and best-mounted of the party. Now again he
pushed on as rapidly as he could. How his heart beat! Should he be in
time to rescue his friends? If not, how would they be treated? His
eagerness prompted him to shout to his men, but he recollected caution
was necessary, and restrained himself. Again the rattle of musketry was
heard, and dropping shots, and even the shouts of the combatants reached
his ears; he was close to them; a carriage was the first object which
met his view. The mule which dragged it had drawn it against the side
of the cliff, against which it lay half upset. Before it were a party
of men drawn up across the pass, and bravely contending against a whole
host who appeared beyond. It was evident, however, the small band would
be quickly overpowered, for men were seen climbing the cliff with
muskets in hand, belonging to the opposite party. By their dress, and
the rapidity with which they climbed the cliffs, they seemed to be
seamen. Ronald's plans were formed in a moment; he instantly despatched
the most trusty of his party to direct Don Josef to send a hundred men
up the cliffs, so as to gain a higher level than the French, and to
advance with all rapidity with the rest. Putting spurs to his horse,
Ronald, with his small body of companions, darted on, shouting in
English and Spanish, "To the rescue! to the rescue! Do not give way--a
strong force is at hand!"

He had neither been heard nor seen by the commissioner's escort: at that
moment they wavered and drew back. Once losing ground, the French
dashed in among them; while some of the latter engaged each of them in
single combat, a French officer and several others made their way to the
carriage; Ronald and his band galloped on. At that moment only were
they discovered. A shriek was heard. The Frenchmen were dragging the
ladies from their carriage. Ronald repeated the shouts he had already
uttered. Among the French were sailors as well as soldiers.

"We'll tackle them," cried Job.

"What business has they to be here?" exclaimed Bob.

The French officer was in naval uniform, and Ronald, even at that
distance, recognised Alfonse Gerardin.

Mrs Armytage and her daughter shrieked for help; they fancied they had
been attacked by bandits. They had been more alarmed for the safety of
Colonel Armytage than for their own; he was nowhere to be seen.

"Fear not, my beloved Edda; you and your mother are in perfect safety,"
said Alfonse Gera