he sergeant at El Nino Perdita let them pass through without so
much as challenging. His account is that, seeing the carriage belonged
to one of your Excellency's Ministers, he never thought of stopping it,
and should not. Why should he, Sire?"

This touch of obsequious flattery seemed to mollify the Dictator's
wrath, or it had by this otherwise expended itself, as evinced by his
rejoinder in a more tranquil tone. Indeed, his manner became almost
confidential.

"Don Pedro," he said, "I'm satisfied with the explanation you give, so
far as regards your own conduct in the affair. But now, tell me, do you
think the ladies who were in the carriage had anything to do with the
drawing up of the horses? Or was it all an accident?"

"Will your Excellency allow me a moment to reflect? I had thought
something of that before; but--"

"Think of it again. Take time, and give me your opinion. Let it be a
truthful one, Don Pedro; there's much depending on it."

Thus appealed to, the gaol-governor stood for a time silent, evidently
cudgelling his brains. He made mental review of all that had been told
him about the behaviour of the young ladies, both before they were
turned out of the carriage and after. He was himself aware of certain
relations, friendly at least, supposed to exist between one of them and
one of the escaped prisoners, and had thought it strange, too, that
particular equipage being chosen. Still, from all he could gather,
after ample inquiry, he was forced to the conclusion that the thing was
unpremeditated--at least on the part of the ladies.

This was still his belief, after reflecting as he had been enjoined to
do. In support of it he stated the facts as represented to him, how the
Senoritas had been forced from their carriage, almost pitched into the
street, their costly dresses dirtied and damaged, themselves showing
wildest affright. Still, this was strange, too, on the part of the
Condesa; and, in fine, Don Pedro, after further cross-questioning, was
unable to say whether there had been connivance or not.

After giving such an unsatisfactory account of the matter he was
dismissed, rather brusquely; and returned to the Acordada, with an ugly
apprehension that instead of continuing governor of this grand gaol,
with a handsome salary and snug quarters, he might ere long be himself
the occupant of one of its cells, set apart for common prisoners.

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.

THE REPORT OF THE PU