rs, as well as many
officers belonging to the Government troops. I noticed them interchanging
looks as I told them my story, and presently we pulled up by the roadside
at a little inn on the French side of the frontier. We were to wait there
for some little time while the horses were changed, and we were glad to
get out and stretch our limbs after our bumping experiences.

I watched them getting out of the coach, and it was quite evident to me
that, considering they were ladies, they were blessed, each of them, with
a very useful, handsome pair of understandings. I went inside the little
inn, which boasted only, as far as I could see, one little room besides
the big kitchen, and was having some tea when one of the ladies came into
the room and, to my surprise, closed the door, put her back against it
and said, "Will you promise not to give us away if we confide in you?" I
said, "Certainly. I am not old enough yet to have given any ladies away,
and I am not going to begin just now; so tell me anything you like. If I
can help you I will."

For an answer her woollen gloves were whipped off, her hands, which were
a very healthy brown colour, went up to her face, and--quite in a very
awkward manner for a lady--she battled with her veil. Up it went,
finally. A very, very clean-shaved face, but showing that very dark
complexion which many black-bearded men have, no matter how very, very
cleanly they shave, was looking right at me. There was no need for much
further explanation. He told me that she and her companion were two
Carlist officers who were hoping to join their regiments but had to cross
the belt of the Government troops to do so, and had decided to disguise
themselves as women and take the risk. I suggested that the other lady
should be asked to come in and hold a council of war. I told them that I
myself was going to Don Carlos's headquarters as soon as I got the
opportunity, and that the only trouble I foresaw was in dealing with the
sentries and the guard at the frontier. Once past that it would be easy
enough for them to get away unmolested. My next question was, "How much
money have you ladies got? We all know the Spanish sentries, and I think
their hands are always ready to receive some little douceur. There is but
little luggage to be examined by them. If you two ladies remain inside
the coach and be careful to cover your feet up, I'll keep them employed
as far as possible in overhauling the luggage. I'll squa