"So much the better," replied the Count. "We want all the men we can muster, and especially brave fellows like yourself. Meanwhile, what are you doing, and where are you quartered?"
"In the house of José Urriola, here the guard-room is. My duty is to take the prisoners their rations, and clean out their room. Poor Don Luis, as your señoria doubtlessly knows, is amongst them."
"I do know it, and it is concerning him that I wish to speak to you. Paco, I know I can depend on you."
"You can, your señoria," replied the muleteer. "Do you think I have forgotten all your honour's kindness, how you got me out of the scrape about the smuggling?"
"Or the one about thrashing the alguazils," returned the Count, with a smile.
"Ah, your señoria was always very good to me," said Paco; "and I am not the man to forget it."
"You have an opportunity of showing your gratitude," said the Count. "Have you heard that the prisoners are to be shot to-morrow?"
Paco started.
"And Don Luis with them?"
The Count nodded affirmatively.