ry into other men's
affairs, and, being of an open confiding nature, was quite ready to take
his companion on trust, even though he had been less candid and engaging
in manner than he was. After explaining that he had been educated in
Edinburgh, and trained to the medical profession, he went on to say that
he had been hastily summoned to take charge of the sugar-mill at his
father's death, and that he had expected to find an old overseer, who
would have instructed him in all that he had to do in a business with
which he was totally unacquainted.

"You see," he continued, "my father always said that he meant to retire
on his fortune, and did not wish me to carry on the business, but, being
naturally an uncommunicative man on business matters, he never gave me
any information as to details. Of course, I had expected that his
manager here, and his books, would reveal all that I required to know,
but the soldiers have settled that question. Mill and books have gone
together, and as to manager, clerks, and servants, I know not where they
are."

"Scattered, no doubt," said Pedro, "here, there, and everywhere--only
too glad to escape from a neighbourhood which has been given up to fire
and sword by way of improving its political condition!"

"I know not," returned Lawrence, sadly. "But it would be useless, I
fear, to try to ferret them out."

"Quite useless," said Pedro. "Besides, what would it avail to talk with
any of them about the affairs of a place that is now in ashes? But if
your father spoke of his fortune, he must have had at least some of it
in a bank somewhere."

"True, but I don't know where. All I know is that he once mentioned
casually in one of his letters that he was going to Buenos Ayres, where
he had some property."

"Indeed!" exclaimed Pedro. "Come, that may help you to decide, for I am
myself going to Buenos Ayres, and can guide you there if disposed to go.
Only, you will have to make up your mind to a pretty long and hard
journey, for duty requires me to go by a devious route. You must know,"
he continued, lighting another cigarette, "that I am pledged to take
that girl to her father, who lives not far from Buenos Ayres."

He pointed as he spoke to Manuela, who, having laid her head on her
saddle, appeared to have fallen asleep.

"Her father must be a chief, I should think, to judge from her
dignified, graceful carriage, as well as her fine features," said
Lawrence in a low tone.

"Yes