illa is a fox, Jack, and has made a good bargain for himself, no
doubt. I expect he obtained the general's written promise to confirm
him in all his estates. And if so," he concluded gloomily, "yours form
part of them."

"He shall not keep them," I cried angrily, "whatever San Martin has
promised!"

"No; but we must not quarrel openly until the Spaniards are done with.
Montilla has influence, and no doubt San Martin finds him useful. But
don't take it to heart, Jack; we will defeat him in the end."

"If we don't," said I grimly, "it will be because the son has followed
the father. And that reminds me, do you think Montilla knows what
actually happened to my father? It always seemed strange to me that
Rosa should learn of that affair so quickly."

"You don't suspect--"

"That he had a hand in his death? No, hardly that, though he is
mean-spirited enough for it. But it struck me that, being high in the
viceroy's favour, he probably knew what was going on."

"That is possible at least."

"Probable, I should say. However, to-morrow I intend putting the
question to him."

"Do you mean that you are going to interview him on the subject?"

"Why not? There can be no harm in asking a straightforward question."

"Mind you don't lose your temper, my boy. It's dangerous work rousing
a venomous snake until its poison bag is extracted."

"Never fear, Jose. I have learned how to take care of myself during
the last few months. Thanks to you and the colonel, I have done some
hard practising. And now turn in. It will seem strange to sleep in
one's own bed again, won't it?"

"Make the most of it," advised he laughingly. "It may be a long time
before you have another chance."

I felt very tired, and yet it was long before I fell asleep. I was
angry at Montilla's double-dealing, sorry for Rosa, my old playmate,
and agitated by a thousand vague doubts and suspicions.

In the morning I rose very little refreshed, had a simple breakfast in
my room, and went to find Jose. He had already returned from an early
visit to the camp, and brought word that matters were still in the same
state. The Spaniards remained sheltered under the guns of the
fortress, and San Martin, knowing their provisions were almost
exhausted, would not attack.

Presently we were joined by my mother, who made Jose happy by praising
him for his care of me. Then we took a stroll round the grounds,
looked in at my workshop, where my half-pa