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diff --git a/27996.txt b/27996.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b86d394 --- /dev/null +++ b/27996.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10443 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Free Lances, by Mayne Reid + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Free Lances + A Romance of the Mexican Valley + +Author: Mayne Reid + +Release Date: February 4, 2009 [EBook #27996] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FREE LANCES *** + + + + +Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England + + + + +The Free Lances, by Captain Mayne Reid. + + + +CHAPTER ONE. + +VOLUNTEERS FOR TEXAS. + +"I'll go!" + +This laconism came from the lips of a young man who was walking along +the Levee of New Orleans. Just before giving utterance to it he had +made a sudden stop, facing a dead wall, enlivened, however, by a large +poster, on which were printed, in conspicuous letters, the words-- + +"Volunteers for Texas!" + +Underneath, in smaller type, was a proclamation, setting forth the +treachery of Santa Anna and the whole Mexican nation, recalling in +strong terms the Massacre of Fanning, the butchery of Alamo, and other +like atrocities; ending in an appeal to all patriots and lovers of +freedom to arm, take the field, and fight against the tyrant of Mexico +and his myrmidons. + +"I'll go!" said the young man, after a glance given to the printed +statement; then, more deliberately re-reading it, he repeated the words +with an emphasis that told of his being in earnest. + +The poster also gave intimation of a meeting to be held the same evening +at a certain _rendezvous_ in Poydras Street. + +He who read only lingered to make note of the address, which was the +name of a noted _cafe_. Having done this, he was turning to continue +his walk when his path was barred by a specimen of humanity, who stood +full six foot six in a pair of alligator leather boots, on the +_banquette_ by his side, "So ye're goin', air ye?" was the +half-interrogative speech that proceeded from the individual thus +confronting him. + +"What's that to you?" bluntly demanded the young fellow, his temper a +little ruffled by what appeared an impertinent obstruction on the part +of some swaggering bully. + +"More'n you may think for, young 'un," answered the booted Colossus, +still standing square in the way; "more'n you may think for, seein' it's +through me that bit o' paper's been put up on that 'ere wall." + +"You're a bill-sticker, I suppose?" sneeringly retorted the "young 'un." + +"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed the giant, with a cachinnation that resembled the +neighing of a horse. "A bill-sticker, eh! Wal; I likes that. An' I +likes yur grit, too, young feller, for all ye are so sassy. But ye +needn't git riled, an' I reckon ye won't, when I tell ye who I am." + +"And who are you; pray?" + +"Maybe ye mount a hearn o' Cris Rock?" + +"What! Cris Rock of Texas? He who at Fanning's--" + +"At Fannin's massacree war shot dead, and kim alive agin." + +"Yes," said the interrogator, whose interrogatory referred to the almost +miraculous escape of one of the betrayed victims of the Goliad butchery. + +"Jess so, young feller. An' since ye 'pear to know somethin' 'bout me, +I needn't tell ye I ain't no _bill-sticker_, nor why I 'peared to show +impartinence by putting in my jaw when I heern ye sing out, `I'll go.' +I thort it wouldn't need much introduxshun to one as I mout soon hope to +call kumarade. Yer comin' to the rendyvoo the night, ain't ye?" + +"Yes; I intend doing so." + +"Wal, I'll be there myself; an' if ye'll only look high enough, I reck'n +ye kin sight me 'mong the crowd. 'Tain't like to be the shortest thar," +he added, with a smile that bespoke pride in his superior stature, "tho' +ye'll see some tall 'uns too. Anyhow, jest look out for Cris Rock; and, +when foun', that chile may be of some sarvice to ye." + +"I shall do so," rejoined the other, whose good humour had become quite +restored. + +About to bid good-bye, Rock held out a hand, broad as the blade of a +canoe-paddle. It was freely taken by the stranger, who, while shaking +it, saw that he was being examined from head to foot. + +"Look hyar!" pursued the Colossus, as if struck by some thought which a +closer scrutiny of the young man's person had suggested; "hev ye ever +did any sogerin'? Ye've got the look o' it." + +"I was educated in a military school--that's all." + +"Where? In the States?" + +"No. I am from the other side of the Atlantic." + +"Oh! A Britisher. Wal, that don't make no difference in Texas. Thar's +all sorts thar. English, ain't ye?" + +"No," promptly answered the stranger, with a slight scornful curling of +the lip: "I'm an Irishman, and not one of those who deny it." + +"All the better for that. Thar's a bit of the same blood somewhar in my +own veins, out o' a grandmother, I b'lieve, as kim over the mountains +into Kaintuck, 'long wi' Dan Boone an' his lot. So ye've been eddycated +at a milintary school, then? D'ye unnerstan' anything about the +trainin' o' sogers?" + +"Certainly I do." + +"Dog-goned, ef you ain't the man we want! How'd ye like to be an +officer? I reck'n ye're best fit for that." + +"Of course I should like it; but as a stranger among you, I shouldn't +stand much chance of being elected. You choose your officers, don't +you?" + +"Sartin, we eelect 'em; an' we're goin' to hold the eelections this very +night. Lookee hyar, young fellur; I like yer looks, an' I've seed proof +ye've got the stuff in ye. Now, I want to tell ye somethin' ye oughter +to know. I belong to this company that's jest a formin', and thar's a +fellur settin' hisself up to be its capting. He's a sort o' half +Spanish, half French-Creole, o' Noo-Orleans