It seemed to me a perfect mystery.

I suspected at first that the wine was poisoned, and ordered the men who brought it to drink some at once, but as they did so without hesitation or sign of fear, I concluded that I was mistaken.

However, I have kept them captive pending news from you to enlighten me." "I am not surprised you were astonished, sir, but the matter was simple enough;" and then Jack related the circumstances which had befallen them.
"Bravo!" the earl said; "for once, Mr.Stilwell, a good action has had its reward, which, so far as my experience goes, is an exception." The earl at once called in a sergeant and ordered the release of the men who had brought the horses and wagons, and gave ten gold pieces to be distributed among them.

Jack also went out and begged them to give his compliments and thanks to the mayor.
"I am heartily glad the adventure ended as it did," the earl said when he returned, "for, putting aside the regret I should have felt at your loss, it would have been a difficult business for me to undertake, with my present force, to chastise the men who attacked you, who must be bold and determined fellows, and capable of realizing the advantages of this mountainous country.

If all Spaniards would do as much it would tax the power of the greatest military nation to subdue them; and yet I could hardly have suffered such a check without endeavoring to avenge it; so altogether, Mr.Stilwell, we must congratulate ourselves that the affair ended as it did.