"I am glad that he did so, for had the money been placed in the ordinary
chests and then brought to the barracks to be packed in ammunition-cases,
the Portuguese troopers would all have been sure of the nature of the
contents; whereas now, whatever they may suspect, they cannot be sure
about it, because there is a large amount of ammunition stored in the same
building."

Some of the guard stationed in the Treasury carried the chests out, and
assisted the muleteers to lash them in their places.


[Illustration: TERENCE RECEIVES A PRESENT OF A HORSE FROM SIR JOHN
CRADOCK]


"I cannot thank you too warmly, Captain Nelson, for the kindness that you
have shown me," Terence said.

"Not at all," that officer replied; "I simply carried out the general's
orders, and the duty has been a very pleasant one. No, I don't think I
would mount that horse if I were you," he went on, as Terence walked
towards his acquisition. "I would have him led as far as Coimbra, while
you ride the horse you borrowed there, then he will be fresh for the
further journey."

"That would be the best way, no doubt, though our stages must all be
comparatively short ones, owing to our having mules with us."

"I should not press them if I were you. I don't suppose that it will make
much difference whether Romana gets the money a few days sooner or later."