ThepleasureofhearingHopetakehispartagainsthimselfwasso，comfortingtoClaythathehesitatedinansweringinorderto，enjoyitthelonger。Herenthusiasmtouchedhimdeeply，andhe，wonderedifshewereenthusiasticbecauseshewasyoung，or，becauseshewassureshewasright，andthathewasinthewrong。
　　``Itstartedthisway，’’Claybegan，carefully。Hewasanxious，tobequitefairtoMissLangham，buthefounditdifficultto，giveherpointofviewcorrectly，whilehewashungeringfora，wordthatwouldre-establishhiminhisowngoodopinion。``Your，sistersaidshedidnotthinkverymuchofwhatIhaddone，but，sheexplainedkindlythatshehopedforbetterthingsfromme。
　　Butwhattroublesmeis，thatIwillneverdoanythingmuch，betterorverydifferentinkindfromtheworkIhavedone，lately，andsoIamabitdiscouragedaboutitinconsequence。
　　Yousee，’’saidClay，``whenIcometodie，andtheyaskmewhat，Ihavedonewithmytenfingers，IsupposeIwillhavetosay，`Well，Ibuiltsuchandsuchrailroads，andIdugupsomanytons，ofore，andopenednewcountries，andhelpedmakeothermen，rich。’，Ican’turgeinmybehalfthatIhappentohavebeenso，fortunateastohavegainedthegood-willofyourselforyour，sister。Thatisquitereasonenoughtome，perhaps，forhaving，lived，butitmightnotappealtothem。IwanttofeelthatI
　　haveaccomplishedsomethingoutsideofmyself——somethingthat，willremainafterIgo。Evenifitisonlyabreakwaterora，patentcoupling。WhenIamdeaditwillnotmattertoanyone，whatIpersonallywas，whetherIwasaboreoramost，charmingcompanion，orwhetherIhadredhairorblue。Itisthe，workthatwilltell。Andwhenyoursister，whosejudgmentisthe，judgmentoftheoutsideworld，moreorless，saysthatthework，isnotworthwhile，Inaturallyfeelabitdiscouraged。Itmeant，somuchtome，andithurtmetofinditmeantsolittleto，others。’’
　　Hoperemainedsilentforsometime，buttherigidityofher，attitude，andthetightnesswithwhichshepressedherlips，together，showedthathermindwasdeeplyoccupied。Theyboth，satsilentforsomefewmoments，lookingdowntowardthedistant，lightsofthecity。Atthefartherendofthedoublerowof，bushesthatlinedtheavenuetheycouldseeoneofKing’s，sentriespassingtoandfroacrosstheroadway，alongblack，shadowonthemoonlitroad。
　　``Youareveryunfairtoyourself，’’thegirlsaidatlast，``and，Alicedoesnotrepresenttheopinionoftheworld，onlyofavery，smallpartofit——herownlittleworld。Shedoesnotknowhow，littleitis。Andyouarewrongastowhattheywillaskyouat，theend。Whatwilltheycarewhetheryoubuiltrailroadsor，paintedimpressionistpictures？，Theywillaskyou`Whathaveyou，madeofyourself？，Haveyoubeenfine，andstrong，andsincere？’
　　Thatiswhattheywillask。Andwelikeyoubecauseyouare，allofthesethings，andbecauseyoulookatlifesocheerfully，andareunafraid。Wedonotlikemenbecausetheybuild，railroads，orbecausetheyareprimeministers。Welikethemfor，whattheyarethemselves。Andastoyourwork！’’Hopeadded，and，thenpausedineloquentsilence。``Ithinkitisagrandwork，andanoblework，fullofhardshipsandself-sacrifices。Ido，notknowofanymanwhohasdonemorewithhislifethanyouhave，donewithyours。’’，Shestoppedandcontrolledhervoicebefore，shespokeagain。``Youshouldbeveryproud，’’shesaid。
　　Clayloweredhiseyesandsatsilent，lookingdowntheroadway。
　　Thethoughtthatthegirlfeltwhatshesaidsodeeply，andthat，thefactthatshehadsaiditmeantmoretohimthananything，elseintheworldcouldmean，lefthimthrilledandtrembling。
　　Hewantedtoreachouthishandandseizebothofhers，andtell，herhowmuchshewastohim，butitseemedliketakingadvantage，ofthetruthsofaconfessional，orofachild’sinnocent，confidences。
　　``No，MissHope，’’heanswered，withanefforttospeaklightly，``IwishIcouldbelieveyou，butIknowmyselfbetterthanany，oneelsecan，andIknowthatwhilemybridgesmaystand，examination——_I_can’t。’’
　　Hopeturnedandlookedathimwitheyesfullofsuchsweet，meaningthathewasforcedtoturnhisownaway。
　　``Icouldtrustboth，Ithink，’’thegirlsaid。
　　Claydrewaquick，deepbreath，andstartedtohisfeet，as，thoughhehadthrownofftherestraintunderwhichhehadheld，himself。
　　Itwasnotagirl，butawomanwhohadspokenthen，but，though，heturnedeagerlytowardher，hestoodwithhisheadbowed，and，didnotdaretoreadtheverdictinhereyes。
　　Theclatterofhorses’hoofscomingtowardthematagallopbroke，inrudelyuponthetensestillnessofthemoment，butneither，noticedit。``Howfar，’’Claybegan，inastrainedvoice，``how，far，’’heasked，moresteadily，``couldyoutrustme？’’
　　Hope’seyeshadclosedforaninstant，andopenedagain，andshe，smileduponhimwithalookofperfectconfidenceandcontent。
　　Thebeatofthehorses’hoofscamenowfromtheendofthe，driveway，andtheycouldhearthemenattherearofthehouse，pushingbacktheirchairsandhurryingtowardthem。Hoperaised，herhead，andClaymovedtowardhereagerly。Thehorseswere，withinahundredyards。BeforeHopecouldspeak，thesentry’s，voicerangoutinahoarse，sharpchallenge，likeanalarmof，fireonthesilentnight。``Halt！’’theyheardhimcry。
　　Andasthehorsestorepasthim，andtheirridersdidnotturnto，look，heshoutedagain，``Halt，damnyou！’’andfired。Theflash，showedasplashofredandyellowinthemoonlight，andthe，reportstartedintolifehundredsofechoeswhichcarrieditfar，outoverthewatersoftheharbor，andtosseditintosharp，angles，anddistantcorners，andinaninstantamyriadofsounds，answeredit;thefrightenedcryofnight-birds，thebarkingof，dogsinthevillagebelow，andthefootstepsofmenrunning。
　　Clayglancedangrilydowntheavenue，andturnedbeseechinglyto，Hope。
　　``Go，’’shesaid。``Seewhatiswrong，’’andmovedawayas，thoughshealreadyfeltthathecouldactmorefreelywhenshe，wasnotnearhim。
　　Thetwohorsesfellbackontheirhaunchesbeforethesteps，and，MacWilliamsandStuarttumbledoutoftheirsaddles，and，started，runningbackonfootinthedirectionfromwhichthe，shothadcome，tuggingattheirrevolvers。
　　``Comeback，’’Clayshoutedtothem。``That’sallright。Hewas，onlyobeyingorders。That’soneofKing’ssentries。’’
　　``Oh，isthatit？’’saidStuart，inmatter-of-facttones，ashe，turnedagaintothehouse。``Goodidea。Tellhimtofirelower，nexttime。And，Isay，’’hewenton，ashebowedcurtlyto，theassembledcompanyontheveranda，``sinceyouhavegota，picketout，youhadbetterdoubleit。And，Clay，seethatnoone，leavesherewithoutpermission——noone。That’smoreimportant，even，thankeepingthemout。’’
　　``King，willyou——’’Claybegan。
　　``Allright，General，’’laughedKing，andwalkedawaytomeethis，sailors，whocamerunningupthehillingreatanxiety。
　　MacWilliamshadnotopenedhislips，buthewasbristlingwith，importance，andhisefforttoappearcalmandsoldierly，like，Stuart，toldmoreplainlythanspeechthathewasthebearerof，someinvaluablesecret。ThesightfilledyoungLanghamwitha，disquietingfearthathehadmissedsomething。
　　Stuartlookedabouthim，andpulledbrisklyathisgauntlets。
　　Kingandhissailorsweregroupedtogetheronthegrassbefore，thehouse。Mr。Langhamandhisdaughters，andClay，were，standingonthesteps，andtheservantswerepeeringaroundthe，cornersofthehouse。
　　StuartsalutedMr。Langham，asthoughtoattracthisespecial，attention，andthenaddressedhimselfinalowtonetoClay。
　　``It’scome，’’hesaid。``We’vebeeninitsincedinner-time，andwe’vegotawholenight’sworkcutoutforyou。’’，He，waslaughingwithexcitement，andpausedforamomenttogain，breath。``I’lltellyoutheworstofitfirst。Mendozahassent，wordtoAlvarezthathewantsthemenattheminestobepresent，atthereviewto-morrow。Hesaystheymusttakepart。Hewrote，amostinsolentletter。Alvarezgotoutofitbysayingthatthe，menwereundercontracttoyou，andthatyoumustgiveyour，permissionfirst。Mendozasentmewordthatifyouwouldnotlet，themencome，hewouldgooutandfetchtheminhimself。’’
　　``Indeed！’’growledClay。``Kirklandneedsthosemento-morrow，toloadore-carsforThursday’ssteamer。Hecan’tsparethem。
