singing, his mind was no doubt intent on something else. "By-the-bye," resumed the priest, "as I'm asking questions, I should like to ask one more. May I?" "Most certainly," said the lady. "What is it ?" It's "Well, your name, you know. awkward to be as we are. Now, if I were shot, and wanted you to help me, I shouldn't know what to call you." The lady smiled. "My name is Talbot," said she. "Ah- Mrs. Talbot," said the priest. “Thanks." "Not 'Mrs.'" said the lady, again smiling; "Miss Talbot. My full name is Sydney Talbot." "Sydney Talbot," repeated the priest. "Thanks. That's all. Everything else is told. I may add, however, in an incidental way, that my name is Brooke." "Father Brooke?" said the lady, interrogatively, with a furtive smile, which was perhaps occasioned by the incongruity between the priest's sacred garb and somewhat eccentric manner. So "Oh yes," said Brooke, "but there's no need to despair. It's quite plain that we can not travel by day without being discovered, so we shall have to try it by night. This will be all the better. you must spend this day in meditation and prayer, and also in laying up a stock of bodily and mental strength. To-night we set forth, and we must move on all night long. I've had an idea all day, which I suppose there's no great harm in mentioning." A priest? How can I?" "Well, with a dress like this of mine. To this question the reply was not It's very convenient-long, ample, hides particularly appropriate. The priest, or everything-just the thing, in fact. Brooke, as he may now be called, looked can slip it on over your present dress, and with a smile of quiet drollery at Miss Tal--there you are, transformed into a priest. bot, and then, in a strange whining voice, I hope you're not proud." began to drone out some verses of a song: "Old Blue-beard was a warrior bold; He kept his wives in a great stronghold. And went and married Number Eight." "Well," he resumed, in his natural voice, "Father Brooke isn't bad; Brother Brooke, however, would be better; but, on the whole, simple 'Brooke' is the best of all." "Well, now, Mr. Brooke," asked the lady, anxiously, "what are our prospects? Have you found out anything?" "Oh yes; I've had a conversation with an amiable Carlist, who was on the point of blowing my brains out, and was only prevented by the unparalleled 'cheek' of the unworthy being who now addresses you." "Did you really incur such danger?" asked Miss Talbot, in unfeigned anxiety. "Danger? Oh, a trifle; but a miss is as good as a mile. I'm here now, safe and sound, but for two or three seconds you ran a great risk of making your journey alone. However, I made friends with "I'm sure I should be only too glad to disguise myself; but where can I get the dress?" "Take this one." "The one that you have?" "Yes." "But what will you do?" "Do without." "But that will expose you to danger." "No, it won't. It won't make the slightest difference. I'm only wearing this for the sake of variety. The fact is, you see, I found I was growing too volatile, and so I assumed a priest's dress, in the hope that it would give me greater sobriety and weight of character. I've been keeping it up for three days, and feel a little tired of it. So you may have it, a free gift, breviary and all, especially the breviary. Come-there's a fair offer." "I really can not make out," said Miss Talbot, with a laugh, "whether you are in jest or earnest." "Oh, then take me in earnest,” said Brooke, "and accept the offer. You see, it's your only chance of escape. You know old Billy Magee— Old Billy Magee wore a flaxen wig, And a beard did his face surround, So what do you say to gracefully giving "If you really think that you will be running no risk—” "No more than I've always been running until three days ago. "Well, I suppose it would. In which case we can only hope not to come near enough to the enemy to be closely inspected." "Had I not better cut it off?" said Miss Talbot. "What!" exclaimed Brooke, with amazement in his face. Miss Talbot repeated her question. "Well, I shall be very glad indeed, and Brooke. "What a horrible idea!" only too much obliged." "That's an uncommonly sensible decision," said Brooke. "You see," said he, as he unbuttoned the priest's robe, “I've merely been wearing this over my usual dress, and you can do the same. As he spoke he drew off the robe. "You can slip it on," he continued, as easy as wink, and you'll find it quite large enough every way." 66 And now Brooke stood divested of the priest's dress, revealing himself clothed in a suit of brown tweed-hunting coat, knickerbockers, stockings, laced boots, etc. He then took from his coat pocket a travelling cap with a visor, which he put upon his head. "You can have