my pockets; of which Mr Laffan eagerly ate a portion, and
bestowed the rest upon Lion, who gobbled it up in a few seconds, showing
how hungry he was. As what I had brought could do little more than
stimulate their appetites, I offered at once to go out and buy some
provisions, which I could do very well in my character of a stable-boy.
Fortunately I had some money in my pocket. I started immediately,
intending afterwards to visit Dr Cazalla, as also the house in which
Senor Monteverde and Dona Dolores had been residing, although I did not
expect to find any of them.

As I was proceeding along the streets, I saw an old black man. His only
clothing was a broad-brimmed hat, and a pair of loose drawers fastened
round his waist by a girdle, to which was hung his manchette. He came
along driving a mule laden with bamboo-canes, such as are constantly
sold in the town for piping and other purposes. I was going to pass
him, when I saw him look very hard at me, and heard him utter my name in
a low tone of voice, which I thought I recognised. A smile passed over
his countenance, and on looking round and observing no one near, he
said--

"I am better disguised dan you, Senor Duncan."

By his voice I at once recognised Paul Lobo.

"Are my mother, sister, Don Ricardo, and the rest well?" I asked.

"Yes, yes, I hab a good account to give ob dem," he replied; "but tell
me, has el senor doctor escaped, and is de house safe?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Den come on with me, for I hab much to tell you, and we may be
discovered if seen speaking here."

I said that I had to go to the market and obtain some food, and that I
wished to inquire about my uncle, Dr Cazalla, and the Monteverdes.

"Buy de food, by all means, but do not venture to make furder inquiries;
I can tell you all you want to know," he said.

Seeing some one approaching, he drove on his mule, singing out, "Who
wants to buy canes--sound straight canes?" though he did not stop for
any one to answer him.

I hastened to the market-place. Provisions were but scant, the soldiers
having appropriated most of what was brought in. However, I got as much
as I wanted, although I nearly betrayed myself by the ignorance I
displayed in making my purchases. With a basket on my shoulder, which I
had bought, I returned homewards. Several persons cast inquiring
glances at me; and a Spanish sergeant eyed me very narrowly, I thought.
But I went whistling along, as if free from c