That Don Ramon had been kidnapped for a ransom; that these bandits no doubt were desperate men who would let nothing interfere with their plans; that to notify the authorities and ask for help might end in his murder; and that if kidnapped for a ransom, overtures for his redemption would be made in due time.  As he was entirely at the mercy of his captors, they must look for hope only from that source.  If reward was their motive, he was worth more living than dead.  This was the only consolation deduced.  The letter concluded by advising them to meet any overture in strict confidence.  As only money would be acceptable in such a case, the friend pledged all his means in behalf of Don Ramon should it be needed.

These were anxious days and weary nights for this innocent family.  The father, no doubt, would welcome death itself in preference to the rack on which he was kept by his captors.  Time is not considered valuable in warm climates, and two weary days were allowed to pass before any conversation was renewed with Don Ramon.

Then once more the chief had the fetters removed from his victim’s ankles, with the customary guard within call.  He explained that many of the men were away, and it would be several days yet before he could know if the outlook for his release was favorable.  From what he had been able to learn so far, at least fifty thousand dollars would be necessary to satisfy the band, which numbered twenty, five of whom were spies.  They were poor men, he further explained, many of them had families, and if they accepted money in a case like this, self-banishment was the only safe course, as the political society to which they belonged would place a price on their heads if they were detected.

“The sum mentioned is a large one,” commented Don Ramon, “but it is nothing to the mental anguish that I suffer daily.  If I had time and freedom, the money might be raised.  But as it is, it is doubtful if I could command one fifth of it.”

“You have a son,” said the chief, “a young man of twenty.  Could he not as well as yourself raise this amount?  A letter could be placed in his hands stating that a political society had sentenced you to death, and that your life was only spared from day to day by the sufferance of your captors.  Ask him to raise this sum, tell him it would mean freedom and restoration to your family.  Could he not do this as well as you?”

“If time were given him, possibly.  Can I send him such a letter?” pleaded Don Ramon, brightening with the hope of this new opportunity.

“It would be impossible at present.  The consent of all interested must first be gained.  Our responsibility then becomes greater than yours.  No false step must be taken.  To-morrow is the soonest that we can get a hearing with all.  There must be no dissenters to the plan or it fails, and then—­well, the execution has been delayed long enough.”

Thus the days wore on.