　　Thatisouranswer，andithappenstobeatrueone，butifit，weren’ttrue，ifto-morrowwasAllSaints’Day，andthemenhad，nothingtodobuttolieinthesunandsleep，Mendozacouldn’t，getthem。Andifhecomestotakethemto-morrow，he’llhaveto，bringhisarmywithhimtodoit。Andhecouldn’tdoitthen，Mr。Langham，’’Claycried，turningtothatgentleman，``ifIhad，betterweapons。ThefivethousanddollarsIwantedyoutospend，onrifles，sir，twomonthsago，mighthavesavedyouseveral，millionsto-morrow。’’
　　Clay’swordsseemedtobearsomespecialsignificancetoStuart，andMacWilliams，fortheybothlaughed，andStuartpushed，Clayupthestepsbeforehim。
　　``Comeinside，’’hesaid。``Thatiswhywearehere。
　　MacWilliamshasfoundoutwhereBurkehidhisshipmentofarms。
　　Wearegoingtotryandgetthemto-night。’’，Hehurriedintothe，dining-room，andtheothersgroupedthemselvesaboutthetable。
　　``Tellthemaboutit，MacWilliams，’’Stuartcommanded。``Iwill，seethatnooneoverhearsyou。’’
　　MacWilliamswaspushedintoMr。Langham’splaceattheheadof，thelongtable，andtheothersdraggedtheirchairsupclose，aroundhim。Kingputthecandlesattheoppositeendofthe，table，andsetsomedecantersandglassesinthecentre。``To，lookasthoughwewerejustenjoyingourselves，’’heexplained，pleasantly。
　　Mr。Langham，withhisfine，delicatefingersbeatingnervouslyon，thetable，observedthesceneasanon-looker，ratherthanasthe，personchieflyinterested。Hesmiledasheappreciatedthe，incongruityofthetableau，andthecontrastwhichtheactors，presentedtothesituation。Heimaginedhowmuchitwouldamuse，hiscontemporariesoftheUnionClub，athome，iftheycouldsee，himthen，withthestill，tropicalnightoutside，thecandles，reflectedonthepolishedtableandontheanglesofthe，decanters，andshowingtheintentfacesoftheyounggirls，andthemenleaningeagerlyforwardaroundMacWilliams，whosat，consciousandembarrassed，hishairdishevelled，andhisface，coveredwithdust，whileStuartpacedupanddownintheshadow，hissabreclankingashewalked。
　　``Well，ithappenedlikethis，’’MacWilliamsbegan，nervously，andaddressinghimselftoClay。``StuartandIputBurkesafely，inacellbyhimself。Itwasoneoftheoldonesthatfacethe，street。Therewasanarrowwindowinit，abouteightfeetabove，thefloor，andnomeansofhisreachingit，evenifhestoodona，chair。Westationedtwotroopersbeforethedoor，andsentout，toacafe’acrossthestreetforourdinners。Ifinishedmine，aboutnineo’clock，andsaid`Goodnight’toStuart，andstarted，tocomeouthere。Iwentacrossthestreetfirst，however，to，givetherestaurantmansomeordersaboutBurke’sbreakfast。It，isanarrowstreet，youknow，withalonggarden-wallandarow，oflittleshopsononeside，andwiththejail-walltakingupall，oftheotherside。ThestreetwasemptywhenIleftthejail，exceptforthesentryonguardinfrontofit，butjustasIwas，leavingtherestaurantIsawoneofStuart’spolicecomeoutand，peerupanddownthestreetandoverattheshops。Helooked，frightenedandanxious，andasIwasn’ttakingchanceson，anything，Isteppedbackintotherestaurantandwatchedhim，throughthewindow。Hewaiteduntilthesentryhadturnedhis，back，andstartedawayfromhimonhispost，andthenIsawhim，drophissabresothatitrangonthesidewalk。Hewasstanding，Inoticedthen，directlyunderthethirdwindowfromthedoorof，thejail。ThatwasthewindowofBurke’scell。WhenIgrasped，thatfactIgotoutmygunandwalkedtothedoorofthe，restaurant。JustasIreacheditapieceofpapershotout，throughthebarsofBurke’scellandfellatthepoliceman’s，feet，andhestampedhisbootdownonitandlookedallaround，againtoseeifanyonehadnoticedhim。Ithoughtthatwasmy，cue，andIranacrossthestreetwithmygunpointed，andshouted，tohimtogivemethepaper。Hejumpedaboutafootwhenhe，firstsawme，buthewasgame，forhegrabbedupthepaperand，stuckitinhismouthandbegantochewonit。Iwasrightupon，himthen，andIhithimonthechinwithmyleftfistandknocked，himdownagainstthewall，anddroppedonhimwithbothkneesand，chokedhimtillImadehimspitoutthepaper——andtwoteeth，’’
　　MacWilliamsadded，withaconscientiousregardfordetails。
　　``Thesentryturnedjustthenandcameatmewithhisbayonet，butIputmyfingertomylips，andthatsurprisedhim，so，thathedidn’tknowjustwhattodo，andhesitated。You，see，Ididn’twantBurketoheartherowoutside，soIgrabbedmy，policemanbythecollarandpointedtothejail-door，andthe，sentryranbackandbroughtoutStuartandtheguard。Stuartwas，prettymadwhenhesawhispolicemanallbloody。Hethoughtit，wouldprejudicehisothermenagainstus，butIexplainedout，loudthatthemanhadbeeninsolent，andIaskedStuarttotake，usbothtohisprivateroomforahearing，and，ofcourse，whenI
　　toldhimwhathadhappened，hewantedtopunchthechap，too。We，puthimourselvesintoacellwherehecouldnotcommunicatewith，anyone，andthenwereadthepaper。Stuarthasit，’’said，MacWilliams，pushingbackhischair，``andhe’lltellyouthe，rest。’’，Therewasapause，inwhicheveryoneseemedtotake，timetobreathe，andthenachorusofquestionsandexplanations。
　　KingliftedhisglasstoMacWilliams，andnodded。
　　```Welldone，Condor，’’’hequoted，smiling。
　　``Yes，’’saidClay，tappingtheyoungermanontheshoulderashe，passedhim。``That’sgoodwork。Nowshowusthepaper，Stuart。’’
　　Stuartpulledthecandlestowardhim，andspreadaslipofpaper，onthetable。
　　``Burkedidthisupinoneofthosepaperboxesforwax，matches，’’heexplained，``andweighteditwithatwenty-
　　dollargoldpiece。MacWilliamskeptthegoldpiece，Ibelieve。’’
　　``Goingtouseitforascarf-pin，’’explainedMacWilliams，in，parenthesis。``Sortofwar-medal，liketheChief’s，’’headded，smiling。
　　``ThisisinSpanish，’’Stuartexplained。``Iwilltranslateit。
　　Itisnotaddressedtoanyone，anditisnotsigned，butitwas，evidentlywrittentoMendoza，andweknowitisinBurke’s，handwriting，forwecompareditwithsomenotesofhisthatwe，tookfromhimbeforehewaslockedup。Hesays，`Icannotkeep，theappointment，asIhavebeenarrested。’，Thelinethatfollows，here，’’Stuartexplained，raisinghishead，``hasbeenscratched，out，butwespentsometimeoverit，andwemadeoutthatit，read：，`ItwasMr。Claywhorecognizedme，andorderedmyarrest。
　　Heisthebestmantheothershave。Watchhim。’，Wethinkhe，rubbedthatoutthroughgoodfeelingtowardClay。Thereseemsto，benootherreason。He’saverygoodsort，thisoldBurke，I
　　think。’’
　　``Well，nevermindhim;itwasverydecentofhim，anyway，’’said，Clay。``Goon。GettoHecuba。’’
　　```Icannotkeeptheappointment，asIhavebeenarrested，’’’
　　repeatedStuart。```Ilandedthegoodslastnightinsafety。I
　　couldnotcomeinwhenfirstsignalled，asthewindandtide，werebothoffshore。Butwegotallthestuffstoredaway，bymorning。Youragentpaidmeinfullandgotmyreceipt。
　　Pleaseconsiderthisasthesamething——astheequivalent’——itis，difficulttotranslateitexactly，’’commentedStuart——```asthe，equivalentofthereceiptIwastohavegivenwhenImademy，reportto-night。Isentthreeofyourguardsawayonmyown，responsibility，forIthinkmorethanthatnumbermightattract，attentiontothespot，andtheymightbeseenfromtheore-
　　trains。’，Thatisthepointofthenoteforus，ofcourse，’’
　　Stuartinterruptedhimselftosay。``Burkeadds，’’hewenton，```thattheyaretomakenoefforttorescuehim，asheisquite，comfortable，andiswillingtoremaininthecarceluntilthey，areestablishedinpower。’’’
　　``Withinsightoftheore-trains！’’exclaimedClay。``Thereare，noore-trainsbutours。Itmustbealongthelineoftheroad。’’
　　``MacWilliamssaysheknowseveryfootoflandalongthe，railroad，’’saidStuart，``andheissuretheplaceBurkemeans，istheoldfortressonthePlattainlet，because——’’
　　``Itistheonlyplace，’’interruptedMacWilliams，``wherethere，isnosurf。Theycouldrunsmallboatsuptheinletandunload，insmoothwaterwithintwentyfeetoftheramparts;andanother，thing，thatistheonlypointonthelinewithawagonroad，runningdirectfromittotheCapital。It’sanoldroad，and，hasn’tbeentravelledoverforyears，butitcouldbeused。
