her
side of the road men were lying, and the spurts of smoke that rose from
these, as well as from the wagons, proved that they were still stoutly
defending themselves. A light smoke rose from every bush and rock on the
hillsides around, showing how numerous were the assailants. Leaving
the road, Jack galloped toward the hill. Presently several balls came
singing round them.

"They think we are French, sir," one of the troopers said. "I guess they
don't know much about uniforms."

Jack drew out a white handkerchief and waved it as he rode forward,
shouting as he did, "English, English." The fire ceased, and the little
party soon reached the spot where the peasants were lying thickly in
their ambushes.

"I am an English officer," Jack said as he leaped from his horse. "Where
is your leader?"

"There is one of them," a peasant said, pointing to a priest, who, with
a long musket in his hand, rose from behind a log.

"Reverend father," Jack said, "I have come from the Earl of Peterborough
with a mission to understand how matters go in Arragon, and to ascertain
what force would be likely to join him in this province against the
invader."

"You see for yourself how things go," the priest said. "I am glad to
see an officer of the great Earl of Peterborough, whose exploits
have excited the admiration of all Spain. To whom have I the honor of
speaking?"

"I am Captain Stilwell, one of the earl's aides de camp; and you,
father?"

"I am Ignacio Bravos, the humble padre of the village of San Aldephonso.
And now, Captain Stilwell, if you will excuse me till we make an end of
these accursed Frenchmen, afterward I will be at your service."

For another two hour's the conflict continued. Jack saw that the fire
of the defenders of the wagons was decreasing, and he was not surprised
when a white handkerchief was raised on the top of a bayonet and waved
in the air in token of desire to parley. A shout of exultation rose from
the Spaniards. The priest showed himself on the hillside.

"Do you surrender?" he shouted.

"We surrender the wagons," an officer called back, "on condition that we
are allowed to march off with our arms without molestation."

A shout of refusal rose from the peasants, and the firing was instantly
renewed. Jack went and sat down by the side of the priest.

"Father," he said, "it were best to give these men the terms they ask.
War is not massacre."

"Quite so, my son," the priest replied coolly. "Tha