ssure you,' answered
the admiral. `I have saved! only think I have saved the image of
Santiago de Compostella, the patron of my ships and myself.'"

"Come, come, you are rather hard on the worthy Apodaca--his ships were
only half manned, and Admiral Harvey would have captured them all after
giving him a sound drubbing," observed Don Antonio, laughing
notwithstanding. "Besides it is a proof that we had pious men among us
in those days. Remember that we had not long before been deprived of
the holy Inquisition."

"You did not regret its loss, I presume," said the colonel. "I saw
something of what it must have been in Spain when its dungeons were
revealed to view."

"As to that I live under the English government, and prefer the English
system of managing matters," answered Don Antonio, but wishing to change
the subject he asked, "What news from the Main, colonel?"

"Unsatisfactory as usual," was the answer. "Something, however, must be
done or the cause will be lost, and I am resolved to be no longer
influenced by those half-hearted patriots as they call themselves."

Just then the horses were announced. "You will meet Colonel O'Regan, as
he will accompany me by-and-by," said Don Antonio to the lieutenants.

They found two richly caparisoned steeds waiting for them, with a sable
attendant in livery, mounted on a third. He would have astonished an
English groom. He wore huge spurs strapped to naked feet--a light blue
coat richly laced, an enormously high hat with a deep band, and a
flaming red waistcoat. He, however, was evidently satisfied with his
own appearance, and considered himself a person of no small importance.

"Mr Pedro Padillo show dee way to Massa Lieutenants," he said, bowing
after they had mounted. "When say starboard, keep to starboard; when
say larboard, keep to port; oderwise make way ahead."

"Thank you, Pedro--you have been at sea, I perceive," said Jack.

"Oh yes, massa. I serve aboard de King's ships, and oder craft many
years before turn head groom to Don Antonio," answered the black. "He
great man, as you shall see presently."

After rather more than an hour's ride under the steerage of Pedro, Jack
and Adair reached the country residence of Don Antonio, magnificently
situated on the broad shoulder of a mountain which rose clothed with
gigantic trees behind it, while in front lay the blue gulf dotted over
with the tiny sails of canoes--a highly cultivated plain stretched out
be