errand of death, indeed!" said he, in tones which, although
suppressed, were distinctly audible to the muleteer. "Zumalacarregui is
no more."

In his consternation at the intelligence thus unwittingly conveyed to
him, Paco forgot for a second the caution rendered imperative by his
position. A half-smothered exclamation escaped him, and by an
involuntary start he raised his head completely above the window-sill.
As he did so, he fancied he saw Don Baltasar glance at the window, and
in his turn slightly start; but the sun had already passed the horizon,
the light was waning fast, and Colonel Villabuena took no further
notice, but remained talking with his companion, Paco made sure that he
had either not seen him, or, what was still more probable, not
remembered his face. Nevertheless the muleteer retreated from the window
that no part of him might be seen, and strained his hearing to catch
what passed.

He missed a sentence or two, and then again heard Colonel Villabuena's
voice.

"Most disastrous intelligence, indeed!" he said, "and as unexpected as
disastrous. I will proceed to the general's quarters and get the
particulars."

The officers separated; Don Baltasar walking rapidly away, as Paco, who
now ventured to look out, was able to ascertain. Satisfied that he had
escaped the peril with which for a moment he had thought himself
menaced, he left the window and returned to his bench. But Don Baltasar
had sharper eyes and a better memory than the muleteer gave him credit
for. He had fully recognized Paco, whom he had several times seen in
attendance on the count, and, without troubling himself to reflect how
he could have made his escape, he at once decided what measures to take
to neutralize its evil consequences. Had Paco remained an instant longer
at his post of observation, he would have seen the Colonel stop at a
house near at hand, in which a number of soldiers were billeted, summon
a corporal and three men, and retrace his steps to the tavern. Leaving
two of the soldiers outside the house, with the others he burst into the
room occupied by the muleteer.

At the moment of their entrance, Paco, who, although he had heard their
footsteps in the passage, did not suspect the new-comers to be other
than some of the usual customers to the tavern, had taken up the heavy
earthen jug in which his wine had been brought, and was decanting from
it into his glass a last mouthful that still remained at the bottom. No
soo