"I would have saved you from General Cos had I been able." "I know it," said Ned warmly, "and I want to thank you, Colonel Almonte." Almonte held out his hand and Ned grasped it.

Then the Mexican strode away.

Ned lay back again and watched the darkness thin as the moon and stars came out.

Far off the silver cone of Orizaba appeared like a spear point against the sky.

It towered there in awful solemnity above the strife and passion of the world.