ng which he had
intended. Upon the whole, however, after mature consideration, he
concluded that it had all turned out for the best.

It was evident that this woman had formed a very strong attachment
for him. Very well. She would be all the more devoted to his
interests, and turn all her thoughts and energies toward securing his
escape. Things could not have turned out better. He had not intended
it, but if Rita chose to misunderstand him, why should he try to
undeceive her? The more she cared for him, the better it would be for
him. And thus Russell, out of his selfish desires for his own safety,
allowed himself to trifle with the heart's best affections, and
beguile poor Rita, and allure her with hopes that could never be
realized.

After all, however, there were grave obstacles in his way. Could he
desert his wife and leave her in such peril? Or, worse, could he
leave those precious bonds, which he had so carefully hidden? If he
did, he might never see them again.

Was it possible to get them before leaving? Would it be safe to tell
Rita, and direct her to get them for him? This thought occupied him
for some time, and he almost made up his mind to do so. But the risk
was too great. After all, Rita might be a spy in the interests of
"His Majesty," and sent to worm his secret out of him.

No, it would not be safe. It would be safer to leave the bonds where
they were. If he escaped, he might hope to obtain assistance from the
Government, in which case he might be able to come back with them, to
show them the way, and then, when the castle was recaptured, he might
be able to regain his treasure. And so he decided finally upon this
course.

At midday Rita returned, bringing his dinner, a savory _olla
podrida_. She set it down, and then threw her arms around the
embarrassed Russell, who was seated on the bench, murmuring words of
endearment in unintelligible Spanish. He bore it well, however, and,
remembering his necessities, he tried to exhibit those feelings which
might be expected from him.

Rita this time had a bundle with her, which she gave to Russell,
directing him to hide it under the bench for the present.

"You mus' disguisar," she said; "this is a woman dress--"

"A woman's dress?"

"Oh, no difficolta. You wait till avenin', then you put him on, ofer
your militar coat--just as you stands. Alla right; then you
disguisado, and commalong me. I be alla ready. You waita forra mi.
But not you put him on