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76 hemmed in by the fallen tree—she could see nothing beyond its boughs. Those boughs were soon to prove their safety. About two hours after daybreak, she heard sounds from the house, voices calling, and the note of a trumpet. She listened anxiously, when, to her dismay, the sounds approached. She distinguished steps, then voices—both alike strange. They were the two officers of the detachment, loitering away time till their men were ready. "The inhabitants were off like pigeons," said one. "I wonder if they had any concealed treasure—I wish we had caught them on that account," was the reply. "Small signs of that," observed the first speaker; "besides, the war, we know, ruined Don Henriquez." "They say his wife was beautiful: I should like to have seen her. I owe the Hidalgo an old grudge. Well, if he gets out of his dungeon—to do which he must be an angel for wings, or a saint for miracles—he won't find much at home." Again the trumpet sounded; it seemed to be a signal, for the speakers hurried off, and Beatrice at last heard the trampling of the