old gentleman, who was now on the other side of the vehicle, and
after a moment exclaimed:

"Is it possible, Captain Bezan, that we are indebted to you for this
most opportune deliverance from what seemed to be certain
destruction?"

"Isabella Gonzales!" exclaimed the young officer, with unfeigned
surprise.

"You did not know us, then?" she asked, quickly, in reply.

"Not I, indeed, or else I should sooner have spoken to you."

"You thus risked your life, then, for strangers?" she continued.

"You were the weakest party, were attacked by robbers; it only
required a glance to realize that, and to attack them and release
you was the next most natural thing in the world," replied the
soldier, still wiping the perspiration from his forehead and
temples.

"Father!" exclaimed Isabella, with undisguised pleasure, "this is
Captain Bezan!"

"Captain Bezan?" repeated the old don, as surprised as his daughter
had been.

"At your service," replied the soldier, bowing respectfully to Don
Gonzales.