hat something had happened.

"What is it?" I asked. "Have you come to meet me?"

"Yes. Send your horse on; I want to talk to you."

We walked across the park out of earshot, when Jose said in a whisper,
as if still fearful of being overheard,--

"He is here again."

"He!" said I; "who?"

"Lurena. He went into Don Felipe's house half an hour ago."

"Well, what of that? You know what my father said."

I spoke boldly, as if there could be nothing in the business; but Jose
smiled grimly.

"Look here, Jack," said he at length, "we can easily settle this
affair. If Montilla is innocent, there's no harm done; if he's
guilty--well, better for one to suffer than thousands."

"What do you propose?"

"To waylay this Lurena. He is almost certain to have papers on him
which will tell all we wish to know."

"I can't do it, Jose. Don Felipe is Rosa's father, and I am reluctant
to bring trouble to her."

"Would you rather sacrifice your own father and mother?"

"How dare you ask such a question, Jose?" I cried angrily.

"I dare anything for my master," said he, unmoved. "If the Spaniards
win, your father is doomed, and you also, while your mother will be a
beggar. See, Jack, I have no right to speak thus, but I can't help it.
With or without your help, I intend getting to the bottom of this
matter."

I knew Jose of old, and that once his mind was made up, no amount of
threats or coaxing would turn him from his purpose.

"If your father is right," he continued, "so much the better--the
knowledge will make our minds easy; but I can't and won't stand this
suspense any longer."

In a sense I was completely in his power. Whether I went or not he
would go, and by himself would most certainly proceed to extreme
measures.

"Very well, Jose," I said reluctantly, after weighing the matter in my
mind, "have your own way."

"There is no other," he replied. "Come, let us go to the workshop and
get a few tools."

I did not know his plan, but it was evident he had thought it all out.
First he made a simple but effective gag; then he selected a long piece
of thin but tough rope, several strips of hide, a large rug, and a tiny
lantern.

"Now," said he with a chuckle, "I think we shan't have much trouble
with Mr. Lurena."

On our way to the lane he told me his plan, and gave me full directions
as to my share in it. The night was dark, but we moved quietly,
speaking only in whispers, and straining our ears for