. Nobody shall say we're not magnanimous. But bein' as there's
nobody there, shure, the best thing for us to do is to go over at onct and
raysume possission."

With these words the monarch retired to give orders to his men, and in a
short time the whole band, together with their prisoners, had passed over
and had taken possession.

CHAPTER LX.

IN WHICH THE KING COMES TO CLAIM HIS OWN.

The party of prisoners was conducted by "His Majesty" to that upper room
which had formerly been occupied by the ladies. Mrs. Russell clung to the
royal person as fondly as ever. It was a critical hour in the destinies of
Spain.

"Where's Rita," cried "His Majesty," "that cook of cooks? It's starvin' we
are. I haven't seen her anywheres. I'll go an' hunt her up."

With these words he hurried out, followed by Mrs. Russell. They descended
the stairs, and their footsteps died away in the distance. No one was now
with the prisoners except the wounded Republicans.

"Let us fly!" said Harry, in a quick, sharp whisper.

He hurried Katie to the chimney, and, clambering up, drew her after him.
The others followed at once. Dolores came next to Harry.

"I know a secret way out," said she. "I will show the way. Let me go
ahead. I know it in the dark."

"Do you?" said Harry. "Oh, then go ahead."

Upon this Dolores took the lead along with Ashby; Harry and Katie came
next, while Brooke and Talbot brought up the rear, these last being full
of wonder at this unexpected revelation of the passage-way.

By this time each member of the party had gained a full and complete
comprehension as well as appreciation of the present state of things, both
with reference to the old lover, and also the new one. Embarrassment had
now passed away, and all were full of hope, joy, and enthusiasm.

Suddenly a hollow groan sounded through the darkness.

"Who's there?" cried Ashby, in Spanish.

"Help! help!" said a faint voice, in English.

"An Englishman!" cried Ashby, speaking in English. "Who are you?"

"Oh, help! help! I'm a prisoner. A fiend has me in her power! Once I was
named Russell, but now--oh! oh! my name is Rita!"

Full of wonder, Ashby felt his way forward, and found a man on the floor.
His legs and arms were tied. He was almost speechless, partly from terror
and partly from joy. In a few words he told his story, which need not be
repeated here.

Rita had bound him, and had only left him a short time before at the
sudden noise of