I do that, if the news gets
about that two boys of Captain Drake's band are here, nothing will
save them from the rage of the population; and indeed, if the
people and the military authorities were disposed to let them
alone, the Inquisition would be too strong for them, and would
claim its own; and against the Inquisition even governors are
powerless. Therefore if they are to stop, and stop they must, at
least for a time, it must be done in perfect secrecy.

"There is no possibility of disguising two English boys to look
like negroes. The only plan I can suggest is that they should have
that gardeners' hut. I can remove the man who lives there at
present, and will send him up the country to look after my place
there. Then you must take old David into our confidence. He and his
wife Floey are perfectly faithful, and can be trusted to the death.
It is lucky that she is cook, for she will be able to prepare food
for them. The hut must be kept, of course, locked up at all times;
but as it is close to the fence, and the window indeed looks into
the garden, you can go there of a day and speak to them, and take
them books, and lighten their captivity.

"When it gets dark I will go with you down the garden, and will see
these brave lads. In the meantime, old David shall get some shirts,
and shoes, and other necessaries for them. We have a plentiful
store of things in the magazine, and he can rig them up there,
perfectly. I will at once get the gardener out of the house, and
will give David instructions to carry the things there, as soon as
it is empty."

That evening after it was dark the boys, who had been anxiously
listening for every movement, saw in the dim light the white figure
of the girl advancing, with her father beside her. When she came to
the arbor, she raised her voice.

"Are you here?" she cried. "You can come out without fear."

And, as they advanced, "My father will do all in his power to
protect the savior of his daughter."

The merchant shook the hands of the boys, with the stately ceremony
of the Spaniard, and assured them that he was their servant,
indeed, for their treatment of his daughter; and that his house,
and all that it contained, was at their disposal. Ned and Gerald
understood little enough of what he was saying, but his manner and
gestures were sufficient, and they thanked him heartily for his
kindness.

He now led the way, along many winding paths, till they reached a
low fence formin