ossibly be suspected, and as I am
well-known, I should certainly be seized, while you might be allowed to
continue your journey. But whatever happens, take no notice of me, and
let us appear to be total strangers to each other."

These remarks were made when the travellers were yet some distance from
the inn where they intended to stop. Julianillo rode on ahead, Don
Francisco following at a distance, so as just to keep him in view.

When Don Francisco entered the common room of the inn, Julianillo was
already there, seated among a number of muleteers and other persons,
laughing and joking with them. Don Francisco, on entering, took no
notice of him, but placed himself at an unoccupied part of the long
table, at the other end of the room. The guests were waiting for
dinner, and in a short time large dishes of fried beans and pork were
placed on the table. Don Francisco could with difficulty partake of the
rough fare put before him. He ordered, however, a flagon of wine, and
requested the host to partake of it, who, nothing loth, accepted his
offer.

The guests had only just seated themselves when a party of mounted
alguazils arrived at the inn, and, having stabled their horses, walked
in to partake of the dinner going forward. Julianillo appeared in no
way to be disconcerted. It was an anxious time for Don Francisco, for
he could not help fearing that the alguazils were in search of suspected
persons.

Having allowed time for the horses to rest, Julianillo started up, and
beginning to sing a well-known comic air, sauntered out of the inn
towards the stables. Don Francisco waited till he supposed his
companion was on the road, and then, paying his reckoning to the
landlord, begged that his horse might be brought round. Just as he was
mounting, the landlord whispered in his ear--

"Stop not till you have gained the other side of the border, and then be
not content till you are many leagues from it."

"I know not what you mean," answered Don Francisco, carelessly; "but
supposing the advice to be of value, I should be truly grateful to you
for it." Saying this he rode quietly through the street of the village.

He had not gone far when he heard the mounted guards who had entered the
inn following close behind. Instead of attempting to escape them he
drew in his rein to allow them to come up with him. It was a moment to
try the nerves of most men. They, however, rode by, saluting him as
they passed, when