h all around it, seemed
restored to its wonted tranquillity.

But not so the breasts of Luisa Valverde and Ysabel Almonte. Far from
tranquil they; instead, filled with anxiety, keen as ever. And now, as
much on their own account as for those they had been aiding to escape.
In their haste to effect this, they had taken no thought of what was to
come after. But it was now forced upon them. As they looked back on
what they had themselves done--the part they had been playing, with all
its details of action--apprehensions hitherto unfelt began to steal over
them, growing stronger the longer they dwelt upon them.

But what would be the upshot of all?

What if the carriage got overtaken with the fugitives in it, and beside
them those knives and pistols, to say nothing of the file? A
gentleman's cloak too, with _mango_ and _serape_! Odd assortment of
articles for ladies to take out on an airing! They had no fear of the
_cochero_ betraying them; but this paraphernalia surely would, if it
fell into the hands of the pursuers. They might expect investigation,
anyhow; but these things, if produced, would bring about an exposure
unavoidable.

No wonder at their soon becoming seriously alarmed, henceforth nervously
agitated. And they had no one to take council with. Soon after their
coming home, Don Ignacio, seeing and hearing of what happened, had
sallied forth to make inquiries, and direct pursuit. Furious about his
fine carriage and horses carried off, he little dreamt that along with
them were his duelling pistols and blue broadcloth cloak.

Nor would it do to tell him of those matters, unless they made up their
minds to confess all, and fling themselves on his affection more than
his mercy. Of course he was still in the dark about their doings--
unsuspicious man--had not even been told who the _forzados_ were that
had taken away his equipage.

Closeted alone, for some time the alarmed ladies could not think of what
they ought to do. They did not yield to despair, however; instead, kept
on scheming and considering how they might meet the worst--if the worst
came.

But one way seemed plausible--even possible--that depending on Don
Ignacio. If they could prevail on him to tell a falsehood, all might be
well. Only to say the carriage had been made ready for a journey to his
_casa de campo_, whither he had intended to proceed that same evening,
taking his daughter and the Condesa along with him. That would expl