There was a moment of terrible anxiety.
"Who goes there?" a low and threatening voice asked.
"Pedrito the bombero."
"Who is with you?"
"My brothers."
"Pass."
Ten minutes after this encounter they reached the barriers, which were at once opened on Pedrito mentioning his name, and they were at length safe in Carmen. It was high time; in spite of their resolution and courage, the two girls, worn out with fatigue, could no longer support themselves. So soon as the danger had passed, their nervous excitement gave way, and they fell utterly exhausted. Pedrito raised his sister in his arms; Pepe took charge of Doña Concha, and they proceeded to Don Valentine's house, where fresh difficulties awaited them. Tío Peralta refused to open the gate, but on at length recognizing his mistress, he led the travellers into a room and lit the candles.
"What are we to do now?" Doña Concha asked, as she fell back into a chair.
"Nothing just at present," Pedrito answered. "Rest yourself, señorita, and regain your strength."
"Shall we remain for long in this state of inaction, which kills us?"