Once discovered in the depths of this place and the chances seemed twenty to one that they would never leave it alive.
Roderic scouted such a thought—he never allowed it to interfere with his work—chances of failure were not to be taken as a factor in the matter whatever—success must be the beacon held up to lure them on, glorious success.
Such confidence brings wonderful results in all things, and would account for some of the success attending his past.
A brilliant diplomat is compelled to be bold as well as sagacious.
To find Leon and bring about his release—to cheat the Spanish army of a victim whom they expected to execute at sunrise—this was the mission he had undertaken, and with the kind assistance of good fortune, added to his tact, he meant that the harvest should be bountiful.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE STRANGE MEETING IN THE DUNGEON.
A gentle tug at his coat made Roderic turn.
It was Inez, who desired to speak, and yet who knew she should not utter a word above the lowest whisper.