ked by such an act. The
knowledge which she had of all the interior of the castle gave her an
immense advantage so long as she was free; and until she saw how
things were it would be better for her to remain free. There would be
great danger in confiding too readily. She knew that the Republicans
were no better than the Carlists, and perhaps these were merely a
rival band of the same ferocious marauders. Ashby, being a foreigner,
was perhaps in as great danger as ever; and if so, she should
preserve her freedom, so as to be able to help him.

This was a very sensible decision; but as Dolores was a very sensible
girl, and a very brave one too, it was only natural that she should
have decided in this way.

After waiting until the noise in the castle had ceased, Dolores
approached the room and reached the place of descent. Here she waited
and listened.

She heard the deep breathing of the sleepers. By this she knew that
several men were now in the room.

But was Ashby there?

She could not tell.

That he was not asleep she felt sure. He would be expecting her, at
any rate; and that would serve to keep him awake.

She determined to try still further. So she began, as cautiously as
possible, to make the descent. She succeeded in doing this without
awaking any of the sleepers. For a while she stood in the deep,
impenetrable shadow and surveyed the apartment. She saw, where the
moonbeams fell, the outline of figures on the floor and on the bed.
The remoter parts of the chamber were hid in gloom.

Then she called, in a low and penetrating whisper,

"_Assebi_!"

There was no answer.

Dolores now felt sure that Ashby was not there; but in order to make
assurance doubly sure, she repeated the call.

There was still no answer; and now Dolores felt certain that he had
been taken away.

Once more she determined to satisfy herself as to the people who were
in the room. It was a hazardous thing to do, but it had to be done.
She must see. She had matches in her pocket. She resolved to throw a
little light on the subject.

She struck a match. The flame burst forth. Holding it above her head,
Dolores peered into the room. The flame illumined the whole
apartment. A second or two was enough to show her the whole. There
were six men. They were Carlists. They were prisoners. Ashby had been
taken away.

So much was plain enough.

Ashby was not there. He had been removed--but how? That was the
question, and a most import