n is he not with them? What is his object in going out there
and posing in that way?"

"I wish I could answer your questions. Perhaps our captain suspects we
are dreaming of escape and he has sent out guards to watch the Castle
from all sides."

"It seems more likely to me that he came from the small boat; he may
be a messenger from General Yozarro."

"If so, his action is inexplicable. If a messenger, he would hurry to
the Castle and deliver his message."

"Perhaps he has done so and is going away."

While all was conjecture, the man moved. It was then noted that he
carried no gun though he doubtless had smaller weapons. He turned
slowly about, facing the other way, strode a dozen steps or so and
then passed from sight. Thinking he might appear again the two watched
the spot for the following half hour, during which he was not seen
again. Then, looking in the direction of Atlamalco they were unable to
detect any trace of the finger of smoke which had faded out and which
they thought might come to view again.

"General Yozarro may have sailed further up the river," suggested the
Senorita.

"What could he hope to accomplish by that, except to run away from
General Bambos?"

"He may turn into the main stream, where it bifurcates, and come down
to the junction, when he can steam up to Zalapata."

"Let us stop speculating about him. Just now I am more interested in
the stranger, and, as sure as I live, there he is again!"

The brief twilight was already closing in, when the form of a
man--presumably the one whom they had already noted--came into view at
the point where he was first observed. Instead of pausing as before,
he continued to advance toward the plateau on which stood the Castle.
His pace was an ordinary one, showing neither haste nor hesitation. It
was a striking proof of the shortness of the tropical twilight that
although the flickering figure steadily drew nearer, it as steadily
grew more indistinct. When his head and shoulders rose over the edge
of the plateau, it was almost impossible to see his countenance,
though no doubt remained that he was an Atlamalcan soldier. A little
closer approach and he was hidden from the sight of the watchers in
the upper story.

The interior was now so dark that they descended to where the lamp
supported by the bracket at the side of the wall, was lighted. At the
same moment, the knock of the servant Juanita sounded, and she brought
their evening meal. The Senor