in a dream; the officers gazed
alternately at me and the native soldiers, as if doubting the evidence
of their senses.

"How many of you are followers of the Silver Key, and of Raymon
Sorillo?" I asked.

"All, all, master!" they cried.

"And those outside?"

"All, all!" they again shouted.

"I can trust you to help me?"

"To the death, master!" they cried with one voice.

At that I turned to the governor, saying with a smile, "The position is
changed, senor. I have but to raise my hand, and you will feel the
weight of your own irons. But there is no need to quarrel. Colonel
Miller will be here in a few days, and he shall decide between us.
Meanwhile we will guard the prisoner."

The governor nearly choked with anger, and threatened violently that as
soon as the colonel returned he would have us all shot. However, as it
was evident that the soldiers would obey my orders, he raised no
further objection to our taking Santiago away.

"By St. Philip," exclaimed the major, "the room was hot! Are you a
magician, Crawford?"

"Upon my word I begin to think so. At any rate, I possess a magical
key."

"Which has saved our lives," observed Jose grimly.

"And I suspect," laughed Santiago, "that once upon a time it unlocked
the door of a prison cell! But won't those natives suffer for this?"

"I don't think so. They are too strong, and their chief has more power
in Peru than the viceroy and San Martin combined."

"You know him, then?"

"Yes, and so does Jose. He has done me good service, for which I am
grateful, though I could never like the man. But here we are at the
house. The good folk will wonder at our bringing an uninvited guest."

Fortunately a room had been set apart for us, so we could talk at our
ease. I was burning to tell Jose about my father, but first of all we
had to come to an understanding with Santiago. This time he made no
demur at giving his parole. "In fact," said he gaily, "you have forced
my hand, and I have no choice."

"So much the better," remarked Jose; "we may as well be comfortable
together till the colonel arrives."

"And after that we may be hanged comfortably together!" laughed the
major. "How do you like the prospect?"

"I can trust Miller. He is an honourable man, and will do what is
right. It is Crawford who will suffer for inciting the troops to
mutiny."

"Jose," said I presently, "I haven't told you that Major Mariano is an
old friend of mine."

"And