ve
received the information."

We immediately entered the house, and Uncle Richard sent off a messenger
to the Monteverdes, where he supposed Juan would be found.

While we had dinner, and prepared for our ride, Paul took some food, and
was again ready to start when the horses were brought round.

Dona Maria was much agitated on hearing the news. "Do nothing rash, my
dear Richard," she said to her husband. "It is impossible to withstand
the Godos."

"Nothing is impossible to brave men fighting in a just cause," answered
Uncle Richard.

Embracing his wife and Rosa, to whom we had already bidden farewell, he
joined us in the courtyard, where we sat our horses ready to start. We
had a long ride before us in the dark, the road being none of the best,
but our steeds were sure-footed, and we were well accustomed to them.

We had got to some distance, when we heard the tramp of horses coming
along a road which led from the Monteverdes' house, and Dona Dolores,
with her father and four domestics, all armed, came up. She sat her
steed, as far as I could judge in the fast gathering gloom, like a
person who had thorough command over it. She rode up to me, as if
desirous of speaking; and I took the opportunity to inquire for my
friend Juan, observing that he had not returned to Don Ricardo's.

"He has gone home to commence the career which, I trust, he will from
henceforth follow," she replied. "He will endeavour to raise and arm
the men on his property, as well as others from the surrounding
villages. We were already aware that the Spaniards were advancing up
the valley, and had been engaged in sending information in all
directions to arouse the Patriots, and to counsel them to take up arms
in defence of their homes and families. We may count on you, Senor
Duncan? Young as you are, you may render essential service to our
glorious cause, though your arm may not yet be strong enough to wield a
sword."

"I believe I could make very good use of one, if necessary," I answered,
somewhat piqued by her remark. "Juan would tell you that I can hold my
own, even against him."

"I am glad to hear it," she observed.

"We must not count the cost, dear as that may be," I said; "but I shall
be ready to yield up my life, and everything I possess, could I be sure
that victory would be gained by the sacrifice."

"We may count on you, then, as a Patriot?"

"Yes, most certainly, as you can on Don Ricardo."

"And upon your ta