　　No，’’headded，asthoughansweringthedoubtinClay’smind，``thereisnootherplace。IfIhadamaphereIcouldshowyou，inaminute;wherethebeachislevelthereisajunglebetween，itandtheroad，andwhereverthereisopencountry，thereisa，limestoneformationandrocksbetweenitandthesea，whereno，boatcouldtouch。’’
　　``Butthefortressissoconspicuous，’’Claydemurred;``the，nearestrampartiswithintwentyfeetoftheroad。Don’tyou，rememberwemeasureditwhenwethoughtoflayingthedouble，track？’’
　　``ThatisjustwhatBurkesays，’’urgedStuart。``Thatisthe，reasonhegivesforleavingonlythreemenonguard——`Ithink，morethanthatnumbermightattractattentiontothespot，as，theymightbeseenfromtheore-trains。’’’
　　``Haveyoutoldanyoneofthis？’’Clayasked。``Whathaveyou，donesofar？’’
　　``We’vedonenothing，’’saidStuart。``Welostournervewhenwe，foundouthowmuchweknew，andwedecidedwe’dbetterleaveit，toyou。’’
　　``Whateverwedomustbedoneatonce，’’saidClay。``Theywill，comeforthearmsto-night，mostlikely，andwemustbethere，first。Iagreewithyouentirelyabouttheplace。Itisonly，aquestionnowofourbeingontime。Therearetwothings，todo。Thefirstthingis，tokeepthemfromgettingthearms，andthesecondis，ifwearelucky，tosecurethemforourselves。
　　Ifwecanpullitoffproperly，weoughttohavethoseriflesin，theminesbeforemidnight。Ifwearehurriedorsurprised，we，mustdumpthemoffthefortintothesea。’’，Claylaughedand，lookedabouthimatthemen。``WeareonlyfollowingoutGeneral，Bolivar’ssaying`Whenyouwantarmstakethemfromtheenemy。’
　　Now，therearethreeplaceswemustcover。Thishouse，firstof，all，’’hewenton，inclininghisheadquicklytowardthetwo，sisters，``thenthecity，andthemines。Stuart’splace，of，course，isatthePalace。Kingmusttakecareofthishouseand，thoseinit，andMacWilliamsandLanghamandImustlookafter，thearms。Wemustorganizetwoparties，andtheyhadbetter，approachthefortfromhereandfromtheminesatthesametime。
　　Iwillneedyoutodosometelegraphingforme，Mac;and，King，I
　　mustaskyouforsomemoremenfromtheyacht。Howmanyhave，you？’’
　　Kingansweredthattherewerefifteenmenstillonboard，tenof，whomwouldbeofservice。Headdedthattheywereallwell，equippedforfighting。
　　``IbelieveKing’sapirateinbusinesshours，’’Claysaid，smiling。``Allright，that’sgood。Nowgotelltenofthemto，meetmeattheround-houseinhalfanhour。Iwillget，MacWilliamstotelegraphKirklandtorunanengineandflatcars，towithinahalfmileofthefortonthenorth，andwewillcome，uponitwiththesailorsandTed，here，fromthesouth。You，mustruntheengineyourself，MacWilliams，andperhapsitwould，bebetter，King，ifyourmenjoinedusatthefootofthegrounds，hereandnotattheround-house。Noneoftheworkmenmustsee，ourpartystart。Doyouagreewithme？’’heasked，turningto，thoseinthegroupabouthim。``Hasanybodyanycriticismto，make？’’
　　StuartandKinglookedatoneanotherruefullyandlaughed。``I
　　don’tseewhatgoodIamdoingintown，’’protestedStuart。
　　``Yes，andIdon’tseewhereIcomein，either，’’growledKing，inaggrievedtones。``Theseyoungsterscan’tdoitall;besides，Ioughttohavechargeofmyownmen。’’
　　``Mutiny，’’saidClay，insomeperplexity，``rankmutiny。Why，it’sonlyapicnic。Therearebutthreementhere。Wedon’t，needsixteenwhitementofrightenoffthreeOlanchoans。’’
　　``I’lltellyouwhattodo，’’criedHope，withtheairofhaving，discoveredaplanwhichwouldbeacceptabletoeveryone，``let’s，allgo。’’
　　``Well，Icertainlymeantogo，’’saidMr。Langham，decidedly。``Sosomeoneelsemuststayhere。Ted，youwill，havetolookafteryoursisters。’’
　　Thesonandheirsmileduponhisparentwithalookof，affectionatewonder，andshookhisheadathiminfondand，pityingdisapproval。
　　``I’llstay，’’saidKing。``Ihaveneverseensuchungallant，conduct。Ladies，’’hesaid，``Iwillprotectyourlivesand，property，andwe’llinventsomethingexcitingtodoourselves，evenifwehavetobombardtheCapital。’’
　　Themenbadethewomengood-night，andleftthemwithKingand，Mr。Langham，whohadbeenpersuadedtoremainovernight，while，StuartrodeofftoacquaintAlvarezandGeneralRojaswithwhat，wasgoingon。
　　XI
　　TherewasnochanceforClaytospeaktoHopeagain，thoughhe，feltthecrueltyofhavingtoleaveherwitheverythingbetween，theminthisinterruptedstate。Buttheirfriendsstoodabout，her，interestedandexcitedoverthisexpeditionofsmuggled，arms，unconsciousofthegreatmiraclethathadcomeintohis，lifeandofhisneedtospeaktoandtotouchthewomanwhohad，wroughtit。Clayfelthowmuchmorebindingthanthelawsof，lifearethelittlesocialconventionsthatmustbeobservedat，times，eventhoughtheheartisleapingwithjoyorrackedwith，sorrow。Hestoodwithinafewfeetofthewomanheloved，wantingtocryoutatherandtotellherallthewonderful，thingswhichhehadlearnedweretrueforthefirsttimethat，night，buthewasforcedinsteadtokeephiseyesawayfromher，faceandtolaughandanswerquestions，andatthelasttogo，awaycontentwithhavingheldherhandforaninstant，andto，haveheardhersay``good-luck。’’
　　MacWilliamscalledKirklandtotheofficeattheotherend，oftheCompany’swire，andexplainedthesituationtohim。He，wasinstructedtorunanengineandfreight-carstoapointa，quarterofamilenorthofthefort，andtowaitthereuntilhe，heardalocomotivewhistleorpistolshots，whenhewastorunon，tothefortasquicklyandasnoiselesslyaspossible。Hewas，alsodirectedtobringwithhimasmanyoftheAmericanworkmen，ashecouldtrusttokeepsilentconcerningtheeventsofthe，evening。Atteno’clockMacWilliamshadthesteamupina，locomotive，andwithhisonlypassenger-carintherear，ranit，outoftheyardandstoppedthetrainatthepointnearestthe，carswheretenofthe`Vesta’s’crewwerewaiting。Thesailors，hadnoideaastowheretheyweregoing，orwhattheyweretodo，butthefactthattheyhadallbeengivenarmsfilledthemwith，satisfaction，andtheyhuddledtogetheratthebottomofthecar，smokingandwhispering，andradiantwithexcitementand，satisfaction。
　　Thetrainprogressedcautiouslyuntilitwaswithinahalfmile，belowthefort，whenClaystoppedit，and，leavingtwomenon，guard，steppedofftheremainingdistanceontheties，hislittle，bandfollowingnoiselesslybehindhimlikeaprocessionofghosts，inthemoonlight。Theyhaltedandlistenedfromtimetotimeas，theydrewneartheruins，buttherewasnosoundexceptthe，beatingofthewavesontherocksandtherustlingofthe，sea-breezethroughthevinesandcreepersaboutthem。
　　Claymotionedtothementositdown，and，beckoningto，MacWilliams，directedhimtogoonaheadandreconnoitre。
　　``Ifyoufirewewillcomeup，’’hesaid。``Getbackhereas，soonasyoucan。’’
　　``Aren’tyougoingtomakesurefirstthatKirklandisonthe，othersideofthefort？’’MacWilliamswhispered。
　　ClayrepliedthathewascertainKirklandhadalreadyarrived。
　　``Hehadashorterrunthanours，andhewiredyouhewasready，tostartwhenwewere，didn’the？’’MacWilliamsnodded。
　　``Well，then，heisthere。IcancountonKirk。’’
　　MacWilliamspulledathisheavybootsandhidtheminthebushes，withhishelmetoverthemtomarkthespot。``IfeelasthoughI
　　wasgoingtorobabank，’’hechuckled，ashewavedhishandand，creptoffintotheunderbrush。
　　Forthefirstfewmomentsthemenwhowereleftbehindsat，silent，butastheminutesworeon，andMacWilliamsmadenosign，theygrewrestless，andshiftedtheirpositions，andbeganto，whispertogether，untilClayshookhisheadatthem，andthere，wassilenceagainuntiloneofthem，intryingnottocough，almoststrangled，andtheotherstitteredandthosenearest，pummelledhimontheback。
　　Claypulledouthisrevolver，andafterspinningthecylinder，underhisfinger-nail，putitbackinitsholderagain，andthe，men，takingthisasanencouragingpromiseofimmediateaction，begantoexaminetheirweaponsagainforthetwentiethtime，and，therewasachorusofshort，muffledclicksastriggerswere，drawnbackandcautiouslyloweredandleversshotintoplaceand，caughtagain。
