ted very much to ask, but it was long
before I could muster the courage to do so.

"Colonel," I said at length, "I want to ask a rather queer question,
but I have reasons for it. Do you think the war will end in favour of
the Spaniards?"

"That depends," he answered, looking at me in surprise. "It certainly
will do so if our people quarrel among themselves, which is what the
enemy reckon on. That is their sheet-anchor, in fact."

"Would a clever man think they had a chance just now?"

"Why, yes," replied the colonel thoughtfully; "he might think they
stand an excellent chance."

"Thank you, sir," I said, and the incident of the preceding night
loomed up larger and uglier than ever.

Day had fairly broken when I sought Jose for the purpose of returning
home. I said nothing to him of my talk with the colonel, though the
remembrance of it kept running through my mind. On our return I found
my father alone, so I told him my suspicions, and asked his advice.

"It certainly has an ugly look, Jack," said he; "yet it may be easy of
explanation. For Rosa's sake, I hope Montilla isn't playing false. He
is in our counsels, and knows everything that goes on, so that he could
make the Spaniards pay high for his treachery."

"And if he is discovered?"

"He will be shot."

"And you couldn't save him, if you would?"

"I couldn't and wouldn't. A man may be a turncoat in good faith, but a
traitor--bah! But after all, my boy, it seems to me we are hunting a
fox that hasn't broken cover. This Lurena, whom Jose recognized, is no
friend of mine; and though he was an ensign in the Royalist army years
ago, it does not follow that he is a Royalist now. Ah, I have it!"
said he, in a tone of relief.

"What--an explanation?" I asked curiously.

"Yes; and the right one, I'll wager! It is through Lurena we get our
information of the enemy's doings! No doubt Montilla employs him as a
spy."

"Then why was he so put out at meeting with us?"

"Well, naturally he would not want his secret known."

My father's idea was feasible enough, but it did not altogether satisfy
me; yet what could I do? If Montilla were playing false, I seemed
almost as guilty in not denouncing him. But for Rosa's sake I could
not bring myself to act; and after all, it was merely a matter of
suspicion.

About three days before the sailing of the expedition I rode home to
spend the evening. Jose met me at the outer gate, and I saw in a
moment t