e flushed with the exercise, her eyes were bright and
sparkling; I had never seen her look so beautiful.

"Well, Juan," she cried saucily, "so you have sent away your band of
ragamuffins? I wonder how many of this lot will come back! Upon my
word, I feel half inclined to pity them."

This, of course, she said to tease me; because, if our men lacked
something in discipline, they were at least a match for the Spaniards
in bravery.

"You are pleased to be merry," said I, riding with her to the gate,
"but I hope you do not seriously think that the Spaniards have any
chance of winning."

"Why not? It is you who live in a fool's paradise Juan. Before long
the king's flag will be floating over Lima again."

She spoke so confidently that I looked at her uneasily. Was there
really a Royalist plot on foot, and did she know of it?

Perhaps I acted foolishly, but what I did was done with a good motive.

"Send your horse on," said I, "and let me walk with you to the house.
There is something on which I wish to speak seriously to you."

"Is it a penance for my sins?" she laughed, holding up her
riding-habit. "Please don't be too severe, Juan! Now begin, and I
will try to be good."

"To begin is not so easy as you think, Rosa; but first let me tell you
one thing--the Spaniards will never again be masters of Peru."

"Pouf!" cried she, tossing her head; "that is rubbish, and says little
for your understanding, Juan."

"I am sorry you don't believe it; yet it is true, nevertheless. There
are Royalists in Lima who hope otherwise, but they will be
disappointed. More than that, some of them who are working secretly
against us will meet with just punishment."

"What is that to me? I can't work for the king, being only a girl, but
no one can accuse me of hiding my opinions."

I could have laughed at that had I been in the mood for merriment. All
Lima knew that Peru did not contain a stancher Royalist than Rosa
Montilla.

"It is not of you I speak, but of the so-called Patriots, who are
sedulously plotting for the enemy. Already names have been mentioned,
and before long some of these people will be shot."

I think it was then she first began to suspect my meaning. Her eyes
flashed fire, and looking me full in the face, she cried,--

"What is all this to me? What have I to do with your wretched story?"

My face was hot, my forehead clammy with perspiration. I mumbled out
my reply like a toothless old woman.