I drink to your health, senor," and all present joined in the shout, "Long live the preserver of the count and countess!" Jack and the count now returned to the house, and the next morning, after a cordial adieu to the host and hostess, he rode back with his men to Castillon.
"Welcome back, Mr.Stilwell," the general said as he entered; "I have been very uneasy about you.

Your men returned at noon yesterday and told me of the ambush in which they had been beset.

Your arrangements were excellent except for your own safety.

How did you manage to get out?
By the way, I was astonished by the arrival here an hour since of the horses and wagons.

The men who brought them could give me no account of it, except that the Mayor of Estrella returned late yesterday evening and ordered them to set out before daybreak.