must return, for I watch to-night, and must be back in time." He put
on his hat as he spoke.

"Mañuel, come as often as you can, and let me know what is going on.
You are the only one whose word I believe; there are so many strange
tales nowadays, I put little faith in any. And before you go, put this
crucifix about your neck: 'twill save you in time of danger, and think
of Inez when you see it." She undid the fastening which held it round
her own throat, and pressing it to her lips, laid it in his hand.

Astonished at a proof of tenderness so unexpected, Mañuel caught
her in his arms, but disengaging herself, she shook her finger
threateningly at him, and pointed to the door. He lighted his
cigarrita, and promising to come often, returned to the Alamo.

Left alone, the Spanish maiden sought her own apartment, muttering as
she ascended the steps--"The Padre protect you, Mary! Yes, even as
the hawk the new chicken. Take thee to a place of safety! even as the
eagle bears the young lamb to his eyrie. Yes, Mañuel, I have bound
the handkerchief about your eyes, You think I love you, and trust both
Padre and crucifix! Trust on, I too have been deceived."




CHAPTER XIV.


More like somnambulism than waking reality was now the life of
Florence Hamilton. No duty was unperformed, so exertion spared to