Part 35 (2/2)

If their behaviour mystified their servants, not less were they themselves puzzled when Jose presented hi:

”I ask your pardon for intruding, but don't these belong to your ladyshi+ps?”

They saw their watches and other effects obtained from them by ”false pretences,” as they were now to learn

The revelation that succeeded put an end to their joyous huht for aheavier than ever The treachery of the hunchback and his intentions were uide Santander and his soldiers to the old monastery, where they would take the _patriotas_ by surprise

”What is to be done, Ysabel?” despairingly asked the Donna Luisa ”How can we give the?”

To which the _cochero_, not the Countess, :

”I can do that, _Senorita_”

His confident tone reassured then he had already conceived, and his ability to execute it He was acquainted with the old convent and the paths leading to it--every inch of thee him to immediate departure

He was off the instant after, and long before the clock of Talpaht hour, well up the ht, in the direction of the Cerro Ajusco

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

MONKS NO MORE

The sur the convent cell earlier than he intended was a correct one The goings on in the Refectory were, at the tirand occasion, as he had worded it There were so either the garb or the behaviour of the uise; a feearing regular though undress uniforuerilleros,” in the picturesque costumes of their country They were booted, and belted, swords by their sides, with pistols in holsters hanging against the walls, and spurs ready for buckling on Standing in corners were stacks of carbines, and lances freshly pennoned, with their blades bright fro ere long expected to take place

It may be asked where were their horses, since all the arms and accoutrements seen around were those of cavalry? But horses they had, though not there Each knehere to lay hands on his own, far or near, stalled in the stable of soht be, mountain cavern They were not yet assembled to hearken to the call of ”Boot and Saddle” That they would hear at a later hour, and in a different place

The occasion of their being in such guise and together was because it was to be the last night of their sojourn in theit aloaded with the best that was left to them in meals and drinks Upon it hat bottles remained of those famous wines from the bins of the rich _haciendado_--his forced contribution--and they were fast getting e, it was not likely that any of the Burgundy, Madeira, or Pedro Ximenes would be left behind--not even a ”heel-tap”

It had got to be ht, and they were still in the midst of the revelry, when Rivas, who headed the table, rose to his feet, in that formal manner which tells of speech to be made or toast proclaimed

”_Camaradas_!” he said, as soon as the buzz of conversation had ended, ”as you're aware, we part frooing and for what purpose But not all; therefore I deem it my duty to tell you You saw a courier who calad to say This despatch I hold in h he re-azul_ in his veins, is as brave a soldier and pure a patriot as any in the land You know that He tells , and only wait for us--the 'Free Lances'--with sorito_ By his er I have sent answer that we, too, are ready, and will respond to his summons You all approve of that, I take it?”

”All!” was the exclai voice

”Moreover,” proceeded the speaker, ”I've told the General we'll be on the , and can meet him at a place he has mentioned the day after His plan is to attack the town of Oaxaca; and, if we succeed in taking it, then wemore to say; only that you're to scatter after your horses, and lose no tiain--the old rendezvous, this side La Guarda”

So ended the speech of the Free Lances' leader; but despite the suggestions of immediate departure, the circle around the table did not instantly break up

The bottles were not all empty as yet, nor the revellers satisfied to leave them till they should be so Besides, there was no particular need of haste for another hour or two So they stuck to the table, s the latter their lately joined allies--the _Irlandes_ and _Tejano_, about whose proved valour on other fields, of which they had heard, the Free Lances were enthusiastically eloquent

Kearney, speaking in their own tongue, made appropriate response; while Rock, when told he had been toasted, delivered hi:--