offense. At any rate it ought not to be. But when I recalled all I had
heard from Moreña, and the stories told me but an hour before by Carera, I
thought it extremely probable that it would be, and bitterly regretted
that I had not mentioned to the latter Ulloa's name. He would have put me
on my guard, and I should not have so fatally committed myself with the
_posadero_.

But regrets are useless and worse. They waste time and weaken resolve. The
question of the moment was, What should I do? How avoid the danger which I
felt sure was impending? There seemed only one way--immediate flight. I
would go to Carera, tell him all that had happened, and ask him to arrange
for my departure from Caracas that very night. I could steal away unseen
when all was quiet.

"At once," I said to myself--"at once. If I exaggerate, if the danger be
not so pressing as I fear, he is just the man to tell me; but, first of
all, I will go into my room and destroy this confounded letter. The
_posadero_ did not see it. All that he can say is--"

"In the king's name!" exclaimed a rough voice behind me; and a heavy hand
was laid on my arm.

Turning sharply round, I found myself confronted by an officer of police
and four alguazils, all armed to the teeth.

"I arrest you in the king's name," repeated the officer.

"On what charge?" I asked.

"Treason. Giving aid and comfort to the king's enemies, and acting as a