opped and trembled, and when urged by the spur dashed
forward as if running a race for their lives; indeed, it was no easy
matter to sit them, as they sprang now on one side, now on the other.
In a short time the rain came down in torrents, every drop, as the
dominie declared, "as big as a hen's egg." As a natural consequence, in
a few seconds we were wet to the skin, though that mattered but little.

While we were passing a lofty and magnificent tree, about fifty yards
off, a flash darted from the sky, and a fearful crash was heard. The
next instant the tree was gone, shivered to the very roots, while the
fragments of its branches and trunk strewed the ground around. No
shelter was at hand; indeed, unless to escape the rain, it would have
been useless, for the strongest building would not have secured us from
the effects of such a flash. Our great object was to keep away from any
trees which might attract the lightning.

The storm was still raging when we arrived at home, where we found Dona
Maria and Rosa in no small alarm about us,--thinking more of our safety
than their own. They had closed all the windows and doors--as they
said, to keep the lightning out; although in reality it only prevented
them from seeing the bright flashes. The trembling mules were sent
round to the stables; while Uncle Richard produced various articles from
his wardrobe with which to clothe us.

The ladies laughed heartily as we made our appearance at the
supper-table. Hugh was dressed with one of Rosa's petticoats over his
shoulders, which she declared gave him a very Oriental look. The
dominie had on a flowered dressing-gown of Uncle Richard's, with a pair
of loose drawers, and a sash round his waist. Juan wore a red shirt, a
sky-blue dress coat, and a pair of shooting breeches; while I was rigged
out in an entire suit belonging to our host, a world too wide, and much
too short.

The storm had by this time ceased, though the thunder, as it rolled away
down the valley, was occasionally heard.

The ladies were amused by the account of our adventures, especially on
hearing of the alarm of Mr Laffan at the unexpected appearance of the
tiger-cat Uncle Richard having proposed music, Dona Maria and Rosa got
their guitars and sang very sweetly.

"Now let us have a dance," cried our host, jumping up; "old Pepe plays
the fiddle, and we have another fellow who is an adept with the pipes."

The persons named were sent for. The first w