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"By the true cross!" he exclaiaveYet you are no ghost; your aspect is altogether too healthful for one condeht foot to steal thus on me unheard Who are you, fellow? What do you here upon this soil of Spain?"

I leaned lightly onit easily if occasion warranted, determined now not to fire unless it proved necessary to save ue in which I had been addressed

"Nor are you more surprised, Señor, at my presence, than was I a moment back to stumble upon you when I supposed our party alone here in this wilderness Who did you say held doracious Christian Majesty, Charles the Third, of Spain," he replied shortly "As his officer, I require that you give proper heed and direct answer to ?"

Themanner a hunter, Señor, from the Illinois country, homeward bound I was not aware this territory had fallen into Spanish hands, supposing it still to be under French control You are then a soldier of Spain?"

"Ay," he returned ungraciously, eyingway, "of the battalion of Grenada"

He was evidently in doubt whether to believeit as proof he had not gained a glier search

"It may be, fellow," he consented to say at last, "you speak truth, and it rave suspicion, yet there are means of discovery open to men of action I just noted the position of your camp yonder, and have sufficient men within easy reach of my voice to make it mine if need arise So I warn you to deal fairly, or accept the consequences The Marquis de Serrato is not one given to speaking twice in such quest I have a soft tongue in ladies' bowers, but h in camp and field"

He uttered these words in fierce threat, his one evil eye glaring full at h to terrify Before I could answer, he shot forth a question, direct as a bullet froun