a body of troops marching from the prison. There was to be
another execution, then. My heart sank within me. Was Murillo about to
carry out his threat? As they approached I could scarcely support
myself, for I saw my uncle, Dr Cazalla, with several other prisoners,
nearing the spot where so many of the Patriots had already yielded up
their lives for the liberty of their country. There were four other
persons. It was certainly some relief not to see Uncle Richard among
them; and my whole attention was now concentrated on Dr Cazalla. I
pointed out the doctor to Don Jose, in the vain hope that something
might even now be done to save him.

"I know him. He is talented, learned, and noble-minded," said Don Jose.

"The world will suffer if he dies," I said.

"I know it, my friend," answered Don Jose; "but his doom is sealed." He
took my arm as he spoke. "I would not have you seen," he continued.
"Be warned by me, and remain concealed until nightfall. Your horses are
in my stable, and your servant is prepared for the journey."

Even while he was speaking the rattle of musketry was heard, and Mr
Laffan, who had, notwithstanding Don Jose's advice, gone back to the
window, exclaimed, "They have murdered our friend! I hope they will not
treat the other in the same way."

"Do you speak of my uncle?" I asked in English.

"Too truly--I do. There he lies, like a clod of earth; and there, too,
will lie many more, in a few minutes. There is another! I did not
notice him at first. Poor Dona Dolores! what will become of her?"

"What! has Juan been captured?" I exclaimed, my thoughts running back
to my friend, who might, I feared, have fallen into the hands of the
enemy.

"No, not Juan; but Senor Monteverde.--Yes, I am sure it must be he,
though he is poorly dressed, and walks with a tottering gait. Yes; they
are leading him up to the place of execution."

Forgetting Don Jose's caution, I sprang forward to the window and caught
a glance--it was but a momentary one--of our poor friend. It was
sufficient, however, to convince me that I was not mistaken. Don Jose
again took me by the arm and led me back; but a moment afterwards a
volley was fired, and an exclamation uttered by Mr Laffan told me that
Senor Monteverde was among those slaughtered by the savages.

"It will be sad news to carry to my mother and father, and to Dona
Dolores. What will become of her? Her father dead--her property
destroyed; but, pro