he shelter of a shed.

"I hope to goodness," whispered Poole, "that the poor fellow's told the
truth."

"Your father wouldn't have him shot if he had not, surely?"

Poole was silent for a few moments.

"I don't know," he said evasively.--"Yes, friends," he said, in answer
to a challenge in Spanish, "I want to speak to Don Ramon."

"He is asleep, senor, and must not be awakened," was the reply.

"I know he is asleep," said Poole sharply and authoritatively, "and he
must be awakened. It is a case of life or death."

The awakening was already performed, for at the sound of the lad's
half-angry voice the man he sought sprang up, revolver in hand, ready
for action.

"Yes?" he said. "Are they coming on?"

"No," replied Poole. "We have taken a spy, as we think, but he
professes to know you, sir, and asks to see you at once."

"I'll come," said the Don; and then turning to the lads with a smile:
"Friends are very scarce; I mustn't slight this one."

In another minute he was where the prisoner was anxiously awaiting his
coming, ready to utter a sigh of relief as the Don caught him in his
arms with--

"Miguel, my friend! What brings you here?"

"I knew you were in danger," was the reply.

"And you came to tell me--"

"Yes, and it was a risky task. What with your enemies and your
friends," he added meaningly, "I wonder that I am alive."

"Forgive me!" cried Don Ramon. "I had been looking upon you as one who
had forsaken me in my distress. But yes, you are right; I am in danger,
but still alive. Surely you have no worse news?"

"Yes, the worst."

"Well, tell me; I can bear anything now."

"You have beaten Villarayo off twice to-day."

"Yes, with the help of my friends," said the Don, turning in a courtly
way towards the English party. "And you have come to warn me that they
are just going to make another attack?"

"They are, but not yet. I have been with them at the risk of my life,
and I know that the men were so horribly discouraged by their losses
that they refused to attack again, and threatened to break up and return
to their homes; but at last Villarayo has prevailed upon them to stay,
and messengers went hours ago along the passes to Velova."

"Yes; what for?"

"With instructions that every fighting man from the fort and the
earthworks facing the sea, is to be withdrawn, and come through the
mountains to Villarayo's help. They will be here some time to-morrow,
and you must be overwhel