the priest's hat too," he added, "and- But no, by Jove! I won't -no, I won't let you have the spectacles. You might wear them in case of need, though, for they're only plain glass. But, hang it! I can't-I can't, and you sha'n't. Only fancy putting spectacles on the angel Gabriel!" Meanwhile Miss Talbot had taken the priest's robe, and had thrown it over her own dress. The clerical frock was of cloth, long enough to reach to her feet, and buttoned all the way from her chin down. Around the neck was a cape, which descended half-way to the knees. As she passed her arms through the sleeves she remarked that it would fit her admirably, and then taking the hat, she retired inside the tower, so as to adjust the outlines of her new costume in a more satisfactory manner than was possible before a spectator. At the door of the tower she turned. "Will you cut it?" "Never!" said Brooke, fervently. Brooke drew a long breath and looked earnestly at her. "Oh, don't ask me," said he at length, in a dejected tone. "I'm floored. It's like throwing overboard a cargo of gold and silver and precious stones to lighten the ship. Yea, more-it's like the Russian woman who threw over her child to the wolves to make possible the escape of the rest of the family. But there are some who would prefer to be eaten by wolves rather than sacrifice the child." "Well," said Miss Talbot, "your comparison of the child is a little too much; but if it comes to throwing the treasure overboard to save the ship, I shall not hesitate a moment." Brooke made no reply, and Miss Talbot went into the tower. CHAPTER XII. An HOW BROOKE AND TALBOT TAKE TO FLIGHT. For about an hour more they walked along, until they came to where the country was more open. The moon was shin "One thing will be against me," said ing brightly, and thus far there had been she. What shall I do about it?" "What is that?" "Why, my hair." no signs of life. But at this point there came up sounds from the road before then which were not a little alarming. Brooke "Your hair!" repeated Brooke. "H'm! laid himself upon the ground, and listened well, that is a puzzle." "It will interfere with anything like a real disguise, of course." for some time. "People are approaching," said he. "There is quite a large crowd. They must be Carlists. It will be dangerous for us to go on any farther. It will be better to hide here until they pass." "Very well," said Talbot. "I quite agree with you. I should hate to go back again." There was on their right, not far from the road, an old windmill, which stood upon a gently rising ground, and was quite a conspicuous object. This caught the eye of Brooke as he looked all around him. "There," said he, "is the place for us. These fellows seem to be on the march. They will soon pass by this and be gone. Let us hide in the old mill." They then In a CHAPTER XIII. HOW BROOKE AND TALBOT MAKE SEVERAL NEW ACQUAINTANCES. FOR Some time the two fugitives remained motionless and listened. There seemed to be a large number of men below, of whom a few were inside the mill, but the greater part remained outside. These kept up an incessant jabber; but it was of a discordant character, some talking about getting ready a supper, some about making a fire, some about forage, while at times a word would be dropped which seemed to indicate that they were in pursuit of fugitives. Nothing more definite than this could be learned. Brooke, however, had been gradually creeping to one side of the mill, where there was a window, while Talbot followed as noiselessly as possible, until they both were able from their concealment to look out upon the scene below, which was in no Talbot at once assented. left the road and crossed the fields. short time they reached the mill. It was deserted, and the machinery was out of order, but otherwise it was in good preservation. The door was open, and they entered. Having once obtained this concealment, they stood in the doorway anx-way calculated to re-assure them. They iously watching. At length they saw a crowd of men come up along the road, and these they regarded with quick-beating hearts. "Brooke," said Talbot, in a whisper. "What?" "What shall we do if they happen to come here?" "That's a solemn question," said Brooke. "We ought to have something to fall back on. Wait." He went away for a few minutes, and then returned. As he came back to the door Talbot pressed his arm and pointed. Brooke looked out. To his horror the whole band had stopped, and some of them were facing toward the mill as though about to approach it. "What a mistake we've made!" said Brooke. "They're coming here," said Talbot, in a thrilling whisper. "What can we do? Can we fly?" "No," said Brooke; "they'll see us. We have