uit of the liberated criminals. Our
hero recognised the commanding officer as an old acquaintance, and
imparting to him the release of Don Silvio, and his fears upon Don
Rebiera's account, begged him to direct his attention that way.

"Corpo di Bacco--you are right, Signor Mid," replied the officer, "but
Don Philip is there, and his brother too, I believe. I will be there by
ten o'clock to-morrow morning; we will march almost the whole night."

"They have no arms," observed Easy.

"No, but they will soon get them: they will go to some small town in a
body, plunder it, and then seek the protection of the mountains. Your
captain has given us a pretty job."

Jack exchanged a few more words, and then, excusing himself on account
of his haste, put the spurs to his horse and regained his own party, who
now proceeded at a rapid pace.

"O Signor!" said the guide, "we shall kill the horses."

"I'll pay for them," said Jack.

"Yes, but we shall kill them before we get there, Jack," replied
Gascoigne, "and have to walk the rest of the way."

"Very true, Ned; let's pull up, and give them their wind."

"By de holy poker, Massa Easy, but my shirt stick to my ribs," cried
Mesty, whose black face was hung with dewdrops from their rapid course.

"Never mind, Mesty."

It was about five o'clock in the afternoon when they arrived at the seat
of Don Rebiera. Jack threw himself off his jaded steed, and hastened
into the house, followed by Gascoigne. They found the whole family
collected in the large sitting-room, quite ignorant of any danger
threatening them, and equally astonished and pleased at the arrival of
their old friends. Jack flew to Agnes, who screamed when she saw him,
and felt so giddy afterwards that he was obliged to support her. Having
seated her again, he was kindly greeted by the old people and the two
young officers. After a few minutes dedicated to mutual inquiries, our
hero stated the cause of their expeditious arrival.

"Don Silvio with one hundred and fifty galleriens, let loose on the
coast yesterday afternoon!" exclaimed Don Rebiera; "you are right, I
only wonder they were not here last night. But I expect Pedro from the
town; he has gone down with a load of wine: he will bring us
intelligence."

"At all events, we must be prepared," said Don Philip, "the troops you
say will be here to-morrow morning."

"Holy Virgin!" exclaimed the ladies in a breath.

"How many can we muster?" said Gascoign