hasten
on; in the countenances of both a cast showing them half-hopeful,
half-doubting--such as may be seen when men are about to make some
desperate attempt, with uncertainty as to the result. On Calderon's,
notwithstanding his assumed levity, the expression is almost despairing;
on that of De Lara it is more defiant and demon-like.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

A RUDE RENCONTRE.

Having steeled themselves to the reception of their rival suitors, with
brave words one supporting the other, the two girls remain upon the
_azotea_. Meanwhile, the man-o'-war's boat has been drawing in towards
the beach, heading for a little embayment, formed by the shore-line and
the sand-bar already spoken of.

The horsemen advancing from the town-side do not see it; nor can the
crew of the boat perceive them. The land-ridge is between the two
parties, its crest concealing them from one another.

They are approaching it at a like rate of speed; for although the horses
appear to be in a gallop, it is only a fancy gait fashionable among
Spanish-Americans, its purpose to exhibit equestrian skill. For the two
horsemen looking up the hill, have seen heads on the house-top, and know
that ladies' eyes are upon them.

Surreptitiously goaded by the spur, their steeds plunge and curvet,
apparently progressing at a rapid pace, but in reality gaining little
ground.

After a time both parties disappear from the eyes of those on the
_azotea_. They have gone under the brow of the hill, which, overhanging
for a short distance, shuts out a view of the road, as also the
sea-shore, along the sand-spit.

Unseen from above, the man-o'-war's boat beaches, and the two officers
spring out upon the strand. One of them turning, says something to the
coxswain, who has remained in the stern-sheets, with the tiller-ropes in
hand. It is an order, with instructions about where and when he is to
wait for them on return to the ship.

"At the new wharf in the harbour," Crozier is heard to say; for it is he
who commands.

His order given, the boat shoves off, and is rowed back towards the
ship; while the officers commence climbing the slope, to get upon the
shore-road.

At the same time the horsemen are ascending from the opposite side.

Soon both parties are again within view of those on the house-top;
though neither as yet sees the other, or has any suspicion of such
mutual proximity. The crest of the ridge is still between, but in a few
seconds more the