The attack was at hand.
The door of the room was unlocked and the two peons who had guarded him upon the roof came for him.

Ned saw in the half gloom that they were very grave of countenance.
"We are to take you to the noble Captain Urrea, who is waiting for you," said Fernando.
"Very well," said Ned.

"I am ready.

You have been kind to me, and I hope that we shall meet again after to-day." Both men shook their heads.
"We fear that is not to be," said Fernando.
They found Urrea and another young officer waiting at the door of the house.

Urrea was in his best uniform and his eyes were very bright.