over their shoulders they carry cloaks, which, by the
peculiar drape, are recognisable as Mexican _mangas_. In the obscurity
the colour of these cannot be determined, though one is scarlet, the
other sky-blue.

Apparelled as the two men are now, it would be difficult to identify
them as Gil Gomez and Jose Hernandez. For all it is they.

They are strolling about without fear, or thought of any one observing
them. Yet one is; a man, who has come out of the larger cavern just
after them, and who follows them along the cliff's base. Not openly or
boldly, as designing to join in their deliberation; but crouchingly and
by stealth, as if playing spy on them.

He is in sailor togs, wearing a loose dreadnought coat, which he buttons
on coming out of the cavern. But before closing it over his breast, the
butt of a pistol, and the handle of a knife, could be seen gleaming
there, both stuck behind a leathern waist belt.

On first stepping forth, he stands for a time with eyes fixed upon the
other two. He can see them but indistinctly, while they cannot see him
at all, his figure making no silhouette against the dark disc of the
cave's mouth. And afterwards, as he moves along the cliff, keeping
close in, its shadow effectually conceals him from their view. But
still safer is he from being observed by them, after having ensconced
himself in a cleft of rock; which he does while their backs are turned
upon him.

In the obscure niche he now occupies no light falls upon his face--not a
ray. If there did, it would disclose the countenance of Harry Blew; and
as oft before, with an expression upon it not easily understood. But no
one sees, much less makes attempt to interpret it.

Meanwhile the two saunterers come to a stop and stand conversing. It is
Gomez who is first heard saying:

"I've been thinking, _companero_, now we've got everything straight so
far, that our best plan will be to stay where we are till the other
matter's fixed."

"What other are you speaking of?"

"The marrying, of course."

"Oh! that. Well?"

"We can send on for the _padre_, and bring him here; or failing him, the
_cura_. To tell truth, I haven't the slightest idea of where we've come
ashore. We may be a goodish distance from Santiago; and to go there,
embargoed as we are, there's a possibility of our being robbed of our
pretty baggage on the route. You understand me?"

"I do!"

"Against risk of that kind, it is necessary we should