tory of the central building, or keep, and was
constructed, in the most massive manner, out of vast blocks of
rough-hewn stone. The apartment was about fifty feet in length,
twenty-five in width, and twelve in height. On either side there were
openings into chambers or passage-ways. The roof was vaulted, and at
the farther end of the apartment there was a stairway constructed of
the same cyclopean stones as the rest of the edifice. All the
stone-work here visible had the same ponderous character, and seemed
formed to last for many centuries to come.

Around the sides of this lower hall were suspended arms and
accoutrements. There were also rude massive benches, upon which were
flung rugs and blankets. Here and there were little groups, not only
of men, but also of women and children. On the left side there was an
enormous chimney, which was large enough for a separate chamber. In
this a fire was burning, and a woman was attending to the cooking of
a savory stew. An aromatic smell of coffee was diffusing itself
through the atmosphere; and this was surrounded and intermingled with
the stronger and ranker, though less pungent, odors of the stew
aforesaid.

The priest flung himself carelessly into a seat near a massive oaken
table, and the Carlist chief took a seat beside him. The priest
questioned the chief very closely as to his doings, and the
disposition of his people through the country, while the chief
surveyed the priest furtively and cautiously.

At last he said, abruptly,

"You were on the train yesterday."

"I was," replied the priest, coolly.

"Why did you not tell me who you were?"

"What a question to ask!" said the priest. "Don't you understand?
When _I_ am out I don't want any one to know or suspect. I did not
choose to tell even you. Why should I? I didn't know you."

"But you lost your purse," said the chief, in rather a humble voice.

"And was there much in it?" asked the Priest.

The chief laughed.

Breakfast now followed, and of this the priest partook heartily. Then
he started up.

"I must make haste," said he, "and continue my journey; but as I am
going into out-of-the-way places, I shall have to ask you for some
supplies."

This request was very cheerfully granted, loaves and cold meats being
furnished from the Carlist larder. These the priest put into a
wallet, and thus equipped, he was ready for the march.

"_Adios_," said he, "noble captain, till we meet again."

"_Adios_," sai