to save Talbot's strength as much
as possible.

For about an hour more they walked along, until they came to where
the country was more open. The moon was shining brightly, and thus
far there had been no signs of life. But at this point there came up
sounds from the road before them which were not a little alarming.
Brooke laid himself upon the ground, and listened for some time.

"People are approaching," said he. "There is quite a large crowd.
They must be Carlists. It will be dangerous for us to go on any
farther. It will be better to hide here until they pass."

"Very well," said Talbot. "I quite agree with you. I should hate to
go back again."

There was on their right, not far from the road, an old windmill,
which stood upon a gently rising ground, and was quite a conspicuous
object. This caught the eye of Brooke as he looked all around.

"There," said he, "is the place for us. These fellows seem to be on
the march. They will soon pass by this and be gone. Let us hide in
the old mill."

Talbot at once assented. They then left the road and crossed the
fields. In a short time they reached the mill. It was deserted, and
the machinery was out of order, but otherwise it was in good
preservation. The door was open, and they entered. Having once
obtained this concealment, they stood in the door-way anxiously
watching. At length they saw a crowd of men come up along the road,
and these they regarded with quick-beating hearts.

"Brooke," said Talbot, in a whisper.

"What?"

"What shall we do if they come here?"

"That's a solemn question," said Brooke. "We ought to have something
to fall back on. Wait."

He went away for a few minutes, and then returned. As he came back to
the door Talbot pressed his arm and pointed. Brooke looked out.

To his horror the whole band had stopped, and some of them were
facing toward the mill as though about to approach it.

"What a mistake we've made!" said Brooke.

"They're coming here!" said Talbot, in a thrilling whisper. "What can
we do? Can we fly?"

"No," said Brooke; "they'll see us. We have only one hope. There's a
ladder here, and we can climb up into the loft. Come."

Taking Talbot's hand, Brooke led her to the ladder, and they climbed
up into the loft, where they sat listening.

Talbot's anticipation was too true. The band approached the mill, and
soon the two fugitives heard them all around.

CHAPTER XIII.

BROOKE AND TALBOT MAKE SEVERAL NEW ACQU