to his ears.

He no longer hesitated as to whether he should stand or fly. The bullet
was sufficient cue for flight; and, wheeling round, he set off in full
gallop towards the river.

Trained by the misfortunes which had occurred to him, from the mistaken
economy of his worthy father, Don Cornelio had ever since felt an
aversion to second-rate horses, and on the present journey he had taken
care to provide himself with a good one. Knowing the fact, he had fair
hopes of being able to distance his pursuers. Driving his spurs deeply
into the ribs of his horse, he permitted the animal to choose its own
course--so long as it carried him in a direction opposite to that from
which he was pursued.

Forgetting all about Costal and Clara, he rode away like the wind; and,
in all likelihood, would have got clear beyond the reach of his
pursuers, but for an unforeseen misfortune. In passing a gigantic
cypress his horse stumbled upon its projecting roots, and came head
foremost to the ground--flinging his rider out of the saddle with such
force that, but for the softness of the spot on which he fell, some of
his bones would undoubtedly have suffered fracture.

He was but little damaged by the fall, and, before he could get to his
feet, and recover his horse, one of the pursuers had ridden up, and
casting out a lazo, noosed him round the body.

To whom was the captain a prisoner?

Of this he was completely ignorant, still uncertain as to who were in
possession of the hacienda. As soon as he had regained his feet,
however, a voice cried out, interrogatively, "For Spain, or the
Independence?"

Before making answer, Don Cornelio looked up. Half-a-dozen men had
arrived upon the ground, and encircled him in their midst, forming a
menacing cordon around him. Of one and all the aspect was sinister and
doubtful.

"Spain, or the Independence?" repeated the voice, in a more threatening
tone.

Thus brusquely called upon to proclaim his colours, the Captain, not
knowing those of the party who surrounded him, hesitated to make answer.

"Very well, cavallero!" cried one of the men, "answer or not, as you
please. No doubt of it," he continued, addressing himself to a comrade,
"this fellow is in company with the other two. Bring him along to the
hacienda!"

At these words one of his captors seized Don Cornelio by the arm, and
commenced dragging him along toward the illuminated building.

"Hold!" cried the first speaker, as,