have heard a pin drop when the governor, sheltering behind
his officers, cried in a loud voice, "Put that man in irons!"

"Stand still!" said Jose, raising his pistol, and speaking in the
Indian dialect.

How the dispute would have ended I cannot tell, but at that moment a
happy inspiration flashed into my mind. The soldiers were all Indians,
and judging by their appearance, Indians of the mountains. Was it
possible that any of them acknowledged the authority of the Silver Key?
If so, we were safe. It was a poor chance, but there seemed to be no
other.

Trembling with impatience, I opened my shirt at the neck, and drew
forth the brigand chief's gift. At first no one took any notice; but
when I held the key to view, the Indians raised a shout of mingled joy
and surprise. Then I looked at Santiago and laughed, saying, "We are
safe!"

The Indians jabbered away in their own language, talking with one
another, and pointing to the emblem of authority which hung from my
neck. The governor stood like a man