say is, it's a pity that such a pretty
woman as you cannot have some better fortune than this."

Rita laughed.

"Ah, senor, you a flattera!"

"Oh no. I'm a plain, blunt, bluff, honest John Bull. But the fact is,
you are very pretty, Rita, my dear!"

Rita laughed again at this, and her large black eyes fixed themselves
with bolder admiration upon the benignant face and splendid dress of
the gallant tailor.

Here a happy thought occurred to Russell's mind.

It was evident that this woman was already an admiring friend. Could
he not, in some way, work upon her so as to attract her to his
interests? Her help would be invaluable. She might, if she chose, do
much; she might even help him to escape. It was worth trying. To win
her over to his side, there was nothing which he would not try. But
how could he get her help? By bribery? Of course, to a certain
extent; but it would be well to be cautious, and not offer too much.
Other means might be used.

By gaining her good-will, she would be more accessible to a bribe,
and would be less exacting.

Now, Russell was sharp at a bargain, and by no means anxious to pay
more than he could help. Even where his own liberty, even where his
life was concerned, he paused to consider the expense. He resolved to
bribe this woman, but to name no price, to let it be undecided, to
agree in a general way; and afterward, should he succeed in gaining
his liberty, to cut the amount down as low as possible. He also
resolved to put money out of the question as far as he could, and
work upon her good-will and her affections, rather than her avarice.
The woman's open, undisguised admiration seemed to promise an easy
conquest. To him she appeared to have a frank, guileless, impetuous
disposition, all of which was a great help to the furtherance of his
designs.

Russell looked all around.

"Oh," said Rita, "do not fear--all away."

"Come, my dear," said Russell; "sit down here by my side; I want to
talk with you."

Russell seated himself on an oaken bench, and Rita promptly seated
herself by his side. She sat by him, and looked at him with a smile,
and with the same fervid admiration.

"The pretty child!" thought Russell, as he caught the glance of her
glowing eyes. "How she does admire me!"

"So you are an attendant here, are you, Rita, my dear?" he asked.

"Yes."

"But it isn't good enough for such a pretty woman as you are!" he
continued.

"Ah, senor, what do you mean?" said R