, and sat gossiping with Concha over
their embroidery.

But there was no doubt about the matter. Dolores was gone, and the eye
of El Sarria fell upon a notice rudely printed with a pen and inserted
in a corner of the little square trap-door by which it was possible to
survey a visitor without opening the door.

"Any who have letters, packages, or other communications for
persons lately residing in this house, are honourably requested
to give themselves the trouble of carrying them to the Mill of
Sarria, where they will receive the sincere thanks and
gratitude of the undersigned

"LUIS FERNANDEZ."

Ramon saw it all. He knew now why his friend had arranged for his death
at the mouth of the secret hiding-place. He understood why there was no
talk about Dolores at the inn. She was under the protection of the most
powerful man in the village, save the alcalde alone. Not that Ramon
doubted little Dolores. He would not make that mistake a second time.

But they would work upon her, he knew well how, tell her that he was
dead, that Luis Fernandez has been his only friend. He recollected, with
a hot feeling of shame and anger, certain speeches of his own in which
he had spoken to her of the traitor as his "twin brother," the "friend
of his heart," and how even on one occasion he had commended Dolores to
the good offices of Luis when he was to be for some weeks absent from
Sarria upon business.

He turned the lamp once more on the little announcement so rudely traced
upon the blue paper. A spider had spun its web across it. Many flies had
left their wings there. So, though undated, Ramon judged that it was by
no means recent.

"Ah, yes, Don Luis," he thought grimly, "here is one who has a message
to leave at the mill-house of Sarria."

But before setting out Ramon Garcia went into the little fagot-house,
and sitting down upon a pile of kindling-wood which he himself had cut,
he drew the charges of his pistols and reloaded them with quite
extraordinary care.

Then he blew out his lantern and stepped forth into the night.

* * * * *

At the venta the three adventurers supped by themselves. Their Gallegan
retainer did not put in an appearance, to the sorrow of Mons. Etienne
who wished to employ him in finding out the abiding-place of the
faithless but indubitably charming Dona Concha.

However, the Gallegan did not return all night. He had, in fact, gone to