een here to aid
them. But, after all, what can I do? My father would, I know, do
anything for my sake; and I have told him how this lad jumped
overboard, to save my life; but there is one here greater than he,
that terrible Inquisition. These boys are heretics, and it will be
impossible to conceal, for any time, from the priests that they are
here. Still, at any rate, for a time we might hide them; and in
gratitude only, I would do all in my power for them."

Ned watched her face, as these thoughts passed through her mind. He
saw at once that she was willing to do all in her power, but saw
also that there were difficulties in the way.

"Poor boy," she said, looking at him kindly; "you must be hungry,
indeed," and, taking an ivory mallet, she struck a gong which hung
in the arbor, and made signs to Ned to retire for the present.

The little black girl came running out.

"I have changed my mind," her mistress said. "Let my breakfast be
sent out here to me, instead of indoors. And I am hungry. Tell the
cook to be sure and let it be a good one, and as soon as possible."

Much surprised by these orders, the black girl again left her.

"My father has gone to town," she said to the boys, when they
joined her. "When he comes back, I will ask him what can be done.
It will not be easy to hide you, for these negroes chatter like so
many parrots; and the news will spread all over the town that some
English boys are here, and in that case they will take you away,
and my father would be powerless as I to help you."

The black cook was, indeed, astonished at the demolition of the
breakfast effected by her young mistress; but she put it down to
the fact that she must have given a large portion of it to her
dogs, of which one or more were generally her companions, in the
garden.

Fortunately, on the present occasion, the great bloodhound Zeres
had gone down into the town with his master. Of this, however, the
cook knew nothing; and muttered to herself somewhat angrily, as she
saw the empty dishes which were brought back to her, "that it was a
sin to give, to that creature, a meal which was sufficient for five
noblemen."

When Senor Sagasta returned to his beautiful villa, in the
afternoon, his daughter at once confided to him what had happened.
He entered warmly into her scheme for the aid and protection of the
lads, and expressed himself willing to do anything that she could
suggest.

"But," he said, "you know as well as