be that they will fall back here, but I cannot say yet. I did
intend to lead you through the forest and along a path I know by the
mountain-side; but it is possible that the French are there before us."

"And are these your plans of which you boasted?" cried the King
bitterly.

"No, sire," replied the _contrabandista_ bluntly. "Your Majesty's delay
has upset all those."

The King made an angry gesticulation.

"How could I help it?" he said bitterly. "Man, we have been hemmed in
on all sides. There, I spoke hastily. You are a tried friend. Act as
you think best. You must not withdraw your help."

"Your Majesty trusts me, then, again?"

"Trust you? Of course," said the King, holding out his hand, which the
smuggler took reverently and raised to his lips.

Then dropping it he turned sharply to the priest and the two prisoners.

"All a mistake, my friends. There," he added, with a smile, "I see you
are not afraid;" and noting Punch's questioning look, he patted him on
the shoulder before turning to Pen again. "Where are your guns?" he
said.

Pen pointed up to the loft.

"Get them, then, quickly. We shall have to leave here now."

He had hardly spoken before a murmur arose and swords were drawn, for
there was a quick step outside, a voice cried "_El rey_!" and one of the
smuggler's followers pressed through to whisper a few words.

"Ah!" cried the recipient, who turned and said a few words in Spanish to
the King, who rose to his feet, drew his rough cloak around him, and
stood as if prepared for anything that might come.

Just then Pen's voice was heard, and, quite free now, Punch stepped to
the door and took the two muskets that were passed down to him. Then
Pen descended with the cartouche-boxes and belts, and handed one to
Punch in exchange for a musket, and the two lads stood ready.

The smuggler smiled approval as he saw his young friends' prompt action,
and nodded his head.

"Can you walk?" he said.

Pen nodded.

"And can you fire a few shots on our behalf?"

"Try us," replied Pen. "But it rather goes against the grain after what
we have received. You only came in time."

"Yes, I know," replied the smuggler. "But there are many mistakes in
war, and we are all friends now."

The _contrabandista_ turned from him sharply and hurried to the door,
where another of his followers appeared, who whispered a few words to
him, received an order, and stepped back, while his leader turned to