that the castle should be captured
as soon as possible. And she knew, too, that a band of brave men,
headed by a determined leader, could have no difficulty in capturing
the castle by a surprise, if she should only make known to them the
passage-way by which she had lately escaped.

Accordingly Rita proceeded to give to Lopez a full account of the way
in which she had managed to effect the escape of herself and her
companion from the castle. Lopez listened with the deepest attention,
making her explain with the utmost minuteness the nature of the
chambers and passages which she had traversed, and their position
with reference to the rest of the castle; also the track down the
sides of the chasm; its height, length, and width, and how far it
offered concealment to those passing over it.

"My good woman," said he, "do not object to a little further
detention. I assure you it need not be for more than twenty-four
hours. After all, what is that? By this time to-morrow I shall have
that castle in my own hands. It is of such infinite importance to me
to capture those prisoners, that I assure you there is nothing I will
not do for you, if you are faithful to me till I conclude this
business of mine. So make up your mind to work for me in a cheerful,
loyal, active way; and you will rejoice to your dying day that you
ever met with Hernando Lopez."

During this conversation, Russell, standing apart, had watched them
attentively. Although unable to understand the words, he was able to
gather from the faces, gestures, and tones of the two a very fair
idea of their meaning. He could see that Lopez grew more and more
excited; that the excitement was most intense, yet altogether
agreeable; and that he himself was far, very far, from being the
subject of that conversation. He could see that the effect produced
upon Lopez was of the most desirable kind, and that the dreaded
captain was now in a mood from which no danger was to be apprehended.
And therefore it was that the virtuous, yet undeniably timid Russell,
began to pluck up heart. To such a degree was his late terror
surmounted, that he now became conscious of a fact which had hitherto
been suppressed under the long excitement of hurried flight and
sudden capture; and this fact was that he had been fasting for a long
time, and was now ravenously hungry.

At length the conversation ended, and Lopez was about to turn away,
when, suddenly, he noticed Russell. He raised his hat co