"Well, landlord, I want you to get supper for us, and I shall require two fresh horses in the course of an hour, and also one for this man who has come with me. I shall have to arrange with you to send these horses to the place where I borrowed them. I will pay you well for your trouble."
"I will manage it, señor," the man said, much impressed with the decided manner of his guest. "I have no horses myself, but will get them for you."
Arthur went to the house indicated, and rang loudly at the bell. He had to ring two or three times before there was any answer; then a head was thrust from an upper window.
"Who is making that noise?"
"I am a royal messenger," Arthur said, "and must see the colonel instantly."
Presently the door was opened by a man with a light. He showed Arthur into a room upstairs.
"The colonel will be in in a minute or two," he said, lighting two candles on the table.
In three minutes the colonel came down, buttoning up his tunic.
"What is it, señor?"
"I am the cavalero Captain Hallett, and I am the bearer of a message to you from the queen."