　　Oneofthemenfarthestdownthetrackraisedhisarm，andall，turnedandhalfroseastheysawMacWilliamscomingtowardthem，onarun，leapingnoiselesslyinhisstockingfeetfromtieto，tie。HedroppedonhiskneesbetweenClayandLangham。
　　``Thegunsarethereallright，’’hewhispered，panting，``and，thereareonlythreemenguardingthem。Theyareallsittingon，thebeachsmoking。Ihustledaroundthefortandcameacrossthe，wholeoutfitinthesecondgallery。Itlookslikearowof，coffins，tencoffinsandabouttwentylittleboxesandkegs。I’m，surethatmeanstheyarecomingforthemto-night。They’venot，triedtohidethemnortocoverthemup。Allwe’vegottodois，towalkdownontheguardsandtellthemtothrowuptheirhands。
　　It’stooeasy。’’
　　Clayjumpedtohisfeet。``Comeon，’’hesaid。
　　``WaittillIgetmybootsonfirst，’’beggedMacWilliams。``I
　　wouldn’tgooverthosecindersagaininmybarefeetforallthe，buriedtreasureintheSpanishMain。Youcanmakeallthenoise，youwant;thewaveswilldrownit。’’
　　WithMacWilliamstoshowthemtheway，themenscrambledupthe，outerwallofthefortandcrossedthemoss-coveredrampartsat，therun。Belowthem，onthesandybeach，werethreemensitting，aroundadriftwoodfirethathadsunktoafewhotashes。Clay，noddedtoMacWilliams。``YouandTedcanhavethem，’’hesaid。
　　``Gowithhim，Langham。’’
　　Thesailorslevelledtheirriflesatthethreelonelyfigureson，thebeachasthetwoboysslippeddownthewallandfellontheir，handsandfeetinthesandbelow，andthencrawleduptowithina，fewfeetofwherethemenweresitting。
　　AsMacWilliamsraisedhisrevolveroneofthethree，whowas，cookingsomethingoverthefire，raisedhisheadandwithayell，ofwarningflunghimselftowardhisrifle。
　　``Upwithyourhands！’’MacWilliamsshoutedinSpanish，and，Langham，runningin，seizedthenearestsentrybytheneckand，shovedhisfacedownbetweenhiskneesintothesand。
　　Therewasagreatrattleoffallingstonesandofbreakingvines，asthesailorstumbleddownthesideofthefort，andinahalf，minute’stimethethreesentrieswerelookingwithangry，frightenedeyesatthecircleofarmedmenaroundthem。
　　``Nowgagthem，’’saidClay。``Doesanybodyhereknowhowtogag，aman？’’heasked。``Idon’t。’’
　　``Bettermakehimtellwhatheknowsfirst，’’suggestedLangham。
　　ButtheSpaniardsweretooterrifiedatwhattheyhaddone，orat，whattheyhadfailedtodo，tofurthercommitthemselves。
　　``Tieusandgagus，’’oneofthembegged。``Letthemfindus，so。Itisthekindestthingyoucandoforus。’’
　　``Thankyou，sir，’’saidClay。``ThatiswhatIwantedtoknow。
　　Theyarecomingto-night，then。Wemusthurry。’’
　　Thethreesentrieswereboundandhiddenatthebaseofthewall，withasailortowatchthem。Hewasayoungmanwithahigh，senseoftheimportanceofhisduties，andheenlivenedthe，prisonersbypokingthemintheribswhenevertheymoved。
　　ClaydeemeditimpossibletosignalKirklandastheyhadarranged，todo，astheycouldnotknownowhownearthosewhowerecoming，forthearmsmightbe。SoMacWilliamswassentbackforhis，engine，andafewminuteslatertheyhearditrumbleheavilypast，thefortonitswaytobringupKirklandandtheflatcars。Clay，exploredthelowerchambersofthefortandfoundtheboxesas，MacWilliamshaddescribedthem。Tenmen，withsomeeffort，could，liftandcarrythelargercoffin-shapedboxes，andClayguessed，that，grantingtheircontentstoberifles，theremustbea，hundredpiecesineachbox，andthattherewereathousandrifles，inall。
　　Theyhadmovedhalfoftheboxestothesideofthetrackwhen，thetrainofflatcarsandthetwoenginescamecrawlingand，twistingtowardthem，betweenthewallsofthejungle，likea，greatserpent，withnolightaboutitbuttheglowfromthehot，ashesastheyfellbetweentherails。Thirtymen，equally，dividedbetweenIrishandnegroes，fellofftheflatcarsbefore，thewheelshadceasedtorevolve，and，withoutawordof，direction，beganloadingtheheavyboxesonthetrainandpassing，thekegsofcartridgesfromhandtohandandshoulderto，shoulder。Thesailorsspreadoutuptheroadthatledtothe，Capitaltogivewarningincasetheenemyapproached，butthey，wererecalledbeforetheyhadreasontogiveanalarm，andina，halfhourBurke’sentireshipmentofarmswasontheore-cars，themenwhoweretohaveguardedthemwereprisonersinthe，caboftheengine，andbothtrainswererushingatfullspeed，towardthemines。OnarrivingthereKirkland’strainwas，switchedtothesidingthatledtothemagazineinwhichwas，storedtherack-arockanddynamiteusedintheblasting。By，midnightalloftheboxesweresafelyunderlockinthezinc，building，andthenumberofthemenwhoalwaysguardedtheplace，forfearoffireoraccidentwasdoubled，whileareserve，composedofKirkland’sthirtypickedmen，werehiddeninthe，surroundinghousesandengine-sheds。
　　BeforeClaylefthehadoneoftheboxesbrokenopen，andfound，thatitheldahundredMannlicherrifles。
　　``Good！’’hesaid。``I’dgiveathousanddollarsingoldifI
　　couldbringMendozaouthereandshowhimhisownmenarmedwith，hisownMannlichersanddyingforashotathim。HowoldBurke，willenjoythiswhenhehearsofit！’’
　　ThepartyfromthePalmsreturnedtotheirengineaftermany，promisesofrewardtothemenfortheirwork``over-time，’’and，weresoonflyingbackwiththeirheartsaslightasthesmoke，abovethem。
　　MacWilliamsslackenedspeedastheynearedthefort，andmovedup，cautiouslyonthesceneoftheirrecentvictory，butawarning，cryfromClaymadehimbringhisenginetoasharpstop。
　　Manylightswereflashingovertheruinsandtheycouldsee，intheirreflectionthefiguresofmenrunningoverthesame，wallsonwhichthelizardshadbaskedinundisturbedpeacefor，years。
　　``Theylooklikeaswarmofhornetsaftersomeonehaschuckeda，stonethroughtheirnest，’’laughedMacWilliams。``Whatshallwe，donow？，Goback，orwaithere，orruntheblockade？’’
　　``Oh，ridethemout，’’saidLangham;``thefamily’sanxious，and，Iwanttotellthemwhat’shappened。Goahead。’’
　　Clayturnedtothesailorsinthecarbehindthem。``Liedown，men，’’hesaid。``Anddon’tanyofyoufireunlessItellyou，to。Letthemdoalltheshooting。Thisisn’tourfightyet，and，besides，theycan’thitalocomotivestandingstill，certainlynotwhenit’sgoingatfullspeed。’’
　　``Supposethey’vetornthetrackup？’’saidMacWilliams，grinning。``We’dlooksortofsillyflyingthroughtheair。’’
　　``Oh，they’venotsenseenoughtothinkofthat，’’saidClay。
　　``Besides，theydon’tknowitwaswewhotooktheirarmsaway，yet。’’
　　MacWilliamsopenedthethrottlegently，andthetrainmoved，slowlyforward，gainingspeedateachrevolutionofthewheels。
　　Asthenoiseofitsapproachbeatlouderandlouderonthe，air，ayellofdisappointedrageandexecrationroseintothe，nightfromthefort，andamassofsoldiersswarmeduponthe，track，leapingupanddownandshakingtheriflesintheirhands。
　　``Thatsoundsalittleasthoughtheythoughtwehadsomethingto，dowithit，’’saidMacWilliams，grimly。``Iftheydon’tlookout，someonewillgethurt。’’
　　Therewasaflashoffirefromwherethemassofmenstood，followedbyadozenmoreflashes，andthebulletsrattledonthe，smokestackandupontheboileroftheengine。
　　``Lowbridge，’’criedMacWilliams，withafiercechuckle。``Now，watchher！’’
　　Hethrewopenthethrottleasfarasitwouldgo，andtheengine，answeredtohistouchlikearace-horsetothewhip。Itseemed，tospringfromthetrackintotheair。Itquiveredandshook，likealivething，andasitshotinbetweenthesoldiersthey，fellbackoneitherside，andMacWilliamsleanedfaroutofhis，cab-windowshakinghisfistatthem。
　　``Yougotleft，didn’tyou？’’heshouted。``Thankyouforthe，Mannlichers。’’
　　Asthelocomotiverushedoutofthejungle，andpassedthepoint，ontheroadnearesttothePalms，MacWilliamsloosenedthreelong，triumphantshrieksfromhiswhistleandthesailorsstoodup，andcheered。
　　``Letthemshout，’’criedClay。``Everybodywillhavetoknow，now。It’sbegunatlast，’’hesaid，withalaughofrelief。
　　``Andwetookthefirsttrick，’’saidMacWilliams，asheranhis，engineslowlyintotherailroadyard。
