led away by the soldiers, who were very much
surprised at this change of treatment. Schriften followed them; and as
they walked across the rampart to the stairs which led to their prison,
Krantz, in his fury, burst from the soldiers, and bestowed a kick upon
Schriften, which sent him several feet forward on his face.

"That was a good one--he! he!" cried Schriften, smiling and looking at
Krantz as he regained his legs.

There was an eye, however, which met theirs with an intelligent glance,
as they descended the stairs to the dungeon. It was that of the soldier
Pedro. It told them that there was one friend upon whom they could
rely, and who would spare no endeavour to assist them in their new
difficulty. It was a consolation to them both; a ray of hope which
cheered them as they once more descended the narrow steps, and heard the
heavy key turned which again secured them in their dungeon.

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.

"Thus are all our hopes wrecked," said Philip, mournfully; "what chance
have we now of escaping from this little tyrant?"

"Chances turn up," replied Krantz; "at present, the prospect is not very
cheering. Let us hope for the best. I have an idea in my head which
may probably be turned to some account," continued Krantz, "as soon as
the little man's fury is over."

"Which is?"

"That, much as he likes your wife, there is something which he likes
quite as well--money. Now, as we know where all the treasure is
concealed, I think he may be tempted to offer us our liberty, if we were
to promise to put it into his possession."

"That is not impossible. Confound that little malignant wretch
Schriften; he certainly is not, as you say, of this world. He has been
my persecutor through life, and appears to act from an impulse not his
own."

"Then must he be part and portion of your destiny. I'm thinking whether
our noble commandant intends to leave us without anything to eat or
drink."

"I should not be surprised; that he will attempt my life I am convinced,
but not that he can take it; he may, however, add to its sufferings."

As soon as the commandant had recovered from his fury, he ordered
Schriften in, to be examined more particularly; but, after every search
made for him, Schriften was nowhere to be found. The sentry at the gate
declared that he had not passed: and a new search was ordered, but in
vain. Even the dungeons and galleries below were examined, but without
success.

"Can he