d be
safer than anywhere else. Rita had now a horror of those Carlists whom she
had betrayed, and, as he thought, would venture anywhere rather than into
their presence.

And now the good man felt quite martial. This new change in his situation,
and the inspiring presence of his military friends, made him determine to
get rid of that odious disguise which Rita had furnished him. He
proceeded, therefore, to divest himself of it.

The Carlists had not noticed him thus far, and had not at all recognized
him. Great was their surprise when they saw this "woman" tearing off her
outer robe; but far greater was it when they saw the marvellous
transformation of a commonplace woman into a resplendent general-officer
all in blue and gold.

A murmur ran through them, partly of amusement, partly of approval.

One of them addressed him.

Russell shook his head.

"He is a French general," said one; "he doesn't understand us. Can't some
one speak French?"

No one could.

One of them then ran inside and brought out a sword, with belt, etc.,
which he handed to the "French general." Russell took it, and after some
trouble succeeded in buckling the martial gear around him. Then, by way of
an additional safeguard against his enemy, he drew his sword, and taking
his seat on a stone near the gate, glared watchfully around.

Dolores and Ashby had much to talk of, but Dolores was too prudent to
waste time on mere explanations. There was yet very much to be done. Above
all, they must now consider how they were to get out of the castle. After
all, as far as she could see, their position had changed little, if at
all, for the better. The enemy would rally. They would be attacked. No
defence was possible. They would soon be prisoners or fugitives. And if
they were to fly, how could they hope to escape in a country swarming with
roving bands of marauders belonging to both parties? The problem was a
difficult one, and one which was not to be solved very readily.

At length Dolores thought of the wounded men, and as she had a very tender
heart, she proposed to go and help them. The two then returned and entered
the castle.

They reached the hall at the very time when the other parties were coming
into it--namely, Brooke and Talbot from the room, and Harry and Katie
from the upper regions. Such coincidences are frequent in real life, and
still more frequent in our "Castles in Spain."

As Brooke and Talbot came out, Ashby and Dolores, adv