The instant I heard of your arrest, I chartered a swift-sailing country craft, and arrived here the day before you.

I was the bearer of a letter, signed by many of the soldiers in garrison at Arica, to their comrades here; saying how bravely you had behaved, and that you had become good comrades in the regiment, and urging them to do anything in their power to save you from the Inquisition.

This I thought might be useful, as they would be sure to be called out, in case of an attack upon the Inquisition; and I prayed them to be as slow as possible in their movements, in case of any sudden alarm.
This will account for the fact that none of them arrived upon the spot before we had finished our business, just now.
"But there is not a moment to delay.

I have horses two miles away in readiness, and we must make for there.

They will be sure to put on bloodhounds in pursuit, and we may have to ride for it." The boys briefly expressed their intense gratitude to their preserver, for his efforts in their behalf, Ned adding, "I fear, Don Estevan, that your generous deed of tonight will involve you in fearful danger." "I have taken every precaution," the young Spaniard said.