medium of communication between rebels against his authority."

"Very well; I am ready to accompany you," I said, seeing that, for the
moment at least, resistance and escape were equally out of the question;
"but the charge is false."

"That I have nothing to do with. The case is one for the military
tribunal. Before we go I must search your room."

He did so, and, except my passport, found nothing whatever of a
documentary, much less of a compromising character. He then searched me,
and took possession of Zamorra's unlucky letter to Ulloa and my
memorandum-book, in which, however, there were merely a few commonplace
notes and scientific jottings.

This done he placed two of his alguazils on either side of me, telling
them to run me through with their bayonets if I attempted to escape, and
then, drawing his sword and bringing up the rear, gave the order to march.

As we passed through the gateway I caught sight of the _posadero_,
laughing consumedly, and pointing at me the finger of scorn and triumph.
How sorry I felt that I had not kicked him when I was in the humor and had
the opportunity!




CHAPTER IX.

DOOMED TO DIE.