t to his friends was
going on, the watchman had cast significant glances at Felix.

"Was it a part of the conspiracy," Nestor asked, facing the three men,
"to abduct Fremont if he left New York? Or was it the intention to
murder him there?"

Don Miguel turned to Nestor with a sneer on his rather handsome face.
It was evident that he did not relish being questioned by a mere youth.

"I know nothing of the urchin to whom you refer," he said, scornfully.
"I do not deal with precocious infants."

Nestor checked an angry rejoinder, and Don Miguel directed his
attention to Lieutenant Gordon, whom he seemed to consider more worthy
of his notice.

"Down there on the mountain side," the diplomat said, "you promised to
further inform me as to the reasons for my being held a prisoner,
deprived of freedom of action. I am waiting for you to speak."

Lieutenant Gordon smiled and referred the diplomat back to the boy.

"I know very little about the matter," he said. "I am working under
orders from Washington, definite orders, which leave me virtually under
the direction of Mr. Nestor. If you ask him to do so, he may be
willing to go into the details of the matter with you."

"Must I deal with the infant class in such an important matter?"
demanded the other. "Then perhaps, you will condescend to do as the
lieutenant suggests," he added, turning back to Nestor, with a look of
helpless rage on his face.

"I have no objection whatever," replied Nestor, seeing in the request a
chance to inform the lieutenant, in the presence of the prisoner, of
the exact status of the case, and also to observe the effect upon the
latter of a statement dealing with the particulars of his treasonable
actions.

"Proceed, then, my boy," said Don Miguel, patronizingly.

"A few weeks ago," Nestor began, only smiling at the weak condescension
displayed, "you entered into correspondence with Mr. Cameron, of New
York City, with reference to the purchase of arms and ammunition in
large quantities. At first your letters met with prompt answers, for
Mr. Cameron was in the business of selling the class of goods you had
opened negotiations for. Then your letters grew confidential, finally
suggesting a private arrangement between Mr. Cameron and yourself under
which the arms and ammunition to be purchased were to be delivered to
secret agents on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande."

Don Miguel's face was now working convulsively, his hands, clenche