we've been
speaking of. That's just why I ask you to take me with you. It will
never do to offend his High Mightiness, angry as we may be with him.
I'm now sorry at having shown temper; but how could I help it, hearing
Ruperto called a robber? However, that may be all for the best. So,
upstairs; turn out your _guarda-roba_, and your jewel case; array
yourself in your richest apparel, and be in readiness for the gilded
coach when it comes round. _Carramba_!" she added after drawing out her
jewelled watch,--one of Losada's best--and glancing at its dial, "we
haven't a moment to spare, I must be off to my toilet too."

She had made a step in the direction of the street, when suddenly
turning again she added--

"As a last word, lest I might forget it. When next you appear in the
Grand Presence drop that forlorn doleful look. Misery is the weakest
weapon either man or woman can make use of--the very worst advocate in
any cause. So don't show it, especially in the company of Don Carlos
Santander, where in all likelihood you will be before the end of another
hour. Try to look cheerful, put on your sweetest smile, though it be a
feigned one, as I intend doing for Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna."

She took her departure now; but as she passed out through the _saguan_ a
cloud could be seen upon her countenance, more than that from the shadow
of the arched gateway, telling that she herself needed quite as much as
her friend, admonition to be cheerful.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

IN THE SEWERS.

Along with a score of other prisoners, the "chain-gang" of the Acordada,
Kearney, Rock, Rivas, and the dwarf were conducted out into the street,
and on the Calle de Plateros. Dominguez, the gaoler, went with them--
having received orders to that effect--carrying a heavy _cuarta_ with
hard raw-hide lash knotted at the end. Their escort consisted of two or
three files of the prison guard, dirty looking soldiers of the
_infanteria_, in coarse linen uniforms, stiff shakoes on their heads,
their arm the old-fashioned flint-lock musket.

The scavengers had still their ankle chains on, coupled two and two,
these lengthened, however, to give more freedom to their work. One
reason for keeping them chained is to economise the strength of the
guard, a single sentry thus being as good as a dozen. Of course, it is
an additional precaution against escape, a thing which might seem
impossible under the muzzles of muskets and bayonets fixed