ned with his gun, which he would have set himself
down to clean with the utmost nonchalance, if Rollo had not summoned him
away to more important business.

"It is the accursed night-dew!" he said in explanation; "much depends on
never putting off the drying and oiling of one's weapons."

"Now," said Rollo, "if you are ready, I in my turn should like to have
my little interview with Don Luis!"

"You?" cried the outlaw, astonished.

Rollo nodded.

"Why not?" he said cheerfully; "we shall need his assistance very often
to-day! Open the door, La Giralda."

The door clicked open, and there sat Luis Fernandez blinking upon a
smuggled keg of French spirits, and in the corner the Tia's little
black eyes twinkled like restless stars from her uneasy pillow.

Ramon carried in the limp body of Tomas, at sight of which Luis
Fernandez flung up his hands with a shrill cry.

"You have killed him, then--as you will kill me!" he moaned, and ran
towards the door of the strong room.

"Not so," said Rollo, stopping him with composure; "your brother is, as
I think, as comfortable as the circumstances will permit, and more
likely to recover than he deserves. Be good enough to tell La Giralda
where to find a lamp or candle-box, so that in taking care of him you
may not be hindered by darkness."

As he spoke Rollo had been arranging a couch of boxes and pillows, on
which without the slightest regard to his enemy's comfort El Sarria
flung his burden down.

But Rollo did his best for the unconscious man, and then when La Giralda
had returned with a lamp, he turned sharply upon Don Luis.

"Sir," he said, "you know the causes of quarrel between yourself and Don
Ramon Garcia, for whom I am acting. You know also what chances you have,
if I do not use the influence I possess to counsel other and milder
methods. Are you then willing to be guided entirely by me or do you
prefer to be dealt with by my principal upon his own account, and
without regard to my advice?"

Luis Fernandez clasped Rollo's hand.

"By the Virgin and all the saints," he cried, "I will do to the line and
letter all that you desire of me in every particular. I know well that I
have no other hope."

"Good," said Rollo; "then you will to-day show yourself about the Casa
as usual. You will give any necessary orders to your foreman when he
comes at the accustomed hour. This you will do in your own chamber and
in my presence, urging a slight _calentura_ as a reason for