he laid it carefully down. Then he held up the
torch and allowed its light to fall into the niche, so as to see that
all was secure; after which, feeling fully satisfied with his work,
and experiencing a great sense of relief, he descended from his
perch. Shortly after he extinguished the torch, and then, stretching
himself out on the bed beside Harry, he resigned himself to oblivion.

CHAPTER XV.

IN WHICH RUSSELL UNDERGOES AN EXAMINATION.

Early on the following morning Russell was roused from sleep by a
messenger, who made a peremptory demand for him to rise and follow.
Harry explained that he was wanted by the Carlist chief for
examination, and reproached him for not having concealed the bonds
the previous night; at which reproachful words Russell showed no
signs of dejection, as Harry had expected, but, on the contrary, to
his amazement, seemed to have upon his face a slight air of triumph,
regarding him with a self-satisfied smile and a cunning leer which
puzzled him greatly. This strange and unexpected change in Russell,
from terror and despair to peace of mind and jocularity, was a puzzle
over which Harry racked his brains for some time, but to no purpose.

Meanwhile Russell was led away. He didn't take up any time with his
toilet, for the unfortunate man saw nothing with which he could even
wash his face. However, he made no complaint, and for a very good
reason, since he could not speak a word of Spanish; and, moreover, he
still felt so joyful over his concealment of the treasure, that he
was able to bear with considerable equanimity all the lesser ills of
life.

In a few minutes he found himself ushered into the presence of the
Carlist chief. The latter was seated upon a chest, over which some
rugs were spread. Another chest was also there, upon which he signed
to Russell to be seated.

"Ye doesn't spake Spanish?" said the chief.

At these words Russell started and stared in surprise. The words were
English, with an accent that was not altogether unfamiliar. It seemed
a good omen.

"Do you speak English?" he exclaimed.

"A throifle," said the chief. "I had a frind that learned me a few
sintincis av it; so I doesn't moind spakin it, as it'll be more
convaynient for both av us. Ye must know, thin, that, in the first
place, I lamint the necessichood that compils me to arrest the loikes
av you, but I've got arders from me military shupariors, an' I've got
to obey thim, so I have. It's no us