depend on, and even to obtain
that Candela had to run the risk of discovery. He took the precaution,
however, when he went out, to wear scarcely any clothing, so that,
should he be seen, he might not be known as the padre's servant.

"I am glad to see you, as I shall be to see your good father," continued
the padre. "I confess, though, that I am somewhat surprised to find
that you are still with him. It is, however, very right and proper that
you should be so. I had expected that you would by this time have
joined the band of General Bermudez, who must, I should fancy, have
commenced operations against the foe; but you are undoubtedly where you
should be--with your father."

I replied that I had been waiting for a summons from the general, and
should have been prepared to join his standard had he sent for me.

Though I should have been glad to have remained with the padre, I told
him that I was afraid my father would become anxious did I not appear at
the camp with my brother and the Indian, and that I must now hasten back
by myself, unless he would accompany me. I thought he could do so
without danger, and my father and mother would be delighted to see him.

He thought a moment. "I will go with you," he said. "Candela, we will
visit the Senor Desmond, and you will easily find the way back; though,
by my faith, it is more, I suspect, than I could do myself."

Candela had no objection to offer. Indeed, there was no danger of the
padre being discovered, as our enemies were not likely to be wandering
in that part of the forest at night; and even if they were, unless they
found out our camp, we might easily conceal ourselves from them. This
being arranged, Candela, after listening at the trap to make sure that
no one by any chance was near, led the way down the ladder. I followed
as soon as he was at the bottom; and the padre came last, Candela and I
holding the lower end of the ladder to steady it. The padre, however,
exhibited far more activity than I had expected, and came down as fast
as I had done. He had laid aside, I should have said, his usual
clerical attire, and was habited in a half-military dress, with a
broad-brimmed straw hat on his head; and having allowed his beard and
moustache to grow, I should not, with his hat on, have recognised him.
He carried a long, stout stick, which, dexterously wielded, was
calculated to prove a formidable weapon.

"I should not venture to leave the ladder hanging