Since the departure from the camp, the soldier had continually remained in the advanced guard with the three Spaniards, in order to escape the looks of the two ladies, by whom he did not wish to be recognised till the last moment.
"Ah, 'tis you, Don Sebastiao," said Don Pablo; "what do you think of our situation?"
"It is bad—very bad indeed; however, I do not think it desperate," coldly answered the soldier.
"I am persuaded, on the contrary, that it is desperate."
"It may be so; but we are not yet dead."
"No; but pretty near to it."
"Have you thought of a means to escape from the bad position in which we are?"
"I have thought of a thousand; but I have not thought of one which is practicable."
"That is because you have not thought in the right direction, my dear sir. In this world, you know as well as I do, that as long as the heart beats in the breast, there is some resource left, however critical may be the position in which we are placed. The remedy exists. Shall I aid you in doing so?"
"Well! I do not stand on my self-love," answered Don Pablo slightly smiling; "but I believe we shall have difficulty in finding the remedy."