　　Thewhistlesoftheengineandtheshoutsofthesailorshad，carriedfarthroughthesilenceofthenight，andasthemencame，hurryingacrossthelawntothePalms，theysawallofthosewho，hadbeenleftbehindgroupedontheverandaawaitingthem。
　　``Dotheconqueringheroescome？’’shoutedKing。
　　``Theydo，’’youngLanghamcried，joyously。``We’vegotall，theirarms，andtheyshotatus。We’vebeenunderfire！’’
　　``Areanyofyouhurt？’’askedMissLangham，anxiously，asshe，andtheothershurrieddownthestepstowelcomethem，while，thoseofthe`Vesta’s’crewwhohadbeenleftbehindlookedat，theircomradeswithenvy。
　　``Wehavebeensofrightenedandanxiousaboutyou，’’saidMiss，Langham。
　　HopeheldoutherhandtoClayandgreetedhimwithaquiet，happysmile，thatwasincontrasttotheexcitementand，confusionthatreignedaboutthem。
　　``Iknewyouwouldcomebacksafely，’’shesaid。Andthe，pressureofherhandseemedtoadd``tome。’’
　　XII
　　Thedayofthereviewroseclearandwarm，temperedbyalight，breezefromthesea。Asitwasafeteday，theharborworean，airofunwontedinactivity;nolighterspassedheavilyfromthe，leveestothemerchantmenatanchor，andthewarehousesalongthe，wharveswereclosedanddeserted。Athinlineofsmokefromthe，funnelsofthe`Vesta’showedthatherfireswereburning，and，thefactthatsherodeonasingleanchorchainseemedtopromise，thatatanymomentshemightslipawaytosea。
　　AsClaywasfinishinghiscoffeetwonoteswerebroughttohim，frommessengerswhohadriddenoutthatmorning，andwhosatin，theirsaddleslookingatthearmedforcearoundtheofficewith，amusedintelligence。
　　OnenotewasfromMendoza，andsaidhehaddecidednottocall，outtheregimentatthemines，ashefearedtheirlongabsence，fromdrillwouldmakethemcompareunfavorablywiththeir，comrades，anddohimmoreharmthancredit。``Heisafraidof，themsincelastnight，’’wasClay’scomment，ashepassedthe，noteontoMacWilliams。``He’squiteright，theymightdo，himharm。’’
　　ThesecondnotewasfromStuart。Hesaidthecitywasalready，wideawakeandrestless，butwhetherthiswasduetothefact，thatitwasafeteday，ortosomeothercausewhichwould，discloseitselflater，hecouldnottell。MadameAlvarez，the，afternoonbefore，whileridingintheAlameda，hadbeeninsulted，byagroupofmenaroundacafe’，whohadrisenandshouted，afterher，oneofthemthrowingawine-glassintoherlapasshe，rodepast。Histroopershadchargedthesidewalkandcarriedoff，sixofthementothecarcel。HeandRojashadurgedthe，Presidenttomakeeverypreparationforimmediateflight，tohave，thehorsesputtohistravellingcarriage，andhadwarnedhim，whenatthereviewtotakeuphispositionatthepointnearest，tohisownbody-guard，andasfaraspossiblefromthetroopsled，byMendoza。Stuartaddedthathehadabsoluteconfidenceinthe，former。ThepolicemanwhohadattemptedtocarryBurke’snoteto，Mendozahadconfessedthathewastheonlytraitorinthecamp，andthathehadtriedtoworkonhiscomradeswithoutsuccess。
　　StuartbeggedClaytojoinhimasquicklyaspossible。Claywent，upthehilltothePalms，andafterconsultingwithMr。Langham，dictatedanordertoKirkland，instructinghimtocallthe，mentogetherandtopointouttothemhowmuchbettertheir，conditionhadbeensincetheyhadenteredthemines，andto，promisethemanincreaseofwagesiftheyremainedfaithfulto，Mr。Langham’sinterests，andasmallpensiontoanyonewhomight，beinjured``fromanycausewhatsoever’’whileservinghim。
　　``Tellthem，iftheyareloyal，theycanliveintheirshacks，rentfreehereafter，’’wroteClay。``Theyarealwaysaskingfor，that。It’sacheapgenerosity，’’headdedaloudtoMr。Langham，``becausewe’veneverbeenabletocollectrentfromanyofthem，yet。’’
　　AtnoonyoungLanghamorderedthebestthreehorsesinthe，stablestobebroughttothedoorofthePalmsforClay，MacWilliams，andhimself。Clay’slastwordstoKingweretohave，theyachtinreadinesstoputtoseawhenhetelephonedhimtodo，so，andheadvisedthewomentohavetheirdressesandmore，valuablepossessionspackedreadytobetakenonboard。
　　``Don’tyouthinkImightseethereviewifIwenton，horseback？’’Hopeasked。``Icouldgetawaythen，ifthere，shouldbeanytrouble。’’
　　ClayansweredwithalookofsuchalarmandsurprisethatHope，laughed。
　　``Seethereview！，Ishouldsaynot，’’heexclaimed。``Idon’t，evenwantTedtobethere。’’
　　``Oh，that’salwaystheway，’’saidHope，``Imisseverything。I
　　thinkI’llcome，however，anyhow。Theservantsareallgoing，andI’llgowiththemdisguisedinaturban。’’
　　AsthemennearedValencia，Clayturnedinhissaddle，andasked，Langhamifhethoughthissisterwouldreallyventureintothe，town。
　　``She’dbetternotletmecatchher，ifshedoes，’’thefond，brotherreplied。
　　ThereviewingpartylefttheGovernmentPalacefortheAlamedaat，threeo’clock，PresidentAlvarezridingonhorsebackinadvance，andMadameAlvarezsittingintheStatecarriagewithoneofher，attendants，andwithStuart’stroopersgatheredsocloselyabout，herthatthemen’sbootsscrapedagainstthewheels，andtheir，numbershidheralmostentirelyfromsight。
　　Thegreatsquareinwhichtheevolutionsweretotakeplacewas，linedonitsfoursidesbythecarriagesofthewealthy，Olanchoans，exceptatthetwogates，wheretherewasawidespace，leftopentoadmitthesoldiers。Thebranchesofthetreeson，theedgesofthebareparadegroundwereblackwithmenandboys，andthebalconiesandroofsofthehousesthatfaceditweregay，withstreamersandflags，andalivewithwomenwrappedforthe，occasionintheircoloredshawls。Seatedonthegrassbetween，thecarriages，orsurgingupanddownbehindthem，were，thousandsofpeople，eachhurryingtogainabetterplaceof，vantage，orstrivingtoholdtheonehehad，andforminga，restless，turbulentaudienceinwhichallindividualcrieswere，lostinagreatmurmuroflaughter，andcalls，andcheers。The，massknittogether，andpressedforwardasthePresident’sband，swungjauntilyintothesquareandhaltedinonecorner，anda，shoutofexpectancywentupfromthetreesandhousetopsasthe，President’sbody-guardenteredatthelowergate，andthebroken，placeinitsranksshowedthatitwasescortingtheState，carriage。Thetroopersfellbackontwosides，andthecarriage，withthePresidentridingatitshead，passedon，andtookupa，positioninfrontoftheothercarriages，andclosetooneofthe，sidesofthehollowsquare。AtStuart’sordersClay，MacWilliams，andLanghamhadpushedtheirhorsesintotherear，rankofcavalry，andremainedwedgedbetweenthetrooperswithin，twentyfeetofwhereMadameAlvarezwassitting。Shewasvery，white，andthepowderonherfacegaveheranaddedandunnatural，pallor。Asthepeoplecheeredherhusbandandherselfsheraised，herheadslightlyandseemedtobetryingtocatchanysoundof，dissentintheirgreeting，orsomepossibleundercurrentof，disfavor，butthewelcomeappearedtobebothgenuineand，hearty，untilasecondshoutsmothereditcompletelyasthe，figureofoldGeneralRojas，theVice-President，andthemost，dearlylovedbythecommonpeople，camethroughthegateatthe，headofhisregiment。Therewassuchgreetingforhimthatthe，welcometothePresidentseemedmeanincomparison，anditwas，withanembarrassmentwhichbothfeltthatthetwomendrewnear，together，andeachleanedfromhissaddletograsptheother’s，hand。MadameAlvarezsankbackrigidlyonhercushions，andher，eyesflashedwithanticipationandexcitement。Shedrewher，mantillaalittlecloserabouthershoulders，withanervous，shudderasthoughshewerecold。Suddenlythelookofanxietyin，hereyeschangedtooneofannoyance，andshebeckonedClay，imperiouslytothesideofthecarriage。
　　``Look，’’shesaid，pointingacrossthesquare。``IfIamnot，mistakenthatisMissLangham，MissHope。Theoneontheblack，horse——itmustbeshe，fornoneofthenativeladiesride。Itis，notsafeforhertobeherealone。Go，’’shecommanded，``bring，herheretome。Puthernexttothecarriage，orperhapsshe，willbesaferwithyouamongthetroopers。’’
