om depths of
despair to the highest hope. They recognized the shouts and the
watchword of the Republic, and felt that in the hands of the soldiers
of the government they would be safe.

Suddenly the door was opened. Outside were armed men with blazing
torches, from among whom there advanced into the room an officer.

The Carlists were immediately disarmed, and their arms taken outside.
But the officer took no notice of them. His eyes, searching on every
side, soon perceived Harry and Ashby, who had drawn near.

"Senor captain," said Harry, "I rejoice that you have come to save us
from captivity and death. We have been here as prisoners for two or
three days, and an immense ransom was exacted from us, which we could
not pay. Had you not come, we should undoubtedly have been shot."

Ashby said not a word. He had recognized Lopez at a glance, and
dreaded the worst from this vengeful enemy.

Lopez kept his eyes fixed on Ashby as he spoke, though he addressed
Harry.

"Senors," said he, "I am glad that I have come in time to avert so
horrible a crime. You, senor," he continued, addressing Harry, "may
retire: you are free. You will be respected and protected by my
followers, and may either go, or remain till our return to Vittoria.
As for Senor Ashby, I wish to have a brief conversation with him."

At this Harry bowed, and with some further expression of gratitude
went out of the room a free man, his heart swelling with exultation
and joy and hope.

"Senor Ashby," said Lopez, "we have met again."

Ashby bowed.

"Senor Ashby," continued Lopez, "insults have been given and received
on both sides, and we are already under engagements to have a hostile
meeting. Is it not so?"

Ashby bowed again.

Lopez had spoken these words in a low tone, which was inaudible to
his men. He now turned and ordered them to withdraw, and stand
outside until further orders.

They obeyed.

"Senor Ashby," he continued, "the lady is here for whom we both are
seeking. It was about her that our quarrel arose."

"I am ready now," said Ashby.

"For the quarrel?" said Lopez. "Ay--but I am not;" and he gave a
bitter laugh.

"A man of honor," said Ashby, scornfully, "will always be ready."

Lopez again gave a bitter laugh.

"Dear senor," said he, "I have had too many affairs to be afraid of
risking my reputation as a man of honor by postponing our little
meeting. I have other things to attend to first. And first I must
have a little l