"To see him instantly," answered a voice not unfamiliar to the ear of Luis. "I bring important intelligence."

      "Come this way," was the reply; and then a non-commissioned officer approached Herrera, and respectfully saluting, informed him that a paisano, or civilian, wished to speak with him. Before Luis could order the person in question to be conducted to him, a man mounted on a rough but active mountain horse, rode out of the gloom into the fire-light, threw himself from his saddle, and stood within three paces of the Christino officer. By the blaze, Herrera recognized, with some surprise, one whom he believed to be then in the Carlist ranks.

      "Paco!" he exclaimed; "you here? Whence do you come, and what are your tidings?"