r, but His Majesty has issued strict orders, which
must be obeyed. Each foreigner must be examined by himself. The
regulations are very stringent."

With this he directed one of his men to lead the prisoner away; and
Ashby, who for a moment had hoped that he would be able to join the
Russell party, now, to his great chagrin, found himself led away to
another place too distant to allow of any communication with his
friends.

The mere fact of this arrest was not so bad to Ashby, since the
others were in the same case precisely; but in this continued
separation from them he found material for fresh suspicion and
renewed jealousy. Katie seemed to him to be altogether too bright,
and lively, and joyous. He could see that she was laughing and
talking with Harry quite merrily. This separation, which brought
sorrow to him, evidently brought joy to her. Was she, then, after
all, a mere shallow flirt? Had all her love been feigned? Was it
possible that she could so soon forget? With these thoughts, and
others like them, this idiotic youth persisted in tormenting himself.

At length the examination was ended, and at its close the Carlist
chief improved the occasion by addressing a few words to the
Spaniards. He reminded them that Don Carlos was their rightful king;
that this contribution was no more than his due; that they, one and
all, ought to cherish a lively affection for his sacred person; that
they ought to continue this good work which they had begun by sending
more; and that the king would be graciously pleased to accept
whatever they might contribute. In his own person the gallant
chieftain thanked them, and also in the name of His Majesty, for
their generous contributions. Finally, he informed them that His
Majesty, in his boundless pity and compassion, had graciously
permitted them to resume their journey. The only exception to this
permission was that of a few foreigners, who were detained, lest
there might be spies among them. Against gentry of this sort, His
Majesty's government had to be particularly on their guard. The
country was swarming with them. They generally pretended to be news
correspondents, but in reality they were paid agents of the enemy. If
any such should be caught, they would be shown no mercy.

With this address he dismissed the Spanish portion of the passengers,
who hastily re-entered the train. The English prisoners were allowed
to retain their luggage. Accompanied by some Carlists, they cho