make for Bella Vista in the first instance, inform you of
the facts, and learn your views as to the situation."

"Were you able to learn in what strength the blacks have turned out?"
demanded Don Luis.

"No," answered Don Esteban, "I was not; but we know from experience that
when they begin these raids they usually divide themselves into a number
of small bands, attacking in several directions simultaneously, and
depending upon being reinforced by the negroes on the estates which they
purpose to attack. Thus, for example, whatever may have been the
original strength of the band which set out to attack Montpelier, they
have already been augmented by two hundred of my people. Probably they
now muster about two hundred and fifty altogether--not more, I should
say. Ah! look yonder. Do you see that blaze? That is Montpelier.
They have already plundered the house and set it on fire, so you see we
did not get away from it any too early."

Looking out through the open door at the back of the house, which could
be seen from the hall, we beheld a small, flickering spark of fire, well
up on the lower slopes of the mountain, which, even as we gazed, waxed
in size and brilliancy. Snatching up a powerful telescope that always
hung ready to hand in the hall, and bringing it to bear upon the spark,
I was able to make out that it was indeed a large house, from the
windows and thatched roof of which flames were bursting in momentarily
increasing volumes, while round about it a crowd of negroes were
apparently dancing a dance of savage delight at the destruction which
they were effecting.

"Yes," I said, as I laid down the glass, "that is undoubtedly your
house, Don Esteban; I distinctly remember Dona Inez pointing it out to
me while we were out for a walk about a week ago."

At this moment Dona Inez, fully attired, emerged from her room, and
there was instantly a cordial interchange of salutations between her and
our visitors. Then she turned to me and asked:

"What was that I heard you say just now, Don Ricardo? Surely not that
Montpelier is in flames?"

"I deeply regret to say that you heard aright, Senora. Look yonder; you
may see the blaze for yourself. And the blacks are dancing round it
like so many demons," I answered.

Dona Inez clasped her hands together and wrung them in distress.

"Oh, Don Esteban--Dona Christina--I am so sorry for you all," she
exclaimed. "It is horrible; and they will be here next. What