CHAPTER X: AN ADVENTURE IN THE MOUNTAINS.
"Mr.Stillwell," the earl said, a few days after his arrival at Castillon, "will you take twenty dragoons and ride out to the village of Estrella?
The district round it is extremely hostile, and they prevent supplies being brought in from that direction.

Get hold of the principal men in the place, and tell them that if I hear any more complaints of hostility in that neighborhood I will send out a regiment of horse, burn their village, and ravage all the country.

I don't think you need apprehend any opposition; but of course you will keep a good lookout." "Am I to return tonight, sir ?" "Let that depend upon your reception.

If the inhabitants show a fairly good disposition, or if you see that at any rate there is a considerable section of the population well disposed to the cause, stay there for the night, and in the morning make a wide circuit through the district before returning.

If you perceive a strong hostile feeling it were best not to sleep there; with so small a force you would be liable to a night attack." Twenty minutes later Jack rode off with his party, having first obtained directions from the natives as to the best road to Estrella.