d, from what he said, would willingly
have dissuaded her from the attempt.

"If we fear to run a risk for the purpose of obtaining an important end,
that end may never be gained," she answered; "and the time you look for,
Enrico, must be postponed," she added, playfully tapping him with her
fan on the arm; for, heroine as she was, she carried one. What woman,
indeed, with Spanish blood in her veins, would be without so useful an
implement?

The party were to continue for some days together, and then to separate
in various directions,--General Bermudez to return to the plains and
take command of his guerilla forces, which had already proved so
terrible a scourge to the Spaniards. Had they known how close he was to
them, with only a small band of followers, they would eagerly have
despatched a force to effect his capture.

The conversation at the supper-table was animated in the extreme, Padre
Pacheco taking an active part in it. After some time the general turned
to me. "You have heard, young gentleman, of the glorious cause in which
we are engaged," he said. "Many of the patriot leaders drew their
swords when younger than you are. We want every one with honesty and
courage to join us, and we claim you as a compatriot. Judging by your
looks, you will soon become expert in all the exercises required for a
leader; and I shall be glad to offer you a command in one of the brave
bands serving under me when you have gained sufficient experience."

I felt highly flattered at this address, though I scarcely knew what to
answer.

"I shall be ready, whenever called upon, to do my duty towards the
country of my birth," I answered at length; "but I am under my father's
orders, to whom my first duty is due, and I dare not pledge myself till
I have consulted him."

"Well spoken, young senor," remarked the general. "Knowing his
sentiments, I feel assured that he will not deny your request, and that
I may count upon you ere long as a follower."

"Surely the young Englishman will feel it the highest privilege he can
possess to fight in so glorious a cause," observed Donna Paola, looking
across the table at me with her beautiful eyes. "Say at once, my dear
young friend, that, with your father's permission, you will devote
yourself to the liberation of your native land. For what nobler task
can a human being live--or die, if needs be? For my part, I am ready to
sacrifice all I hold dear in life, and life itself, so that