e.

"We will have five men here, or we shall have by the evening," replied
Don Philip--"all, I think, good men--my father, my brother and myself."

"We are three--four with the guide, whom I know nothing about."

"Twelve in all--not one too many; but I think that now we are prepared,
if they attack, we can hold out till the morning."

"Had we not better send the ladies away?" said Jack.

"Who is to escort them?" replied Don Philip; "we shall only weaken our
force: besides, they may fall into the miscreants' hands."

"Shall we all leave the house together? they can but plunder it,"
observed Don Rebiera.

"Still we may be intercepted by them, and our whole force will be
nothing against so many," observed Don Philip, "if we are without
defence, whereas in the house we shall have an advantage."

"E vero," replied Don Rebiera, thoughtfully; "then let us prepare, for
depend upon it Don Silvio will not lose such an opportunity to wreak his
vengeance. He will be here to-night: I only wonder he has not been here
with his companions before. However, Pedro will arrive in two hours."

"We must now see what means we have of defence," said Philip. "Come,
brother--will you come, sir?"

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

A REGULAR SET-TO, IN WHICH THE PARTIES BEATEN ARE NOT KNOCKED DOWN, BUT
RISE HIGHER AND HIGHER AT EACH DISCOMFITURE--NOTHING BUT THE TROOPS
COULD HAVE PREVENTED THEM FROM GOING UP TO HEAVEN.

Don Rebiera and his two sons quitted the room, Gascoigne entered into
conversation with the senora, while Easy took this opportunity of
addressing Agnes. He had been too much occupied with the consultation
to pay her much attention before. He had spoken, with his eyes fixed
upon her, and had been surprised at the improvement which had taken
place in less than a year. He now went to her, and asked her, in a low
voice, "whether she had received his letter?"

"Oh, yes!" replied she, colouring.

"And were you angry with what I said, Agnes?" in a low tone.

"No," replied she, casting her eyes down on the floor.

"I repeat now what I said, Agnes--I have never forgotten you."

"But--"

"But what?"

"Father Thomaso."

"What of him?"

"He never will--"

"Will what?"

"You are a heretic," he says.

"Tell him to mind his own business."

"He has great influence with my father and mother."

"Your brothers are on our side."

"I know that, but there will be great difficulty. Our religion is not
the same. He must