and under the law of reprisals and letters of marque, was taken possession of by me yesterday.  The goods and personal effects belonging to the passengers and yourself have been safely landed at the Embarcadero of Todos Santos—­a neutral port—­by my directions; my interpretation of the orders of the Federal Council excepting innocent non-combatants and their official protector from confiscation or amercement.

“I take the liberty of requesting you to hand the inclosed order on the Treasury of the Quinquinambo Confederate States to Don Miguel Briones, in payment of certain stores and provisions, and of a piece of ordnance known as the saluting cannon of the Presidio of Todos Santos.  Vigilancia!

“Your obedient servant,

“Leonidas Bolivar Perkins,

“Generalissimo Commanding Land and Sea Forces, Quinquinambo Independent States.”

In her consternation at this fuller realization of the vague catastrophe, Miss Keene still clung to the idea that had brought her there.

“But Mrs. Markham has nothing to do with all this?”

“Then why does she refuse to give up her secret correspondence with the pirate Perkins?” returned the secretary.

Miss Keene hesitated.  Had Mrs. Markham any previous knowledge of the Senor’s real character?

“Why don’t you arrest the men?” she said scornfully.  “There is Mr. Banks, Mr. Crosby, Mr. Winslow, and Mr. Brace.”  She uttered the last name more contemptuously, as she thought of that young gentleman’s protestations and her present unprotected isolation.

“They are already arrested and removed to San Antonio, a league hence,” returned the secretary.  “It is fact enough that they have confessed that their Government has seized the Mexican province of California, and that they were on their way to take possession of it.”

Miss Keene’s heart sank.

“But you knew all this yesterday,” she faltered; “and our war with Mexico is all over years ago.”

“We did not know it last night at the banquet, Senora; nor would we have known it but for this treason and division in your own party.”

A sudden light flashed upon Miss Keene’s mind.  She now comprehended the advances of Dona Isabel.  Extravagant and monstrous as it seemed, these people evidently believed that a revolution had taken place in the United States; that the two opposing parties had been represented by the passengers of the Excelsior; and that one party had succeeded, headed by the indomitable Perkins.  If she could be able to convince them of their blunder, would it be wise to do so?  She thought of Mrs. Brimmer’s supplication to be ranged “on her side,” and realized with feminine quickness that the situation might be turned to her countrymen’s advantage.  But which side had Todos Santos favored?  It was left to her woman’s wit to discover this, and conceive a plan to rescue her helpless companions.