MARQUINEZ AND LA COLLEGIALA. 163 



informed that they are disbanded and may return to 

 their homes." 



Merino had scarcely finished his sentence when 

 Principe, who literally foamed at the mouth with 

 rage, made a dash at the imperturbable priest, and 

 dealt him a blow which would probably have brought 

 the career of that celebrated member of the church 

 militant to a premature termination, had it not been 

 intercepted by the swords of some of the Cura's 

 officers. Several of the escort pressed forward, and 

 the unlucky guerilla was overpowered and deprived 

 of his sabre. The scuffle was scarcely over when 

 Marquinez, the friend and lieutenant of Principe, 

 appeared, followed by some officers and a few men of 

 his corps. He was a handsome, soldierly-looking 

 man, in the prime of life, with a highly intelligent 

 countenance ; and, instead of showing the same 

 excitement and headlong fury as his commandant, he 

 saluted Merino with urbanity, and addressed him in 

 a somewhat ironical tone. The Cura repeated what 

 he had already said to Principe as to his reasons for 

 disarming the partida. 



" I am well aware, Senor Cura," said Marquinez, 

 " that some of your followers, weary of lurking in 

 mountain caverns, have preferred leaders under whom 

 they were sure to meet with opportunities of displaying 

 their courage in the plain, and of revenging themselves 

 on the invaders of their country. It is probably to 

 prevent further defection, and to remount your cavalry, 