only one hope. There's a ladder here, and we can climb up into the loft. Come." Taking Talbot's hand, Brooke led her to the ladder, and they climbed up into the loft, where they sat listening. Talbot's anticipation was too true. The band approached toward the mill, and soon the two fugitives heard them all around. saw a crowd of men, about a hundred in number, who looked very much to Brooke like the train-stoppers of the day before. Their arms were piled, and they themselves were dispersed about, engaged in various occupations; some eating, some drinking, some smoking, while from them all a confused hubbub arose. Half a dozen ill-looking fellows came toward the door of the mill. "A fire!" said one. "Let's burn down the old mill. There's wood enough in it." "Ay," said another, "wood enough for a hundred fires." A shout of applause greeted this proposal, but the hearers above felt their hearts quail with horror. Talbot laid her hand on Brooke's arm. Brooke, to re-assure her, took her hand in his and pressed it gently, and felt it cold and tremulous. He drew her nearer to him, and whispered softly in her ear: "Don't be alarmed. can give ourselves up. At the worst, we Trust to me. Talbot drew a long breath, and made a desperate effort to master her fears; but the scene below grew more and more terrible. The wild shout of approbation which followed the proposal to burn the mill was caught up by one after another, till at last the whole band was filled with that one idea. A dozen men rushed inside, and began to hammer, and tear, and pull at the flooring and other parts of the wood work, while others busied themselves with | of the man who held it, and several of the preparing splints with which to kindle the men sprang to their arms. fire. "Who goes there?" cried the one who "Brooke," whispered Talbot, in a trem-seemed to be the captain. ulous voice-"oh, Brooke, let us go down." "Wait-not yet," said Brooke, on whose brow cold drops of perspiration were already standing. "Wait. Let us see what they will do.” "Friends," said Brooke. "We'll come down." Then turning to Talbot, he whispered: "Now, Talbot, is the time to show the stuff you're made of. Courage, my boy! courage! Remember, Talbot, you're not a girl now-not a weak girl, but you're a boy-and an English boy! Remember that, my lad, for now your life and mine too depend upon you!" "Don't fear for me," said Talbot, firmly. "Good!" said Brooke. "Now follow Brooke was silent, and watched the pre-me, and be as cool as a clock, even if you parations outside. These grew more and feel the muzzle of a pistol against your more menacing. A great pile of wood forehead." was soon collected, which grew rapidly to more formidable proportions. If these prisoners hoped for life, they must leave their present hiding-place, and soon, too; for soon- -ah, too soon, if that pile were once kindled the flames would pour in, and burn all the inner wood-work, even if the walls were of stone. 66 'Pooh!" said the man, impudently; "what of that? That's all the better." The other laid his hand upon his sword, and looked as though he was about to use it; but a wild outcry burst forth from all the crowd, and with an impatient gesture he turned away. By his dress, which was the only uniform visible, and also by his bearing, he seemed to be the captain of the band, yet his authority did not seem to receive any very strong recognition. Still, the sight of this uniform was of itself encouraging to Brooke, who now at once decided upon the course which he should adopt. There was no longer time to hesitate. Already the match was struck, the next moment the flame would be touched to the kindling, and the fires would blaze up. So Brooke called in a loud voice, "Stop! stop till we come down!" At this cry they all looked up in amazement. The match dropped from the hand With these cheerful words Brooke descended and Talbot followed. The ladder had not been removed, for the simple reason that it consisted of slats nailed against two of the principal beams, too solid even for Samson himself to shake. On reaching the lower story they hurried out at once, and the gang stood collected together awaiting them-a grim and grisly throng. Among them the man whom Brooke had taken for their captain was now their spokesman. "Who are you?" he asked, rudely, after a hasty glance at each. Brooke could not now adopt the tone which had been so effective in the morning, for his gown was off, and he could no longer be the Curé of Santa Cruz. He kept his coolness, however, and answered, in an off-hand manner: "Oh, it's all right; we're friends. I'll show you our papers." แ All right?" said the other, with a laugh. "That's good too!" At this all the crowd around