CHAPTER III.
THE BATTLE.
Solomon and Pietro had disposed their patients in as comfortable a position as the rude surroundings would permit, and had taken a few hours’ much needed rest, when an esquire with a Spanish Arab countenance presented himself at the door of the hospital where Solomon and Pietro still reposed. Gently waking the sleepers,he announced his errand. It was simply to examine and report. Shortly after his disappearance he returned and stated in Spanish that his commanding officer desired an interview with the physician stranger and his attendant. “You will be allowed an interval for reflection,” he said, “and I am to admonish you to be candid; for Don Abraham is not to be trifled with. Follow me.” The strangers were ordered to remain in the shade ef a tree in a space otherwise open. The day had not yet dawned; and all around was comparatively hushed. Solomon placed his fingers lightly on his companion’s arm, saying: “Be as silent as possible, brother, and in all matters touching this questioning refer to me as the person from whom you receive orders. I think I perceive a rift in the cloud, and a familiar star shining beyond it. From the relation
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