　　ClayhadrecognizedHopebeforeMadameAlvarezhadfinished，speaking，anddashedoffatagallop，skirtingthelineof，carriages。Hopehadstoppedherhorsebesideavictoria，andwastalkingtothenativewomenwhooccupiedit，andwhowere，scandalizedatherappearanceinapublicplacewithnoonebuta，groomtoattendher。
　　``Why，it’sthesamethingasapolomatch，’’protestedHope，as，Claypulledupangrilybesidethevictoria。``Ialwaysrideover，topoloaloneatNewport，atleastwithJames，’’sheadded，noddingherheadtowardtheservant。
　　ThemanapproachedClayandtouchedhishatapologetically，``MissHopewouldcome，sir，’’hesaid，``andIthoughtI’d，betterbewithherthantogooffandtellMr。Langham，sir。I
　　knewshewouldn’twaitforme。’’
　　``Iaskedyounottocome，’’ClaysaidtoHope，inalowvoice。
　　``Iwantedtoknowtheworstatonce，’’sheanswered。``Iwas，anxiousaboutTed——andyou。’’
　　``Well，itcan’tbehelpednow，’’hesaid。``Come，wemust，hurry，hereisourfriend，theenemy。’’，Hebowedtotheir，acquaintancesinthevictoriaandtheytrottedbrisklyofftothe，sideofthePresident’scarriage，justasayellarosefromthe，crowdthatmadealltheothershoutswhichhadprecededitsound，likethecheersofchildrenatrecess。
　　``Itremindsmeofafootballmatch，’’whisperedyoungLangham，excitedly，``whentheteamsrunonthefield。Lookat，AlvarezandRojaswatchingMendoza。’’
　　Mendozaadvancedatthefrontofhisthreetroopsofcavalry，lookingneithertotheleftnorright，andbynosign，acknowledgingthefierceuproariousgreetingofthepeople。
　　Closebehindhimcamehischosenbandofcowboysandruffians。
　　Theywerethebestequippedandleastdisciplinedsoldiersinthe，army，andwere，tothegreatreliefofthepeople，seldomseenin，thecity，butwerekeptmovinginthemountainpassesandalong，thecoastline，onthelookoutforsmugglerswithwhomtheywere，onthemostfriendlyterms。Theywereapicturesquebodyof，blackguards，intheirhightoppedbootsandsilver-tipped，sombrerosandheavy，gaudysaddles，buttheshoutthathadgone，upattheiradvancewasdueasmuchtothefeartheyinspiredas，toanygreatloveforthemortheirchief。
　　``Nowallthechessmenareontheboard，andthegamecan，begin，’’saidClay。``It’slikethesceneintheplay，where，eachmanhashisswordatanotherman’sthroatandnoonedares，makethefirstmove。’’，Hesmiledashenoted，withtheeyeof，onewhohadseenContinentaltroopsinaction，theshuffling，stepsandslovenlycarriageofthehalf-grownsoldiersthat，followedMendoza’scavalryataquickstep。Stuart’spicked，men，overwhomhehadspentmanyhotandwearyhours，looked，likeatroopofLifeGuardsmenincomparison。Claynotedtheir，superiority，buthealsosawthatinnumberstheyweremost，woefullyatadisadvantage。
　　Itwasabrilliantsceneforsomodestacapital。Thesun，flashedonthetrappingsofthesoldiers，onthelacquerand，polishedmetalworkofthecarriages;andtheParisiangownsof，theiroccupantsandtheflutteringflagsandbannersfilledthe，airwithcolorandmovement，whilebackofall，framingthe，paradegroundwithabandofblack，wastherestlessmobof，peopleapplaudingtheevolutions，andcheeringfortheir，favorites，Alvarez，Mendoza，andRojas，movedbyanexcitement，thatwasindisturbingcontrasttotheeasygood-natureoftheir，usualmanner。
　　Themarchingandcountermarchingofthetroopshadcontinuedwith，spiritforsometime，andtherewasahaltintheevolutions，whichleftthefieldvacant，exceptforthepresenceofMendoza’s，cavalrymen，whoweremovingatawalkalongonesideofthe，quadrangle。AlvarezandVice-PresidentRojas，withStuart，asan，adjutantattheirside，weresittingtheirhorseswithinsome，fiftyyardsoftheStatecarriageandthebody-guard。Alvarez，madeaconspicuouscontrastinhisblackcoatandhighhattothe，brilliantgreensandredsofhisgenerals’uniforms，buthe，sathissaddleaswellaseitheroftheothers，andhiswhite，hair，whiteimperialandmustache，andthedignityofhisbearing，distinguishedhimabovethemboth。LittleStuart，sittingathis，side，withhisblueeyesglaringfromunderhiswhitehelmetand，hisfaceburnedtoalmostasredatintashiscurlyhair，looked，likeafiercelittlebull-dogincomparison。Noneofthethree，menspokeastheysatmotionlessandquitealonewaitingforthe，nextmovementofthetroops。
　　Itprovedtobeoneofmoment。EvenbeforeMendozahadridden，towardthemwithhisswordatsalute，Claygaveanexclamationof，enlightenmentandconcern。Hesawthatthemenwhowerebelieved，tobedevotedtoRojas，hadbeenhaltedandleftstandingatthe，farthestcorneroftheplaza，nearlytwohundredyardsfromwhere，thePresidenthadtakenhisplace，thatMendoza’sinfantry，surroundedthemoneveryside，andthatMendoza’scowboys，who，hadbeenwalkingtheirhorses，hadwheeledandwerecomingup，withanincreasingmomentum，aflyingmassofhorsesandmen，directedstraightatthePresidenthimself。
　　MendozagallopeduptoAlvarezwithhisswordstillinsalute。
　　Hiseyeswereburningwithexcitementandwiththelightof，success。NoonebutStuartandRojasheardhiswords;tothe，spectatorsandtothearmyheappearedasthoughhewas，in，hiscapacityofCommander-in-Chief，deliveringsomebriefreport，oraskingforinstructions。
　　``Dr。Alvarez，’’hesaid，``astheheadofthearmyIarrestyou，forhightreason;youhaveplottedtoplaceyourselfinoffice，withoutpopularelection。Youarealsoaccusedoflargethefts，ofpublicfunds。Imustaskyoutoridewithmetothemilitary，prison。GeneralRojas，Iregretthatasanaccompliceofthe，President’s，youmustcomewithusalso。Iwillexplainmy，actiontothepeoplewhenyouaresafeinprison，andIwill，proclaimmartiallaw。Ifyourtroopsattempttointerfere，my，menhaveorderstofireonthemandyou。’’
　　Stuartdidnotwaitforhissentence。Hehadheardtheheavy，beatofthecavalrycominguponthematatrot。Hesawthe，ranksopenandtwomencatchateachbridlereinofbothAlvarez，andRojasanddragthemonwiththem，buriedinthecrushof，horsesaboutthem，andsweptforwardbytheweightandimpetusof，themovingmassbehind。StuartdashedofftotheStatecarriage，andseizedthenearestofthehorsesbythebridle。``Tothe，Palace！’’heshoutedtohismen。``Shootanyonewhotriesto，stopyou。Forward，atagallop，’’hecommanded。
　　Thepopulacehadnotdiscoveredwhathadoccurreduntilitwas，finished。Thecoupd’etathadbeenlongconsideredandthe，mannerinwhichitwastobecarriedoutcarefullyplanned。The，cavalryhadsweptacrosstheparadegroundandupthestreet，beforethepeoplesawthattheycarriedRojasandAlvarezwith，them。TheregimentcommandedbyRojasfounditselfhemmedin，beforeandbehindbyMendoza’stworegiments。Theyweregreatly，outnumbered，buttheyfiredascatteringshot，andfollowing，theircapturedleader，brokethroughthelinearoundthemand，pursuedthecavalrytowardthemilitaryprison。
　　Itwasimpossibletotellintheuproarwhichfollowedhowmany，orhowfewhadbeenpartiestotheplot。Themob，shriekingand，shoutingandleapingintheair，swarmedacrosstheparade，ground，andfromadozendifferentpointsmenroseabovethe，headsofthepeopleandharanguedtheminviolentspeeches。And，whilesomeofthesoldiersandthecitizensgatheredanxiously，abouttheseorators，othersranthroughthecitycallingforthe，rescueofthePresident，foranattackonthepalace，and，shrieking``LonglivetheGovernment！’’and``Longlivethe，Revolution！’’，TheStatecarriageracedthroughthenarrow，streetswithitsbody-guardgallopingaroundit，sweepingdownin，itsrushstraypedestrians，andscatteringthechairsand，tablesinfrontofthecafe’s。Asitdashedupthelongavenue，ofthepalace，Stuartcalledhismenbackandorderedthemto，shutandbarricadethegreatirongatesandtoguardthemagainst，thecomingofthemob，whileMacWilliamsandyoungLanghampulled，openthecarriagedoorandassistedthePresident’swifeandher，terrifiedcompaniontoalight。MadameAlvarezwastremblingwith，excitementassheleanedonLangham’sarm，butsheshowedno，signsoffearinherfaceorinhermanner。
　　``Mr。Clayhasgonetobringyourtravellingcarriagetotherear，door，’’Langhamsaid。``Stuarttellsusitisharnessedand，ready。Youwillhurry，please，andgetwhateveryouneedto，carrywithyou。Wewillseeyousafelytothecoast。’’
