he at once proceeded to stiffen his sinews and summon
up his blood. Taking no notice of Russell, he advanced to Ashby.

"Senor," said he, in Spanish, "for the part that you have taken in
this matter I will call you to account."

Ashby smiled disdainfully.

"You have insulted me," said Lopez, fiercely. "This insult must be
washed out in blood--your heart's-blood or mine. I am going in this
train."

"Indeed! So am I," said Ashby.

"We shall find a place--and a time."

"Whenever you please," said the other, shortly.

"Senor, I will communicate with you."

Both the young men bowed, and with their hearts full of hate they
separated to take their places in the train.

And now at this particular juncture there came forth from behind a
pillar a female figure, which figure had been there for some time,
and had closely watched the whole of Ashby's proceedings from
beginning to end. It was impossible to see her face, but her graceful
shape, and quiet, active movements, indicated youth, and suggested
possible beauty. This figure hastened toward the train, and entered
the very carriage into which Ashby had gone.

The next moment the guard banged the door to behind her, the great
bell rang, the engine puffed and snorted, and then, with the roar of
steam, the clank of machinery, and the rumble of many wheels, the
long train thundered out of the station on its eventful journey to
the North.

CHAPTER II.

HOW MR. ASHBY MEETS WITH A VERY DEAR AND VERY LOVELY YOUNG FRIEND.

On entering the carriage Ashby took a seat and prepared to make
himself comfortable for the journey. The hurried events of the last
few minutes, the farewell to Katie, the prospect of a new meeting at
Burgos, the additional prospect of a hostile encounter with Lopez,
were certainly sufficient food for reflection. Consequently he was in
a fit of abstraction so profound that he did not notice the female
who entered the carriage.

As the train rolled out, the new-comer also made herself comfortable
in her seat, which, being opposite to that of Ashby, gave her the
opportunity of examining his face at her leisure, if she felt so
inclined, while she herself was so closely veiled as to baffle
recognition. Her dress, though very plain, was in the latest fashion,
and she wore with inimitable grace that marvellous Spanish mantilla
which is equally adapted to adorn and to conceal. Although in the
opposite seat, she was not close to Ashby, but at the o