The Captain aroused himself. "Here, Colonel. Here in the garden."
The Colonel rushed into the patio, mopping his face with his handkerchief.
"What do you suppose that Stanislaus of yours has done now, Captain? What do you suppose he has done, I say?"
"What has he done, Colonel?"
"Done! Why, my council and I were to inspect some irrigating ditches in the hills, to see the dams were well built and all that, so the town would be in no danger of inundation. Do you understand?" The Colonel glared around. "Well, the horses were tied outside the castle for the use of myself and my council in this work of inspection—in this work of inspection, do you understand? Well, your men looked bedraggled and tired, Morando. I didn't wait for you to come, but relieved them and put my own soldiers on guard."
"But the prisoners——" Morando began.
"That's just what I'm coming to. Do be patient! In the exchange of guards some of the prisoners walked out—coolest thing I ever heard of—took rifles from the racks, and actually mounted the horses in front of the castle, and rode away! I tell you, rode away!"
Barcelo paused for breath. "I saw them going and gave the alarm," he went on, after a moment. "Yes, I saw that rascal Stanislaus riding—riding away to safety. I saw it myself—I saw——"
Further words failed the Colonel.
The sound of cavalry was heard in the street.