"If my proposal be not to your liking, Senor Irlandes, say so; and
without fear of offence. All the same, you may rest assured of our
protection while you remain with us; and I shall do what I can to get
you safe out of the country. At all events, I won't send you back to
the Acordada gaol, and the tender care of its governor. So you can
speak frankly, without reserve. Are you willing to be one of us?"

"I am!" was the answer, given without further hesitation.

Why should he have either hesitated or said nay? In the heart of a
hostile country, an escaped prisoner, his life, as he felt sure,
forfeited should he be retaken. Joining Rivas and his Free Lances might
be his sole chance of saving it. Even had they been banditti, he could
not have done better then.

"Yes, Don Ruperto," he added; "if you deem me worthy of belonging to
your brotherhood, be it so. I accept your invitation."

"And your comrade, Don Cristoforo. Will he be of the same mind, think
you?"

"Sure to be. I take it I can answer for him. But you shall hear for
yourself. Rock!"

He called to the Texan, who, not understanding their dialogue, had
sauntered apart, chewing away at the Imperador.

"Wal, Cap; what's up now?" he asked on rejoining them.

"They're no robbers, Cris," said Kearney, speaking freely in their own
tongue.

"Gled to hear it. I didn't think they war--noways. Nor monks neyther,
I guess?"

"Nor monks."

"What then, Cap?"

"The same as yourself. Patriots who have been fighting for their
country, and got defeated. That's why they are here--in hiding."

"Yes, Cap; I see it all, clar as coon's track on a mud bar. Enemies o'
ole Santy, who've got beat it thar last risin'."

"Just so. But they expect another rising soon, and wish us to join
them. I've agreed, and said so. What say you?"

"Lordy, Cap; what a questun to be axed, an' by yurself! Sure this chile
air boun' to stick to ye, whatsomever ye do. Ef they'd been brigants, I
shed 'a put my conscience in my pocket, and goe'd in wi' 'em all the
same; s'long you're agreed. Nor I wudn't 'a minded turning monk for a
spell. But men who intend foughtin' for freedom? Haleluyah! Cris Rock
air all thar! Ye may tell him so."

"He consents," said Kearney, reporting to the Mexican; "and willingly as
myself. Indeed, Don Ruperto, we ought both to regard it as a grace--an
honour--to be so associated, and we shall do the best we can to show
ourselves worthy of