long hours rolled slowly away.

CHAPTER XXI.

ROUGH JUSTICE.

I did not take much rousing in the morning, and even before remembering
the exact circumstances, felt oppressed by the weight of coming sorrow.
I breakfasted alone, Sorillo sending a profuse apology for not being
able to join me, though I was rather glad than otherwise at his absence.

Leaving the hut, I went into the ravine. There were perhaps a hundred
men in sight, all armed, and apparently waiting for some signal. Their
comrades, no doubt, had been dispatched on an errand, or were guarding
the neighbouring passes. In front of Don Felipe's hut stood a sentry,
and, somewhat to my surprise, I now noticed a second hut, slightly
lower down and similarly guarded.

"Two prisoners!" I thought. "I wonder who the other is? Sorillo did
not mention him."

Nearer the head of the ravine some soldiers were at work, and going
towards them I beheld a strange and significant sight. In the side of
the hill was a natural platform, broad and spacious, while round it
stretched in a semicircle a wide stone seat, which the men were
covering with bright red cloth. Below the platform stood a ring of
soldiers with impassive faces.

I was still wondering what this might mean, when Sorillo, touching my
arm, led me to the centre of the stone seat, saying, "Sit there; you
shall be a witness that the people of the Silver Key treat their
enemies justly."

Rather reluctantly I took the seat indicated. Sorillo sat next me, and
six officers, ascending the platform, took their places, three on
either side of us. That portion of the seat occupied by the chief was
slightly raised; but this, of course, makes no difference to the story.

At a signal from Sorillo the door of Don Felipe's hut was opened, and
the prisoner came out escorted by two armed men. The soldiers, opening
to right and left, made way for him, and by means of the boulders,
which served as steps, he climbed to the platform.

In spite of my prejudice against the man, I rejoiced to see how boldly
he held himself. He appeared to have summoned to his aid all the pride
of his dead-and-gone ancestors. He glanced contemptuously at the
gigantic Sorillo, and meeting my eyes, smiled defiantly. As to the
officers, he did not give them even a look.

[Illustration: He glanced contemptuously at the gigantic Sorillo.]

"Thank goodness," said I to myself, "no one can call Rosa's father a
coward!"

Then Sori