laughed. "I belong to the good cause,' "said Brooke. esty. "I'm a loyal subject of his MajViva el Rey!" He expected some response to this loyal sentiment, but the actual result was simply appalling. The captain looked at him, and then at Talbot, with a cruel stare. "Ah!" said he. "I thought so. Boys," he continued, turning to his men, "we're in luck. We'll get something out of these devils. They're part of the band. They can put us on the track.” This remark was greeted with a shout of applause. "Allow me to inform you, señor," said With this cry a hundred fierce faces the captain to the unfortunate Brooke, surrounded them, and glared at them with "that you have made a slight mistake. fiery eyes. It seemed as though their last You are not our friends, but our ene-hour had come. The crowd pressed mies. We are not Carlists, but Repub- closer, and clamored for their immediate licans. I am Captain Lopez, of the Four-destruction. The only thing that held teenth Regiment, and have been detailed them back was the attitude of Brooke, who with these brave fellows on a special mis- stood perfectly cool and tranquil, with his sion. You are able to give us useful in- eyes fixed on Lopez, a good-natured smile formation; but if you refuse to give it you on his face, and his hands carelessly in shall both be shot." his pockets. Close beside him stood Talbot, pale, it is true, but with a calm exterior that showed not one trace of fear. Brooke did not see her, and did not venture to look at her, but he felt that she was as firm as a rock. Had they faltered in the slightest degree, the storm must have burst; but as it was, the calmness of these two disarmed the fury of the mob, and their fierce passion died away. In spite of the terrible mistake which he had made, Brooke kept his coolness and his presence of mind admirably. "I'm very glad to hear it," said he to Lopez. "The fact is, I thought you were Carlists, and so I said that I was one too -as any one would do. But I'm not a Carlist; I'm a Republican." Lopez at this gave utterance to a derisive laugh. **Oh yes, ," he said, "of course you are anything we please. And if we should turn out, after all, to be Carlists, you would swear that you are a Carlist again. Doesn't it strike you, señor, that you are trifling with us?" "I assure you, Captain Lopez," said Brooke, "that I'm not a Carlist, for I'm not a Spaniard." “You may not be a Spaniard, yet still be a devoted Carlist." "Yes, but I'm not. I assure you that I'm a Republican. Shall I prove it to you and to all these gentlemen ?" "Try it," sneered Lopez. "I'm an American," said Brooke. "An American," repeated Lopez, bitterly. "Better for you to be a Carlist than that. Is it not enough for you Americans to intermeddle with our affairs in Cuba, and help our rebels there, but must you also come to help our rebels here? But come-what is your business here? Let's see what new pretense you have to offer." "I am a traveller." "Yes, I suppose so," sneered Lopez. "And who is this other?" 'He is a young priest." A young priest? Ah! Then, señor, let me inform you that as Spaniards we hate all Americans, and as Republicans we hate all priests. Spain has had too much of both. Americans are her worst enemies outside, and priests inside. Down with all Americans and priests!" The echo to this sentiment came in a shout from all the followers of Lopez: "Down with all Americans and priests!" "Captain Lopez," said Brooke, in a quiet and friendly tone, you may have reason to hate my country, but I assure you that you have absolutely no cause for complaint against me and my friend. We are simple travellers who have been interrupted on our journey, and are now trying to get to the nearest railway station so as to resume it as soon as possible." "How did you get here?" asked Lopez, after a pause, in which he again scrutinized severely the two prisoners. Brooke had anticipated this question, and had made up his mind as to his answer. It was his intention to identify himself with Talbot, and speak as though he had all along been travelling with "the young priest." "Our train stopped," said he, "and we took the diligence over this road yesterday. We were stopped again, captured and robbed by Carlists, and we have escaped from them, and are now trying to get back." "Was your train stopped by Carlists ?" "No; the diligence.' "Where did the Carlists go?" "I have no idea." "Where did you come from last ?" Barcelona." 66 "Where are you going now?" "To England," said Brooke; "and finally," he added, "allow me to show you this, which I am sure will establish my character in your eyes." With these words he drew forth a paper, and handed it to Lopez. The latter took it, and one of the men lighted a bit of |