I can assure you that I am much more estimable in my proper character as a man of peace.

And let me tell you, my cook is excellent; the wine of the village is famous in the province, and I have some in my cellars ten years old." "I cannot resist such a number of good arguments," Jack said, smiling, "and till tomorrow morning I am at your service; but I warn you that my appetite just at present is ravenous, and that my two dragoons are likely to make a serious inroad upon the larders of your village, however well supplied." "They will be welcome," the priest said, "and I guarantee the larders will prove sufficiently well stocked.

Fortunately, although nearly every village in the neighborhood has been raided by the French, owing to our good fortune and the interposition of the blessed San Aldephonso our village has escaped a visit." The party under Father Ignacio soon turned off from the main road, and, with the six wagons which fell to their share, journeyed along a.

rough country road until they reached the village.

Father Ignacio sat on the leading wagon, and Jack rode alongside chatting with him.