g the border of the garden, and distant a long way
from the house. A light was already burning in it, and a black
servant was at work within. There was a break in the fence, by
which they passed through without difficulty; and on entering the
hut, they found everything prepared for them.

On a table stood a dainty supper. The rooms were swept, and fresh
furniture had been placed in them. In these countries furniture is
of the slightest kind. A hammock, to swing in by day or sleep in by
night; a couple of cane chairs; and a mat, of beautifully woven
straw, for the floor. This is nearly all the furniture which is
required, in the tropics.

First the negro beckoned the boys into an inner room, and there, to
their intense delight, they saw a large tub full of water, and two
piles of clothes lying beside it.

Don Sagasta and his daughter, after a few more words, left them;
assuring them that they would be safe from observation there, but
that they must not stir out, during the day; and must keep the door
securely fastened, and must give no answer to anyone who might come
and knock, or call, unless to themselves, to the black who was now
with them, or his wife, who would accompany him, perhaps, the next
evening. Donna Anna herself promised that she would come and see
them the next morning, and that she hoped to find that they were
comfortable.

When left alone, the boys luxuriated in the bath; and then, having
put on fresh suits, they felt clean and comfortable once again. The
clothes were those used by the upper class of slaves, employed as
overseers. Don Sagasta had determined to get them some clothes of a
superior class; but he felt that it was better that, so long as
they were in hiding, they should be dressed in a costume which
would, should anyone perchance get a distant look at them, excite
no curiosity or surprise.

The boys ate a hearty supper; and then, throwing themselves into
the swinging hammocks, were soon fast asleep. They were up with
dawn, next morning, tidied up their room, and made all ready for
the visit of Donna Anna.

She soon appeared, having got rid of her little black maid, as upon
the morning before. She brought them a store of books, and among
them a Spanish dictionary and grammar. She told them that she
thought it would be of assistance, to pass away their time; and be
of the greatest use, for them to learn to speak as much Spanish as
possible; and that she was willing, when she could spar