　　Astheyenteredthehall，andwereascendingthegreatmarble，stairway，Hopeandhergroom，whohadfollowedintherearofthe，cavalry，camerunningtomeetthem。``Igotinbytheback，way，’’Hopeexplained。``Thestreetstherearealldeserted。
　　HowcanIhelpyou？’’sheasked，eagerly。
　　``Byleavingme，’’criedtheolderwoman。``GoodGod，child，haveInotenoughtoanswerforwithoutdraggingyouintothis？
　　Gohomeatoncethroughthebotanicalgarden，andthenby，wayofthewharves。Thatpartofthecityisstillempty。’’
　　``Whereareyourservants;whyaretheynothere？’’Hopedemanded，withoutheedingher。Thepalacewasstrangelyempty;no，footstepscamerunningtogreetthem，nodoorsopenedorshutas，theyhurriedtoMadameAlvarez’sapartments。Theservantsofthe，householdhadfledatthefirstsoundoftheuproarinthecity，andthedressesandornamentsscatteredonthefloortoldthat，theyhadnotgoneempty-handed。Thewomanwhohadaccompanied，MadameAlvareztothereviewsankweepingonthebed，andthen，astheshoutsgrewsuddenlylouderandmorenear，rantohide，herselfintheupperstoriesofthehouse。Hopecrossedtothe，windowandsawagreatmobofsoldiersandcitizenssweeparound，thecornerandthrowthemselvesagainsttheironfenceofthe，palace。``Youwillhavetohurry，’’shesaid。``Remember，you，areriskingthelivesofthoseboysbyyourdelay。’’
　　Therewasalargebedintheroom，andMadameAlvarezhadpulled，itforwardandwasbendingoverasafethathadopenedinthe，wall，andwhichhadbeenhiddenbytheheadboardofthebed。
　　Sheheldupabundleofpapersinherhand，wrappedinaleather，portfolio。``Doyouseethese？’’shecried，``theyaredrafts，forfivemillionsofdollars。’’，Shetossedthembackinto，thesafeandswungthedoorshut。
　　``Youareawitness。Idonottakethem，’’shesaid。
　　``Idon’tunderstand，’’Hopeanswered，``buthurry。Haveyou，everythingyouwant——haveyouyourjewels？’’
　　``Yes，’’thewomananswered，assherosetoherfeet，``theyare，mine。’’
　　Ayellmoreloudandterriblethananythathadgonebeforerose，fromthegardenbelow，andtherewasthesoundofironbeating，againstiron，andcriesofrageandexecrationfromagreat，multitude。
　　``Iwillnotgo！’’theSpanishwomancried，suddenly。``Iwill，notleaveAlvareztothatmob。Iftheywanttokillme，letthem，killme。’’，Shethrewthebagthatheldherjewelsonthebed，andpushingopenthewindowsteppedoutuponthebalcony。She，wasconspicuousinherblackdressagainsttheyellowstuccoof，thewall，andinaninstantthemobsawherandamadshoutof，exultationandangerrosefromthemassthatbeatandcrushed，itselfagainstthehighironrailingsofthegarden。Hopecaught，thewomanbytheskirtanddraggedherback。``Youaremad，’’
　　shesaid。``Whatgoodcanyoudoyourhusbandhere？，Save，yourselfandhewillcometoyouwhenhecan。Thereis，nothingyoucandoforhimnow;youcannotgiveyourlifefor，him。Youarewastingit，andyouareriskingthelivesofthe，menwhoarewaitingforusbelow。Come，Itellyou。’’
　　MacWilliamsleftClaywaitingbesidethediligenceandranfrom，thestablethroughtheemptyhouseanddownthemarblestairsto，thegardenwithoutmeetinganyoneonhisway。HesawStuart，helpinganddirectinghismentobarricadethegateswithiron，urnsandgardenbenchesandsentry-boxes。Outsidethemobwere，firingathimwiththeirrevolvers，andcallinghimfoulnames，butStuartdidnotseemtohearthem。HegreetedMacWilliams，withacheerfullittlelaugh。``Well，’’heasked，``isshe，ready？’’
　　``No，butweare。ClayandI’vebeenwaitingthereforfive，minutes。WefoundMissHope’sgroomandsenthimbacktothe，PalmswithamessagetoKing。Wetoldhimtoruntheyachtto，LosBocosandlieoffshoreuntilwecame。Heistotakeheron，downthecoasttoTruxillo，whereourman-of-warislying，and，theywillgivehershelterasapoliticalrefugee。’’
　　``Whydon’tyoudrivehertothePalmsatonce？’’demanded，Stuart，anxiously，``andtakeheronboardtheyachtthere？，It，istenmilestoBocosandtheroadsareverybad。’’
　　``Claysayswecouldnevergetherthroughthecity，’’
　　MacWilliamsanswered。``Weshouldhavetofightalltheway。
　　Butthecitytothesouthisdeserted，andbygoingoutbythe，backroads，wecanmakeBocosbyteno’clockto-night。Theyacht，shouldreachtherebyseven。’’
　　``Youareright;goback。Iwillcalloffsomeofmymen。The，restmustholdthismobbackuntilyoustart;thenIwillfollow，withtheothers。WhereisMissHope？’’
　　``Wedon’tknow。Clayisfrantic。Hergroomsayssheis，somewhereinthepalace。’’
　　``Hurry，’’Stuartcommanded。``IfMendozagetsherebefore，MadameAlvarezleaves，itwillbetoolate。’’
　　MacWilliamssprangupthestepsofthepalace，andStuart，callingtothemennearesthimtofollow，startedafterhimona，run。
　　AsStuartenteredthepalacewithhismenathisheels，Claywas，hurryingfromitsrearentrancealongtheupperhall，andHope，andMadameAlvarezwereleavingtheapartmentsofthelatterat，itsfront。Theymetatthetopofthemainstairwayjustas，Stuartputhisfootonitslowerstep。TheyoungEnglishman，heardtheclatterofhismenfollowingclosebehindhimand，leapedeagerlyforward。Halfwaytothetopthenoisebehindhim，ceased，andturninghisheadquicklyhelookedbackoverhis，shoulderandsawthatthemenhadhaltedatthefootofthe，stairsandstoodhuddledtogetherindisorderlookingupathim。
　　Stuartglancedovertheirheadsanddownthehallwaytothe，gardenbeyondtoseeiftheywerefollowed，butthemobstill，foughtfromtheoutersideofthebarricade。Hewavedhissword，impatientlyandstartedforwardagain。``Comeon！’’heshouted。
　　Butthemenbelowhimdidnotmove。Stuarthaltedoncemoreand，thistimeturnedaboutandlookeddownuponthemwithsurprise，andanger。Therewasnotoneofthemhecouldnothavecalledby，name。Heknewalltheirlittletroubles，theirlove-affairs，even。Theycametohimforcomfortandadvice，andtobegfor，money。Hehadregardedthemashischildren，andhewasproudof，themassoldiersbecausetheyweretheworkofhishands。
　　So，insteadofasharpcommand，heasked，``Whatisit？’’in，surprise，andstaredatthemwondering。Hecouldnotorwould，notcomprehend，eventhoughhesawthatthoseinthefrontrank，werepushingbackandthosebehindwereurgingthemforward。The，muzzlesoftheircarbinesweredirectedateverypoint，andon，theirfacesfearandhateandcowardicewerewritteninvarying，likenesses。
　　``Whatdoesthismean？’’Stuartdemanded，sharply。``Whatare，youwaitingfor？’’
　　Clayhadjustreachedthetopofthestairs。HesawMadame，AlvarezandHopecomingtowardhim，andatthesightofHopehe，gaveanexclamationofrelief。
　　Thenhiseyesturnedandfellonthetableaubelow，onStuart’s，back，ashestoodconfrontingthemen，andontheirscowling，upturnedfacesandhalf-liftedcarbines。Clayhadlivedfora，longertimeamongSpanish-AmericansthanhadtheEnglish，subaltern，orelsehewasthequickerofthetwotobelievein，evilandingratitude，forhegaveacryofwarning，andmotioned，thewomenaway。
　　``Stuart！’’hecried。``Comeaway;forGod’ssake，whatareyou，doing？，Comeback！’’
　　TheEnglishmanstartedatthesoundofhisfriend’svoice，buthe，didnotturnhishead。Hebegantodescendthestairsslowly，a，stepatatime，staringatthemobsofiercelythattheyshrank，backbeforethelookofwoundedprideandangerinhiseyes。
　　Thoseintherearraisedandlevelledtheirrifles。Without，takinghiseyesfromtheirs，Stuartdrewhisrevolver，andwith，hisswordswingingfromitswrist-strap，pointedhisweaponat，themassbelowhim。
　　``Whatdoesthismean？’’hedemanded。``Isthismutiny？’’
　　Avoicefromtherearofthecrowdofmenshrieked：，``Deathto，theSpanishwoman。Deathtoalltraitors。Longlive，Mendoza，’’andtheothersechoedthecryinchorus。
　　Claysprangdownthebroadstairscalling，``Cometome;’’but，beforehecouldreachStuart，awoman’svoicerangout，inalong，terriblecryofterror，acrythatwasneitheraprayernoran，imprecation，butwhichheldtheagonyofboth。Stuartstarted，andlookeduptowhereMadameAlvarezhadthrownherselftoward，himacrossthebroadbalustradeofthestairway。Shewassilent，withfear，andherhandclutchedattheair，asshebeckoned，wildlytohim。Stuartstaredatherwithatroubledsmileand，wavedhisemptyhandtoreassureher。Themovementwasfinal，forthemenbelow，freedfromthereproachofhiseyes，flungup，theircarbinesandfired，somewildly，withoutplacingtheirguns，atrest，andotherssteadilyandaimingstraightathisheart。
