ived from my young
companion here, you never stood in a better position for dealing a
death-blow at your rival's position. Is that the truth, or is it not?"

"Ah!" cried the Don passionately, evading the question. "When your help
means so much you give me empty words."

"That is no answer, sir," replied the skipper. "Is what I have said the
truth, or is it not?"

Don Ramon turned upon him furiously, his eyes flashing and his hands
clenched; but as he met the Englishman's stern questioning eyes he
stopped short, fixed by them, as it were, and then tossing his open
hands in the air with a gesture which seemed to say, There, I surrender!
his angry countenance softened, and he supported himself by taking hold
of the pommel of his saddle.

"Yes," he said wearily, "of course it is the truth. You always were the
man in whom I could trust, and I suppose you are right. Forgive me for
being so exacting. But, captain, I have so much at stake."

"Then trust to the strength of your cause, your position, and the
bravery of your people. But I am not going to forsake you, Ramon,"
continued the skipper, in a graver and softer tone, "and I will tell you
this; if the day goes against you, the schooner will be lying a few
hundred yards from shore with her boats ready to take off you and as
many of your friends as you wish to bring. I will do that at any risk,
but I can do no more."

Don Ramon was silent for a few moments, before repeating the captain's
last words slowly. Then, after a pause--

"It may be different," he said, "but if matters are as bad as that, it
will be because I have fired my last shot, and Villarayo has found that
another lover of his country is in his way no more. No, Captain Reed, I
shall not have to put your hospitality to the test. I could not escape,
and leave those who have been fighting for me to the death. There," he
added quickly, completely changing his tone, "I do not mean to die; I
mean to win. Forgive me once again. You will after your fashion shake
hands?"

"With all my heart," cried the skipper, stretching out both his, which
were eagerly caught and raised quickly to the Spaniard's lips.

"Thank you," he cried, "I am a man once more. Just now I talked like a
disappointed woman who could not have her way.--What does that mean?" he
said sharply as there was a shout from the distance.

"People coming down the pass," cried Fitz excitedly, and there was the
report of a rifle which ra