numerous retinue
of _cargadores_, and swept the house clean of everything he intended
taking--the furniture alone being left, as part of the purchased
effects.

He has indeed reason to congratulate himself on his rapid removal, as he
finds on the following day, when visiting his old home for some trifling
purpose, and there hearing what had happened during the night.

The man in charge--a stalwart American, armed to the teeth--gives him a
full account of the nocturnal visitors. There were four, he says--
having counted them through the keyhole--inquiring for him, Don
Gregorio. They appeared greatly disappointed at not getting an
interview with him; and went off uttering adjurations in Spanish, though
having held their parley in English.

A message from the British man-of-war! And brought by men who swore in
Spanish! Strange all that, thinks Don Gregorio, knowing the _Crusader_
should then be at least a hundred leagues off at sea.

Besides, the messengers have not presented themselves at the _Parker
House_, to which the caretaker had directed them.

"What can it mean?" asks the ex-haciendado of himself.

Perhaps the sailor who is now first officer of the Chilian ship may know
something of it; and he will question him next time he goes aboard.

He has, however, little hope of being enlightened in that quarter; his
suspicions turning elsewhere. He cannot help connecting Messrs. De Lara
and Calderon with the occurrence. Crozier's letter, coupled with the
further information received from the bearer of it, has thrown such a
light on the character of these two _enhalleros_, he can believe them
capable of anything. After their attempt to rob the young officers, and
murder them as well, they would not hesitate to serve others the same;
and the demand for admission to his house may have been made by these
very men, with a couple of confederates--their design to plunder it, if
not do something worse.

Thus reflecting, he is thankful for having so unconsciously foiled
them--indeed, deeming it a Providence.

Still is he all the more solicitous to leave a land beset with such
dangers. Even in the town he does not feel safe. Robbers and murderers
walk boldly abroad through the streets; not alone, but in the company of
judges who have tried without condemning them; while lesser criminals
stand by drinking-bars, hobnobbing with the constables who either hold
them in charge, or have just released them, after a mock-h