the _steel shirt_ come out in the conversation, he
desisted questioning the _Tejanos_. Luckily for him none of the others
there understood English--the language he and the Texans had used in
their brief, but sharp exchange of words. Now addressing himself to the
governor, he said--

"As you perceive, Senor Don Pedro, these two gentlemen are old
acquaintances of mine, whose present unfortunate position I regret, and
would gladly relieve. Alas! I fear the law will take its course."

At which commiserating remark Don Pedro smiled grimly; well aware of the
sort of interest Colonel Santander took in the pair of prisoners
committed to his care. For the order so to dispose of them he knew to
have come from Santander himself! It was not his place, nor was he the
kind of man to inquire into motives; especially when these concerned his
superiors. Santander was an officer on the staff of the Dictator,
besides being a favourite at Court. The gaol-governor knew it, and was
subservient. Had he been commanded to secretly strangle the two men
thus specially placed in his charge, or administer poison to them, he
would have done it without pity or protest. The cruel tyrant who had
made him governor of the Acordada knew his man, and had already, as
rumour said, with history to confirm it, more than once availed himself
of this means to get rid of enemies, personal or political.

During all this interlude the robber had maintained his position and
silence, his face turned to the blank wall of the cloister, his back
upon all the others. What his motive for this was neither of the Texans
could tell; and in all likelihood Santander knew not himself any more
who the man was. But his behaviour, from its very strangeness, courted
inquiry; and seemingly struck with it, the staff-colonel, addressing
himself to the gaol-governor, said--

"By the way, Don Pedro, who is your prisoner, who makes the fourth in
this curious quartette? He seems shy about showing his face, which
would argue it an ugly one like my own."

A bit of badinage in which Carlos Santander oft indulged. He knew that
he was anything but ill-favoured as far as face went.

"Only a gentleman of the road--_un salteador_" responded the governor.

"An interesting sort of individual then," said Santander. "Let me scan
his countenance, and see whether it be of the true brigand type--a
Mazaroni or Diavolo."

So saying, he stepped inside the cell, and passed on till he