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whom presented his carbine at my head, threatening sudden death if I ventured to resist, which, in my bound condition, I was not likely to have much opportunity to do.

"'Have you betrayed me, Cospi?' I ejaculated, looking indignantly at my quondam guide.

"For reply he shrugged his shoulders, and then said, in an apologetic tone, 'I serve my chief, Espaldo; all are his enemies save we who serve him.'

"Round the fire."

"'What do you intend to do with me?' I asked.

"'We march to-night to the chief's headquarters whose prisoner you are,' responded Cospi. 'You will be treated with due respect on the route, provided that you accept the inevitable, and make no effort to escape.'

"'The distance?' I asked, laconically.

"Fifteen English miles. We hope to arrive about four o'clock, that is one hour after sunrise,' replied Cospi.

"Previous to our departure, my right arm was unbound while I partook of some coarse bread and fruit, washed down with a little sour wine. In spite of the peril in which I felt myself placed, I could not help feeling a keen interest in the scene in which I unfortunately played so prominent a part. The night was cool, and the brigands had improvised a fire of the dead wood which lay so plentifully to hand, and the ruddy gleams of the burning wood lit up the foliage of the trees around, save where the shadows of my guards fell upon them. Above, the blue heaven was spangled with stars; while round the fire the brigands, including Cospi, sat in their picturesque garb, sharing the rough repast of which I was a partaker. At intervals, through the foliage, I caught glimpses of the two brigands who kept watch, as they marched backwards and forwards, with their carbines in readiness should any unforeseen chance necessitate their use.