"Why, sir," said the old man, "what possible chance could have
brought you so fortunately to our rescue here, a dozen leagues from
the city?"

"I was returning with these two companions of my company from a
business trip to the south side of the island, where we had been
sent with despatches from Tacon to the governor of the department."

"No, matter, what chance has brought you here, at all events we owe
our lives to you, sir," said Don Gonzales, extending his hand
cordially to the young officer.

After some necessary delay, under the peculiar circumstances, the
horses were finally arranged so as to permit of proceeding forward
on the road. The bodies of the servants were disposed of, and all
was ready for a start, when Isabella Gonzales turned to her father
and pressing his arm said:

"Father, how pale he looks!"

"Who, my child!"

"There, see how very pale!" said Isabella, rising up from her seat.

"Who do you speak of, Isabella?"

"Captain Bezan, father; see, there he stands beside his horse."

"He does look fatigued; he has worked hard with those villains,"