At last his ear caught the word "ransom." Now there was nobody in Spain knowing enough or caring enough of or for Ian Rullock to entertain the idea of parting with gold pieces in order to save his life.

Don Fernando might be glad to see him live, but certainly had not the gold pieces! Moreover, it presently leaked fantastically out that the bandits expected a large ransom.

He began to suspect a mistake in identity.

That assumption, increasing in weight, became certainty.

They looked him all around, they compared notes, they regarded the fine cloak, the refreshed steed.