Brat stood to attention, beaming with an outrageous benevolence. "It means, sir," he answered joyfully, "that the prisoner was my brother."

"Your brother!"

"Yes, sir; Ex-constable José de la Mancha, my brother, who changed places once with me when I was a prisoner. It's my turn now, sir. Hang me!"

"By the Lord God!"

"To Him, sir," answered Don Pedro haughtily, "you will leave my brother. I am your prisoner."

THE END