of the Carlists?"

"Here."

"Well, I'm afraid if we move incautiously we may be seen and captured
by the Carlists. So before we start I propose to reconnoitre. Will
you remain here?"

"I will do whatever you direct."

"You are very good and sensible."

"Thanks; but where do you propose to go."

"I'm going to visit the castle over there."

"The castle?"

"Yes. It is full of people. That they are Carlists I haven't a doubt.
I mean to visit them, and find out how the land lies."

"But the danger is too great, is it not? May they not detain you?"

"I must run the risk of that."

"Was it your intention to go among the Carlists before you met me?"

"Well, not exactly. I was on my way, and that way might have led
among them."

"Are you running this risk for my sake?"

"Well, not particularly, although I have an eye to you in this
matter. My chief aim is, just now, to get something for dinner, and
after that to find out what is the safest direction for us to take."

The lady sat in thoughtful silence for some time.

"I am afraid," said she, "that you are incurring a terrible risk. You
are now out of danger; why put yourself into it? Why may we not fly
now, or to-night? I can fast for any length of time."

"The danger is," said the priest, "that we may both fall into the
hands of the very men we wish to avoid."

"But that is the very thing you are going to do."

"I--Oh, I can go alone anywhere."

"Ah, there it is!" said the lady, bitterly. "It is I who am a drag on
you. It is I who am getting you into danger. Yet why not leave me?
Tell me where the road is: I will go back alone."

"Oh, well," said the priest, with his usual short laugh, "as for
that, we may talk of it again. I'll tell you presently. It may come
to that, but I hope not. I am going to that castle all the same. I've
been there before, and without harm: I expect to come back. But
suppose I do not, how long will you wait here for me?"

"As long as you say."

"Twenty-four hours?"

"Yes."

"Very well. I do not think they will detain me, but it is best to be
prepared. And now, by way of preliminary, I will show you how I can
go over there. Remember, I have been here before, and have become
acquainted with some of the secrets of this place. If you should be
in danger, or if I should not come back, you will be able to fly by
the way which I will now show you."

The priest arose and entered the tower, followed by the lady. The
pavement