ained as
much pride as when in his more prosperous days he had imagined the
possibility of conquering, and bestowing, a throne upon the deposed heir
of the Spanish monarchy. At the sight of Diaz, who, he believed had
abandoned his cause, an expression of deep melancholy came over his
countenance.

"Do you come as an enemy, or a friend, Diaz?" said he. "Are you one of
those who take a secret pleasure in contemplating the humiliation of the
man whom, in the days of his prosperity, you, like others, would have
flattered?"

"I am one of those who flatter only the fallen," replied Diaz, "and who
are not offended by the bitterness of speech which is dictated by great
misfortune."

As he uttered these words, which were confirmed by the dejection of his
manner, Diaz hastened to remove the cords with which the captive's arms
were bound.

"I have given my word that you will not endeavour to escape the fate,
whatever it may be, which awaits you at the hands of these men, into
whose power we have fallen by an unlucky chance. I believe you have not
even thought of flight."

"And you are right, Diaz," replied Don Estevan; "but can you guess what
fate these fellows have reserved for me?"

"They talk of a murder to be avenged, of an accusation, and a judgment."

"A judgment!" replied Don Antonio with a haughty and bitter smile, "they
may assassinate, but they shall never judge me."

"In the former case, I shall die with you," said Diaz, simply, "in the
latter--but of what use is it to speak of that which cannot be? you are
innocent of the crime of which they accuse you?"

"I have a presentiment of the fate which awaits me," replied Don Estevan
without answering the adventurer's interrogation. "A faithful subject
will be lost to his king--Don Carlos the First. But you will carry on
my work? you will restore the prosperity of Sonora. You will return to
the Senator Tragaduros--he knows what he has to do, and you will support
him?"

"Ah!" cried Diaz, sadly, "such a work cannot be attempted but by you.
In your hands I might have proved a powerful instrument; without you I
shall sink into insignificant obscurity. The hope of my country expires
with you."

During this interval, Fabian and Bois-Rose had quitted the spot where
the preceding scenes had so rapidly taken place. They had reached the
base of the pyramid. It was there that the solemn assizes were to be
held, in which Fabian and the Duke de Armada were about to