g on. Standing in corners were stacks of
carbines, and lances freshly pennoned, with their blades bright from
being recently sharpened--a panoply which spoke of fighting ere long
expected to take place.

It may be asked where were their horses, since all the arms and
accoutrements seen around were those of cavalry? But horses they had,
though not there. Each knew where to lay hands on his own, far or near,
stalled in the stable of some sequestered _rancho_, or, it might be,
mountain cavern. They were not yet assembled to hearken to the call of
"Boot and Saddle." That they would hear at a later hour, and in a
different place.

The occasion of their being in such guise and together was because it
was to be the last night of their sojourn in the monastery. And they
were making it a merry one; the Refectory table was being loaded with
the best that was left to them in meals and drinks. Upon it were what
bottles remained of those famous wines from the bins of the rich
_haciendado_--his forced contribution--and they were fast getting
emptied. From the way the _convives_ were quaffing, it was not likely
that any of the Burgundy, Madeira, or Pedro Ximenes would be left
behind--not even a "heel-tap."

It had got to be midnight, and they were still in the midst of the
revelry, when Rivas, who headed the table, rose to his feet, in that
formal manner which tells of speech to be made or toast proclaimed.

"_Camaradas_!" he said, as soon as the buzz of conversation had ended,
"as you're aware, we part from this place to-night; and some of you know
whither we are going and for what purpose. But not all; therefore I
deem it my duty to tell you. You saw a courier who came up early this
morning--bringing good news, I'm glad to say. This despatch I hold in
my hand is from an old friend, General Alvarez, who, though he may not
boast _sangre-azul_ in his veins, is as brave a soldier and pure a
patriot as any in the land. You know that. He tells me his _Pintos_
are ready for a rising, and only wait for us--the `Free Lances'--with
some others he has summoned to join him in giving the _grito_. By his
messenger I have sent answer that we, too, are ready, and will respond
to his summons. You all approve of that, I take it?"

"All!" was the exclaim in chorus, without a dissenting voice.

"Moreover," proceeded the speaker, "I've told the General we'll be on
the march to-morrow morning, and can meet him at a place he has
ment