time, but a clatter of several approaching men which there was no
mistaking. Roger and Harry looked at one another, dismay written all
over their countenances. What was to happen now? Had the hour for
their execution been advanced again, and were they to be led out to
death at once, or was their cell to be changed and all their labour
rendered useless, and their chance of escape destroyed at the very last
moment? These, and a hundred other surmises, chased each other rapidly
through the lads' minds as they listened with bated breath to the noise
of the approaching footsteps. Each, however, pulled himself together,
and by the time that the cell door was opened the lads presented
absolutely expressionless faces to their enemies. The door clanged
open, disclosing to their sight a number of men in black robes and
cowls.

"His Excellency the Viceroy requires the attendance of you both," said
one of the masked inquisitors in a deep voice and in remarkably good
English. "Follow me at once."

The man turned to lead the way. Harry followed close on his heels; but
as Roger prepared to leave the cell he pretended to stumble, and when
picking himself up adroitly deposited the little satchel of tools behind
the open door. His action, he was much relieved to notice, attracted no
attention, and he had the satisfaction of seeing the cell door closed
after them, and of knowing, therefore, that the precious implements were
safe for the time being.

They were led through the self-same passages and corridors by which they
had walked to the torture-chamber a few days before, and their hearts
sank within them, for this second journey seemed to them ominous of
evil.

Yes, it was but too true. In a few minutes they reached the door of
that Chamber of Horrors, passed through it, heard it shut after them,
and found themselves once more in the presence of that arch-fiend,
Alvarez, "Viceroy of the Province, Governor of the City, and Chief of
the Holy Inquisition in the town of Vera Cruz". They were not long left
in doubt as to what was in store for them. Alvarez spoke:

"I understand that you two young men formerly belonged to the squadron
of that most pestilent heretic and pirate, Cavendish; is it not so?
Answer me!"

"Yes," replied Harry, "we belonged, and consider that we still belong,
to the ship of Mr Cavendish, who is no pirate, but a noble and true
English gentleman."

"Silence!" snarled Alvarez. "Do not dare to speak