intention to identify himself with Talbot, and
speak as though he had all along been travelling with "the young
priest."

"Our train stopped," said he, "and we took the diligence over this
road yesterday. We were stopped again, captured and robbed by
Carlists, and we have escaped from them, and are now trying to get
back."

"Was your train stopped by Carlists?"

"No; the diligence."

"Where did the Carlists go?"

"I have no idea."

"Where did you come from last?"

"Barcelona."

"Where are you going now?"

"To England," said Brooke; "and finally." he added, "allow me to show
you this, which I am sure will establish my character in your eyes."

With these words he drew forth a paper and handed it to Lopez. The
latter took it, and one of the men lighted a bit of wood which served
as a torch, after which Lopez read the following:

"_Head-quarters, Vittoria, May 10th. 1873.

"This is to certify that the bearer of this is an American citizen
named Raleigh Brooke, and is correspondent of a New York journal. He
has permission to traverse our lines in pursuit of his business.
CONCHA_."

Lopez read it over a second time.

"A newspaper correspondent!" said he. "H'm! That means a spy." He
handed it back again to Brooke, who replaced it in his pocket. "I'll
think it over," continued Lopez. "I'll examine you both to-morrow and
inspect your papers. I'm too tired now. You may both go inside again
where you were hiding before. We won't burn you up."

At these last words the whole gang burst into a jeering laugh that
foreboded something so horrible that the stout heart of Brooke
quailed within him, as, followed by Talbot, he once more entered the
old mill.

CHAPTER XIV.

HOW THE ANXIOUS RUSSELL SEEKS TO CONCEAL A TREASURE.

The Russell party, on reaching the castle, were all conducted inside,
where they found themselves in an arched hall which has already been
described. Traversing this, they ascended the massive stairway at the
end, and came to another large hall immediately above the lower one.
This had once been the grand banqueting hall of the castle, and was
less rough and severe in its appearance than other parts; for while
the walls elsewhere showed the unfinished faces of the rude blocks of
stone, here there was an effort after something like ornament; yet
this was so slight that even here the general air was still one of
severe and austere graudeur, as if there had been wrought out in this