dozen or move of them if they make the attempt.
If they come with authority to search for your father, I intend that
they shall find me seated at table writing despatches to the English
Government; and I shall have the same flag I used before hung over my
head. If they inquire for the doctor, I'll tell them the fact, that he
left this house some hours before they came into the city; and that if
he has a swift horse, he is probably leagues away to the north, south,
east, or west, to join his family. If that does not satisfy them, I'll
shrug my shoulders, send a puff of smoke in their faces from my cigar,
and go on writing my despatches."

I could not help laughing at the honest Irishman's coolness. His plan
seemed the best that could be adopted, and I hoped that it might
succeed. Paul said he should remain with his mule in the courtyard, and
should the Spaniards come to the house, he would move away crying his
wares, hoping thus to escape being questioned.

Fortunately I had told neither Mr Laffan nor Paul that my father was at
Don Cassiodoro's; although, seeing me in the livery of that family, they
might have suspected where he was. As it was important to get back to
Don Cassiodoro's without delay, and finding that no one was near, I
slipped out at the gate, and passing along some back streets, made my
way to his house.

My father was greatly grieved when he heard that Doctor Cazalla and the
Monteverdes had been arrested and sent off to Bogota. He was too well
acquainted with General Murillo's bloodthirsty nature not to feel the
greatest possible fear for their safety.

"That Spanish tiger has sworn to stamp out every spark of liberty in the
land, and to destroy all those who are capable of rekindling it," he
observed; "we must, however, try what can be done. Let me consider."

He was silent for a quarter of an hour or more. At last, looking up, he
said, "Duncan, I can trust to your judgment and energy, and also to
those of Mr Laffan. I will send you and him to Bogota, with letters to
various friends who are likely to interest themselves on behalf of the
prisoners. They may be the means of preserving their lives for the
present, and of ultimately obtaining their liberty."

"I am ready to start this instant," I replied; "so is Mr Laffan, I am
sure, for the excitement he has gone through has cured his fever. We
may push on ahead, and get there before them."

"Neither are you nor Mr Laffan in a fit state