That is why we were not here before, for," he added significantly, "we are poor folk, to whom the saints send few wrecks." "How did they go to Granada, Father ?" asked Castell.

"On foot ?" "Nay, Senor, they took all the horses and mules in the village by force, though the marquis promised that he would return them and pay for their hire later, and we trusted him because we must.

The ladies wept much, and prayed us to take them in and keep them; but this the marquis would not allow, although they seemed so sad and weary.

God send that we see our good beasts back again," he added piously.
"Have you any left for us?
We have a little money, and can pay for them if they be not too dear." "Not one, Senor--not one; the place has been cleared even down to the mares in foal.

But, indeed you seem scarcely fit to ride at present, who have undergone so much," and he pointed to Peter's wounded head and Castell's bandaged arm.