fe in the fight that followed, while
pressing forward in my eagerness to find you before they could get
you off. I found you at last. I was full of joy and triumph at the
thought of rescuing you from a loathsome captivity. Judge of my surprise
and bitter disappointment when I saw you so indifferent, when you met me
so coolly; and, instead of showing gratitude, seemed rather angry at me
than otherwise."

Lopez paused here to see the effect of his eloquent speech.

Katie looked up.

"It was not captivity, as you call it," said she; "and if it was, it was
not loathsome. That word, senor, is far more applicable to my present
condition."

"You don't know," said Lopez. "You can't understand. You must have been
under some fatal misapprehension. Is it possible that you were ignorant
of the character of your captor--a mere brigand--one who pretends to be a
Carlist, merely that he may rob passengers, or capture them and hold them
to ransom? Have you been all this time in such ignorance?"

"No, senor; I knew in whose hands I had fallen--he is a man of honor!"

"A man of honor!" cried Lopez, in amazement.

"Senor, you cannot know yet who he is. I must tell you. He is the King of
Spain--His Majesty King Charles!"

"Don Carlos!" cried Lopez.

At this information he stood transfixed with amazement. Nothing was more
probable than that Don Carlos had been in the castle, though he did not
suppose that Don Carlos would rob travellers or hold them to ransom. And
then there came upon him the bitter thought of all that he had lost by
the escape of this distinguished personage. Had he captured him, he would
have been certain of immortal glory--of advancement, of high command,
honor, wealth, everything which a grateful government could bestow. And
all had slipped out of his hands by the narrowest chance. The thought of
that lost glory well-nigh overcame him.

"I didn't see him," he groaned, as he stood clasping his hands in an
attitude of despair. "He must have left before I came."

"He left," said Katie, "while you were in the castle."

"Ah!" said Lopez, "how do you know that?"

"Because," said Katie, "I saw him when he left."

"But you were in that room. How could he leave that room?"

"I saw him when he left," said Katie, "that is all. You need not believe
me unless you wish, but it is true."

Lopez had to believe her.

"And what is more," said Katie, "you will not remain here long. He will
soon be back."

"Pooh!" sai