Jack had frequently met the count at the siege of Barcelona, and had taken a strong liking for the gallant and dashing Spanish nobleman.

The village was crowded with peasants armed with all sorts of weapons--rough, hardy, resolute men, determined to defend their country to the last against the invaders.

A shout of satisfaction arose as Jack and his two troopers rode in, and at the sound the count himself appeared at the door of the principal house in the village.
"Ah, Senor Stilwell," he said, "this in an unexpected pleasure.

I thought that you were with the earl in Valencia." "So I have been, count, but he has sent me hither with a dispatch for you, and, as you will see by its contents, places me for awhile at your disposal." "I am pleased indeed to hear it," the count said; "but pray, senor--" "Captain, count," Jack said with a smile, "for to such rank the earl has been pleased to promote me as a recognition for such services as I was able to perform in his campaign against Valencia." "Ah," the count said, "you earned it well.

Every man in that wonderful force deserved promotion.