Paul now and then caught glimpses through the trees of the chateau or a passing face, and he heard a low murmur that seemed to be the hum of many voices.
The path ended presently at a gate in a high board wall, and both gate and wall were thick and strong Here a Spaniard dressed like a minor officer was waiting, and began to unlock the gate.
"Now what under the sun can they be about ?" asked Long Jim, to whom all this seemed very strange.

"Are they goin' to tie us up in a pen ?" The heavy gate was unlocked and swung open a foot or so.

Two soldiers suddenly seized Long Jim and pulled him back, while another thrust Paul into the open space.

The officer put in his hand a sword--the very one with which he had wounded Alvarez, Paul's fingers closing mechanically over the hilt.

Then they shoved Paul inside, and quickly closed and locked the gate behind him.