But I hardly think that possible.

In the first place, there are the soldiers both of my escort and of Colonel Mendez, who assisted in the work of examination; besides which more than half the commissaries escaped while this was taking place, and, on an offer of pardon, would no doubt gladly come forward and give evidence, especially as the execution of their comrades will have shown them that the governor is determined to throw them over." "Yes; I don't suppose we shall find the arch-scoundrel there, unless, indeed, he can rely upon the support of his garrison; in which case he may have ridden to Portugal, offering to surrender the place at once to them, and will close his gates against us." "I don't think there is any chance of that, Colonel.

In the short time during which I was there, I was able to see that the troops were deeply discontented.

They were almost in rags, and the landlord of the inn told me that they were kept on the scantiest rations, and those of a very inferior kind.

So I do not think, for a moment, he could trust them to act against a royal force." Desmond's anticipation proved to be correct.