d George.

"Why not?" reiterated the Governor. "Because, senor, it would kill him,
in this climate."

"It would certainly not kill an Englishman; but, of course, I don't know
about a Spaniard," retorted George.

Senor Montalvo hastened to intervene. "Pardon, Excellency," he
remarked, bowing to the Governor, "but since the matter appears to be of
such extreme urgency, permit me to undertake the mission to the Governor
of Panama. Having been privileged to be present at this interview with
the English Adelantado, I think I may venture to say that I clearly
understand the several points in the rather delicate negotiation which
it is proposed to open with his Excellency Don Calderon, and can
probably conduct it as successfully as any other available person. And
I shall also do my utmost to execute my task with all possible
diligence, ignoring fatigue for the time being and until my task has
been accomplished."

"Very well," replied Don Sebastian, with evident relief. "I am greatly
obliged to you, Senor Montalvo, for your offer, which I accept. And
now, while I prepare my communication to Don Silvio, you had better go
and make ready for your journey. The whole of my stable is entirely at
your service, but if you will permit me to advise, I think you could not
possibly do better than take Josefa, the black mule. She will carry you
easily and rapidly as far as Venta Cruz, where you will leave her, and
proceed for the remaining half of the journey upon another animal,
picking up Josefa again upon your return. Now, be off with you, and get
ready; and by the time that your preparations are complete, my letter to
Don Silvio shall be ready."

"Now, senor," he continued, seating himself at a table and drawing
writing materials toward him as soon as the secretary had vanished,
"what am I to say to Don Silvio? Kindly state your full requirements,
and I will see what can be done toward satisfying them."

George pulled out his list of prisoners, and laid it beside Don
Sebastian on the table.

"My requirements," he said, "are very simple. All that I ask is the
immediate release and delivery to me of the seventeen Englishmen whose
names are inscribed on that document."

"The _immediate_ release?" reiterated his Excellency. "But, senor, with
all submission, to demand that may well be to demand the impossible. If
I may be permitted to express an opinion, I should say that there is
scarcely the remotest probability that