words likely to be on the lips
of either monk or highwayman.

And that the man who had spoken to him was neither one nor other he had
fuller proof in what was now further said.

"A cause, Senor Irlandes, for which I, Ruperto Rivas, am ready to lay
down life, if the sacrifice be called for, and so most--I may say all--
of those you've just met at _almuerzo_. You heard it proclaimed in the
toast, `Patria y Libertad!'"

"Yes. And a grand noble sentiment it is. One I was gratified to hear."

"And surprised as well. Is not that so, _amigo_?"

"Well, to be frank with you, holy father, I confess to something of the
sort."

"Not strange you should, my son. No doubt you're greatly perplexed at
what you've seen and heard since you came up here, with much before.
But the time has come to relieve you; so light another cigar and
listen."

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE.

THE FREE LANCES.

"Try a Manilla this time," said the Mexican, as Kearney was reaching out
to take a cigar from the case. "Most people believe that the best can
only come from Cuba. A mistake, that. There are some made in the
Philippine Islands equal--in my opinion, superior--to any Havannahs. I
speak of a very choice article, which don't ever get into the hands of
the dealers, and's only known to the initiated. Some of our _ricos_
import them by way of Acapulco. Those are a fair sample."

The young Irishman made trial of the weed thus warmly recommended; to
discover what contradicted all his preconceived ideas in the smoking
line. He had always heard it said that the choicest cigars are
Havannahs; but, after a few whiffs from that Manilla, which had never
seen a cigar shop, he was willing to give up the "Imperadores." His
host, lighting one of the same, thus proceeded: "_Pues, caballero_; to
give you the promised explanation. That the monks of my community are
of an order neither very devout nor austere, you've already observed, no
doubt, and may have a suspicion they're not monks at all. Soldiers,
every man; most having seen service, and many who have done gallant
deeds. When I speak of them as soldiers, you will understand it in its
true sense, Senor. With one or two exceptions, all have held
commissions in our army, and with a like limitation, I may say all are
gentlemen. The last revolution, which has again cursed our country by
restoring its chronic tyrant, Santa Anna, of course threw them out; the
majority, as myself, being proscribed,