for my arrest. I was in bad company, it seems.'

'Yes; your companions were engaged in conveying ammunition to the
Carlists; we have wanted to lay our hands upon them for some weeks.
They have carried former journeys to a successful termination.'

He laughed and shrugged his shoulders.

'The guide, Antonio something-or-other, died, as I understand.'

'Well, yes; if you choose to put it that way,' admitted Conyngham.

The General raised his eyebrows in a gentle grimace expressive of
deprecation, with, as it were, a small solution of sympathy,
indicated by a moisture of the eye, for the family of Antonio
something-or-other in their bereavement.

'And the other man? Seemed a nice enough fellow. . .' inquired
Conyngham.

The General raised one gloved hand as if to fend off some
approaching calamity.

'He died this morning--at six o'clock.'

Conyngham looked down at this gentle soldier with a dawning light of
comprehension. This might after all be the General Vincente whom he
had been led to look upon as the fiercest of the Spanish Queen's
adherents.