　　Asthevolleyrangoutandthesmokedriftedupthegreat，staircase，thesubaltern’shandstossedhighabovehishead，his，bodysankintoitselfandtoppledbackward，and，likeatired，childfallingtosleep，thedefeatedsoldieroffortunedropped，backintotheoutstretchedarmsofhisfriend。
　　Clayliftedhimuponhisknee，andcrushedhimcloseragainsthis，breastwithonearm，whilehetorewithhisfreehandatthe，stockaboutthethroatandpushedhisfingersinbetweenthe，buttonsofthetunic。Theycameforthagainwetandcolored，crimson。
　　``Stuart！’’Claygasped。``Stuart，speaktome，lookatme！’’
　　Heshookthebodyinhisarmswithfierceroughness，peeringinto，thefacethatrestedonhisshoulder，asthoughhecouldcommand，theeyesbackagaintolightandlife。``Don’tleaveme！’’he，said。``ForGod’ssake，oldman，don’tleaveme！’’
　　Buttheheadonhisshoulderonlysankthecloserandthebody，stiffenedinhisarms。Clayraisedhiseyesandsawthesoldiers，stillstanding，irresoluteandappalledatwhattheyhaddone，andawe-struckatthesightofthegriefbeforethem。
　　Claygaveacryasterribleasthecryofawomanwhohasseen，herchildmangledbeforehereyes，andloweringthebodyquickly，tothesteps，heranatthescatteringmassbelowhim。Ashe，cametheyfleddownthecorridor，shriekingandcallingtotheir，friendstothrowopenthegatesandbeggingthemtoadmitthe，mob。Whentheyreachedtheouterporchtheyturned，encouraged，bythetouchofnumbers，andhaltedtofireatthemanwhostill，followedthem。
　　Claystopped，withalookinhiseyeswhichnoonewhoknewthem，hadeverseenthere，andsmiledwithpleasureinknowinghimself，amasterinwhathehadtodo。Andateachreportofhis，revolveroneofStuart’sassassinsstumbledandpitchedheavily，forwardonhisface。Thenheturnedandwalkedslowlybackup，thehalltothestairwaylikeamanmovinginhissleep。He，neithersawnorheardthebulletsthatbitspitefullyatthe，wallsabouthimandrattledamongtheglasspendantsofthegreat，chandeliersabovehishead。Whenhecametothesteponwhich，thebodylayhestoopedandpickeditupgently，andholdingit，acrosshisbreast，strodeonupthestairs。MacWilliamsand，Langhamwerecomingtowardhim，andsawthehelplessfigurein，hisarms。
　　``Whatisit？’’theycried;``ishewounded，ishehurt？’’
　　``Heisdead，’’Clayanswered，passingonwithhisburden。``Get，Hopeaway。’’
　　MadameAlvarezstoodwiththegirl’sarmsabouther，hereyes，closedandherfiguretrembling。
　　``Letmebe！’’shemoaned。``Don’ttouchme;letmedie。My，God，whathaveItolivefornow？’’，SheshookoffHope’s，supportingarm，andstoodbeforethem，allherformercourage，gone，tremblingandshiveringinagony。``Idonotcarewhat，theydotome！’’shecried。Shetoreherlacemantillafromher，shouldersandthrewitonthefloor。``Ishallnotleavethis，place。Heisdead。WhyshouldIgo？，Heisdead。They，havemurderedhim;heisdead。’’
　　``Sheisfainting，’’saidHope。Hervoicewasstrainedandhard。
　　Toherbrothersheseemedtohavegrownsuddenlymucholder，and，helookedtohertotellhimwhattodo。
　　``Takeholdofher，’’shesaid。``Shewillfall。’’，Thewoman，sankbackintothearmsofthemen，tremblingandmoaningfeebly。
　　``Nowcarryhertothecarriage，’’saidHope。``Shehasfainted;
　　itisbetter;shedoesnotknowwhathashappened。’’
　　Clay，stillbearingthebodyinhisarms，pushedopenthefirst，doorthatstoodajarbeforehimwithhisfoot。Itopenedinto，thegreatbanquetinghallofthepalace，buthecouldnotchoose。
　　Hehadtoconsidernowthesafetyoftheliving，whoseliveswere，stillinjeopardy。
　　Thelongtableinthecentreofthehallwaslaidwithplacesfor，manypeople，forithadbeenpreparedforthePresidentandthe，President’sguests，whoweretohavejoinedwithhimin，celebratingthesuccessfulconclusionofthereview。From，outsidethelightofthesun，whichwasjustsinkingbehindthe，mountains，shonedimlyuponthesilverontheboard，ontheglass，andnapery，andthemassivegiltcentre-piecesfilledwithgreat，clustersoffreshflowers。Itlookedasthoughtheservants，hadbutjustlefttheroom。Eventhecandleshadbeenlitin，readiness，andastheirflameswaveredandsmokedintheevening，breezetheycastuncertainshadowsonthewallsandshowedthe，sternfacesofthesoldierpresidentsfrowningdownonthe，crowdedtablefromtheirgildedframes。
　　Therewasagreatleatherloungestretchingalongonesideofthe，hall，andClaymovedtowardthisquicklyandlaidhisburden，down。HewasconsciousthatHopewasstillfollowinghim。He，straightenedthelimbsofthebodyandfoldedthearmsacrossthe，breastandpressedhishandforaninstantonthecoldhandsof，hisfriend，andthenwhisperingsomethingbetweenhislips，turnedandwalkedhurriedlyaway。
　　Hopeconfrontedhiminthedoorway。Shewassobbingsilently。
　　``Mustweleavehim，’’shepleaded，``mustweleavehim——like，this？’’
　　Fromthegardentherecamethesoundofhammersringingonthe，ironhinges，andagreatcrashofnoisesasthegatefellback，fromitsfastenings，andthemobrushedovertheobstaclesupon，whichithadfallen。Itseemedasiftheiryellsofexultation，andangermustreacheventheearsofthedeadman。
　　``TheyarecallingMendoza，’’Claywhispered，``hemustbewith，them。Come，wewillhavetorunforourlivesnow。’’
　　ButbeforehecouldguesswhatHopewasabouttodo，orcould，preventher，shehadslippedpasthimandpickedupStuart’s，swordthathadfallenfromhiswristtothefloor，andlaiditon，thesoldier’sbody，andclosedhishandsuponitshilt。She，glancedquicklyaboutherasthoughlookingforsomething，and，thenwithasobofreliefrantothetable，andsweepingitofan，armfulofitsflowers，steppedswiftlybackagaintothelounge，andheapedthemuponit。
　　``Come，forGod’ssake，come！’’Claycalledtoherinawhisper，fromthedoor。
　　HopestoodforaninstantstaringattheyoungEnglishmanasthe，candle-lightflickeredoverhiswhiteface，andthen，droppingon，herknees，shepushedbackthecurlyhairfromabouttheboy’s，foreheadandkissedhim。Then，withoutturningtolookagain，sheplacedherhandinClay’sandheranwithher，draggingher，behindhimdownthelengthofthehall，justasthemobentered，itonthefloorbelowthemandfilledthepalacewiththeir，shoutsoftriumph。
　　Asthesunsankloweritslightfellmoredimlyonthelonely，figureinthevastdiningDhall，andasthegloomdeepenedthere，thecandlesburnedwithgreaterbrilliancy，andthefacesofthe，portraitsshonemoreclearly。
　　Theyseemedtobestaringdownlesssternlynowuponthe，whitemortalfaceofthebrother-in-armswhohadjustjoined，them。
　　Onewhohadknownhimamonghisownpeoplewouldhaveseeninthe，attitudeandintheprofileoftheEnglishsoldieralikenessto，hisancestorsoftheCrusadeswholaycarvedinstoneinthe，villagechurch，withtheirfacesturnedtothesky，their，faithfulhoundswaitingattheirfeet，andtheirhandspressed，upwardinprayer。
　　Andwhen，amomentlater，thehalf-crazedmobofmenandboys，sweptintothegreatroom，withMendozaattheirhead，something，ofthepathosoftheyoungEnglishman’sdeathinhisforeign，placeofexilemusthavetouchedthem，fortheystoppedappalled，andstartled，andpressedbackupontheirfellows，witheager，whispers。TheSpanish-AmericanGeneralstrodeboldlyforward，buthiseyesloweredbeforethecalm，whiteface，andeither，becausethelightedcandlesandtheflowersawokeinhimsome，memoryofthegreatChurchthathadnursedhim，orbecausethe，jaggedholesinthesoldier’stunicappealedtowhatwasbravest，inhim，hecrossedhimselfquickly，andthenraisinghishands，slowlytohisvisor，liftedhishatandpointedwithittothe，door。Andthemob，withoutoncelookingbackattherich，treasureofsilveronthetable，pushedoutbeforehim，stepping，softly，asthoughtheyhadintrudedonashrine。