d pointing toward the zaguan. "We shall not be able to pass
out before papa returns, and then it may be too late. _Santisima_!"

"Senorita, why not serve the portero as I have done the girl? I'm
strong enough for that."

"Oh, Vicenza! how have you secured her?"

"In the garden-house,--tied, gagged, and locked up. I warrant she'll
not turn up till somebody finds her. No fear of her, Senorita. I'll do
the same for the portero, if you but say the word."

"No--no--no! who would open the gate for papa? No--no--no! it would not
do." She reflected. "And yet, if he gets out before the horses are
ready, they will soon miss--pursue--overtake him. He _will_ get out, I
am sure of it. How long would it occupy him? not long. He will easily
undo his cord fastenings. I know that--he once said he could. Oh, holy
Virgin! he may now be free, and waiting for me! I must haste--the
portero--Ha!"

As she uttered this exclamation she turned suddenly to Andres. A new
plan seemed to have suggested itself.

"Andres! good Andres! listen! We shall manage it yet!"

"Si, Senorita."

"Thus, then. Lead the horses out the back way, through the garden--can
you swim them across the stream?"

"Nothing easier, my lady."

"Good! Through the garden take them then. Stay!"

At this she cast her eyes toward the entrance of the long alley leading
to the garden, which was directly opposite to, and visible from, the
zaguan. Unless the portero were asleep, he could not fail to see four
horses passing out in that way--dark as was the night. Here, then, a
new difficulty presented itself.

Suddenly starting, she seemed to have thought of a way to overcome it.

"Andres, it will do. You go to the zaguan. See whether he be asleep.
Go up boldly. If asleep, well; if not enter into conversation with him.
Get him to open the little door and let you out. Wile him upon the
street, and by some means keep him there. I shall lead out the horses."

This was plausible, and the groom prepared himself for a strategic
encounter with the portero.

"When sufficient time has elapsed, steal after me to the garden. See
that you manage well, Andres. I shall double your reward. You go with
me--you have nothing to fear."

"Senorita, I am ready to lay down my life for you."

Gold is powerful. Gold had won the stout Andres to a fealty stronger
than friendship. For gold he was ready to strangle the portero on the
spot.

The latter was not asl