“It would be a wise thing to do,” said Braxton Wyatt.  He cared nothing for either Capuchin or Jesuit, but he hated and feared Father Montigny, and would be glad to know that he was driven from the country.

“We must start in the morning,” said Alvarez.  “It will not take us long to reach New Orleans by the river, and I can spin a tale that will lull the suspicions of Galvez.”

“You can prove many things by me,” said Braxton Wyatt significantly.

“Yes, Senor Wyatt, you are a good lieutenant,” said Alvarez, and he meant it.  “We will make our preparations to-night and start with a strong force in the morning.  We need not bring the prisoners forth until we are ready.”

Alvarez, slept peacefully that night.  He had recovered his spirits, shaken by the arrival of the King’s messenger.  Aided by the dexterous renegade, Braxton Wyatt, he would soon persuade Bernardo Galvez that he had acted for the best in the matter of the men from Kaintock.

He rose early the next morning and, as a mark of signal favor, invited Braxton Wyatt to take breakfast with him.  While they sat together Luiz came in with a long face.

“Now what is it, my brave Luiz?” said Alvarez, who was in an exceeding good humor, “why this saturnine countenance?”

“I beg to report, your Excellency,” said Luiz, “that the Natchez Indian whom they call The Cat had been found dead in the forest, of a knife thrust that came out behind the shoulder.”

“That is bad,” said Alvarez.  “Have they found out who did it?”

“No, Your Excellency.  There were some signs of a struggle, and a few traces of foot-steps, but the trail was gone before they had followed it a dozen yards.”

“We have lost a good man,” said Alvarez, “a matchless spy and trailer, but it cannot be helped.  I suppose it was a quarrel with some savage like himself.  I would investigate the matter, but we have not time now.  Come, Luiz, we will take out the prisoners, and then to the boats.”

He led the way across the grass to the log house,—­two sentinels, again it was Carlos and Juan—­walked up and down in front of it—­and the Spanish captain was pleased at their vigilance.  He gave them a very good morning as they saluted respectfully.

“Unlock the door, Luiz,” he said.  “This is a strong prison and a close one.  I’ve no doubt our gallants from Kaintock, where there is much room, will be glad to be outside again.”

Luiz inserted the huge iron key, turned it in the lock, and threw wide the door.  Alvarez looked in, and then uttered a cry so charged with rage that even Braxton Wyatt was startled.  He pressed close up to his chief and gazed over his shoulder.

The prison was empty!

“What does this mean?” shouted Alvarez at the trembling sentinels.  “The prisoners have escaped!  Idiots!  Blind men!  What have you been doing?  Have you helped them yourselves?  If it is so, both of you shall be shot!”