"I will take that on myself," Valentine said. "I will send to La Magdalena a safe man, who can bring them back within an hour: during that time Doña Angela will complete her preparations for departure."
No one made any objection, and the maiden was left alone. Less than an hour after, Doña Angela and Violanta, dressed in monks' robes which Don Cornelio had purchased in the village, and with their faces concealed under broad-brimmed hats, mounted their horses, and, after bidding a warm farewell to their companions, they left the camp, accompanied by Father Seraphin. On separating, Violanta and Don Cornelio exchanged a secret glance, which would have given the count and Valentine matter for serious thought, could they have seen it.
"I am not easy in my mind," Don Louis muttered, shaking his head sadly. "A priest is a very weak escort in the present times."
"Reassure yourself," Valentine answered; "I have provided for that."
"Oh! you always think of everything, brother."
"Is it not my duty? Now let us attend to ourselves. The night will soon fall, and we must take our precautions not to let ourselves be surprised."
"You know that, with the exception of the few words you told me through Curumilla, I am completely ignorant of the details of this affair."
"They would be too long to give you at the present moment, brother, for we have hardly the requisite time for action."
"Have you any plan?"
"Certainly. If it succeed, the people who hope to surprise us will be awfully taken in."