ge between
thirty and sixty, courage and invincible determination written plainly
on his brow, and in his eyes when as now he was angered, the Angel of
Death himself standing like a threat. On the other side stood Don Ramon
Garcia, gigantic in stature, deep-chested and solemn, driven by fate to
actions of blood, but all the same with the innocent heart of a little
child within his breast.

"Senor Munoz," said Rollo, speaking sharp and sudden, "let me introduce
these gentlemen to your notice. They are two of the most famous men in
all Spain and worthy of your acquaintance. This on my left is Senor Don
Jose Maria, late of the town of Ronda, and this on my right is Don Ramon
Garcia, better known as El Sarria of Aragon!"

For the first time the colour slowly forsook the handsome but somewhat
florid countenance of the Duke of Rianzares. He was, as his valet had
truly said, engaged at his toilet, and it is certainly difficult to look
impressive in a flowered dressing-gown. Being Spaniards and therefore
gentlemen, El Sarria and the Sergeant bowed slightly at Rollo's
introduction, and stood waiting. Rollo, noways loth, continued his
speech.

"Your Excellency is now aware of the names of two of those whom you may
thank for your safety. I myself, to whom the Queen-Regent owes the
recovery of her daughter, am a Scottish gentleman of good birth. My
companions below are severally the Count de Saint Pierre, a French
nobleman of ancient family, and Don Juan Mortimer, an English merchant
of unchallenged probity.

"Here therefore are five men who have defended the Queen-Regent with
their lives, and who now judge it to be necessary for her and the
Princess that they should put themselves immediately under our
protection and leave this place of instant and terrible danger!"

"The Queen will not be dictated to by any combination of men
whatsoever," the Duke answered; "she has resolved to remain at La
Granja, and therefore nothing can move her!"

Rollo bowed gracefully, but there was a dangerous glitter in his eye
which might have warned his opponent.

"Your Excellency," he went on, with great calmness, "we look confidently
for your voice and interest in this matter. You will have the goodness
to introduce us into the presence of the Queen-Regent. You are at
liberty to announce our intentions and prepare her Majesty for a visit!"

A quick light flashed over the indifferent and dogged countenance of
Senor Munoz. The hope of escape