old
sailor was left with only a half-dozen of the most dependable
surrounding himself and prisoners.

The rest would not have got away from him so easily had he not been so
intensely occupied that at first he had taken little note of what was
going on.

Mercedes and Alvarado had only opportunity to exchange a word now and
then, for extended conversation was prevented by the guards. Alvarado
strove to cheer the woman he loved, and she promised him she would
choose instant death rather than dishonor. He could give her little
encouragement of rescue, for unless word of their plight were carried to
the Viceroy immediately, he would be far on the way to the Orinoco
country before any tidings could reach him, and by the time he returned
it would be too late.

Again and again Alvarado strove to break his bonds, in impotent and
helpless fury, but this time he was securely bound and his captors only
laughed at his struggles. In the midst of their grief and despair they
both took notice of the poor abbess. Fra Antonio had not moved since
Morgan had stricken him down, but there was life still in the woman,
for, from where they stood, some distance back, the two lovers each
marked her convulsive trembling. The sight appealed profoundly to them
in spite of their perilous situation.

"The brave sister lives," whispered Mercedes.

"'Tis so," answered Alvarado. "Senor," he called, "the sister yonder is
alive. Wilt not allow us to minister to her?"

"Nay," said Hornigold brusquely, "I will go myself. Back, all of ye!" he
added. "She may wish to confess to me in default of the worthy father."

He leered hideously as he spoke.

"Coward!" cried Alvarado, but his words affected Hornigold not at all.

Before he could say another word the guards forced him rudely back with
the two women. The worthy Senora Agapida by this time was in a state of
complete and total collapse, but Mercedes bore herself--her lover marked
with pleasure--as proudly and as resolutely as if she still stood within
her father's palace surrounded by men who loved her and who would die
for her.

Rolling the body of the prostrate old man aside, Hornigold knelt down on
the white sand by the form of the sister. The moonlight shone full upon
her face, and as he stooped over he scanned it with his one eye. A
sudden flash of recognition came to him. With a muttered oath of
surprise he looked again.

"It can't be!" he exclaimed, "and yet----"

After Fra Antonio's