Our uncle, Dr Cazalla, came to see our mother off.
“I wish that you would accompany us, my dear brother,” she said. “If the Spaniards take the place, you are certain to be annoyed and persecuted, even should no worse consequences follow.”
“No, no; I must stay at my post, as your husband intends doing. We must set a good example. If the principal people run away, what may be expected of others?”
My mother’s entreaties were of no avail, so Uncle Richard, finding that all was ready, gave the word to move on.
We proceeded as fast as the mules could travel, and by noon arrived at Uncle Richard’s hacienda, where Aunt Maria and Rosa gave my mother a warm reception.
“We shall here, I trust, be safe from the Spaniards; but if we hear of their coming, we must take to the mountains, where even they will be unable to find us,” said Dona Maria.
“But what will become of the house and estate?” asked my mother.
“We must leave that matter in God’s hands,” answered Dona Maria. “If the fruit trees are cut down, and the corn destroyed, he can restore them. The Godos cannot prevent that.”
As soon as our horses had baited, the dominie and I prepared to start on our return. I embraced my mother and sister affectionately, and bade farewell to dear little Rosa and Aunt Maria. We knew not what might occur before we should meet again. I had, while staying at the house, admired a fine dog called Lion, which had grown from a puppy into a noble animal since I first saw him. The creature had taken a great fancy to me, too, and this had been observed by Uncle Richard.
“I make you a present of him, Duncan,” said Uncle Richard; “he will prove faithful, I am sure, and may possibly be of service.”