hyar, an' we old Texans +don't think much o' him. But thar's only a few o' us; while 'mong the +Orleans city fellurs as are goin' out to, he's got a big pop'larity by +standin' no eend o' drinks. He ain't a bad lookin' sort for sogerin', +and has seen milintary sarvice, they say. F'r all that, thar's a +hangdog glint 'bout his eyes this chile don't like; neither do some o' +the others. So, young un, if you'll come down to the rendyvoo in good +time, an' make a speech--you kin speechify, can't ye?" + +"Oh, I suppose I could say something." + +"Wal, you stump it, an' I'll put in a word or two, an' then we'll +perpose ye for capting; an' who knows we mayent git the majority arter +all? You'er willin' to try, ain't ye?" + +"Quite willing," answered the Irishman, with an emphasis which showed +how much the proposal was to his mind. "But why, Mr Rock, are you not +a candidate yourself? You have seen service, and would make a good +officer, I should say." + +"Me kandydate for officer! Wal, I'm big enough, thet's true, and ef you +like, ugly enuf. But I ain't no ambeeshum thet way. Besides, this +chile knows nothin' 'bout _drill_; an' that's what's wanted bad. Ye +see, we ain't had much reg'lar sogerin' in Texas. Thar's whar the +Mexikins hev the advantage o' us, an' thar's whar you'll hev the same if +you'll consent to stan'. You say you will?" + +"I will, if you wish it." + +"All square then," returned the Texan, once more taking his _protege_ by +the hand, and giving it a squeeze like the grip of a grizzly bear. +"I'll be on the lookout for ye. Meanwhile, thar's six hours to the good +yet afore it git sundown. So go and purpar' yur speech, while I slide +roun' among the fellurs, an' do a leetle for ye in the line o' +canvassin'." + +After a final bruin-like pressure of the hand the giant had commenced +striding away, when he came again to a halt, uttering a loud "Hiloo!" + +"What is it?" inquired the young Irishman. + +"It seems that Cris Rock air 'bout one o' the biggest nummorskulls in +all Noo-Orleans. Only to think! I was about startin' to take the stump +for a kandydate 'ithout knowin' the first letter o' his name. How wur +ye crissened, young fellur?" + +"Kearney--Florence Kearney." + +"Florence, ye say? Ain't that a woman's name?" + +"True; but in Ireland many men bear it." + +"Wal, it do seem a little kewrious; but it'll do right slick, and the +Kearney part soun's well. I've hern speak o' Kate Kearney; thar's a +song 'bout the gurl. Mout ye be any connexshun o' hern?" + +"No, Mr Rock; not that I'm aware of. She was a Killarney woman. I was +born a little further north on the green island." + +"Wal, no matter what part o' it, yur are welkim to Texas, I reck'n, or +the States eyther. Kearney--I like the name. It hev a good ring, an' +it'll soun' all the better wi' `Capting' for a handle to 't--the which +it shall hev afore ten o'clock this night, if Cris Rock ain't astray in +his reck'nin'. But see as ye kum early to the rendyvoo, so as to hev +time for a talk wi' the boys. Thar's a somethin' in that; an' if ye've +got a ten dollar bill to spare, spend it on drinks all round. Thar's a +good deal in that too." + +So saying, the Texan strode off, leaving Florence Kearney to reflect +upon the counsel so opportunely extended. + + + +CHAPTER TWO. + +A LADY IN THE CASE. + +Who Florence Kearney was, and what his motive for becoming a +"filibuster," the reader shall be told without much tediousness of +detail. + +Some six months before the encounter described, he had landed from a +Liverpool cotton ship on the Levee of New Orleans. A gentleman by birth +and a soldier-scholar by education, he had gone to the New World with +the design to complete his boyhood's training by a course of travel, and +prepare himself for the enacting the _metier_ of a man. That this +travel should be westward, over fresh untrodden fields, instead of along +the hackneyed highways of the European tourist, was partly due to the +counsels of a tutor--who had himself visited the New World--and partly +to his own natural inclinations. + +In the course of his college studies he had read the romantic history of +Cortez's conquest, and his mind had become deeply imbued with the +picturesqueness of Mexican scenes; so that among the fancies of his +youthful life one of the pleasantest was that of some day visiting the +land of Anahuac, and its ancient capital, Tenochtitlan. After leaving +college the dream had grown into a determination, and was now in the act +of being realised. In New Orleans he was so far on his way. He came +thither expecting to obtain passage in a coasting vessel to some Mexican +seaport--Tampico or Vera Cruz. + +Why he had not at once continued his journey thither was due to no +difficulty in finding such a vessel. There were schooners sailing every +week to either of the above ports that would have accommodated him, yet +still he lingered in New Orleans. His reason for thus delaying was one +far from uncommon--this being a lady with whom he had fallen in love. + +At first the detention had been due to a more sensible cause. Not +speaking the Spanish language, which is also that of Mexico, he knew +that while travelling through the latter country he would have to go as +one dumb. In New Orleans he might easily obtain a teacher; and having +sought soon found one, in the person of Don Ignacio Valverde,--a refugee +Mexican gentleman, a victim of the tyrant Santa Anna, who, banished from +his country, had been for several years resident in the States as an +exile. And an exile in straitened circumstances, one of the hardest +conditions of life. Once, in his own country, a wealthy landowner, Don +Ignacio was now compelled to give lessons in Spanish to such stray +pupils as might chance to present themselves. Among the rest, by chance +came Florence Kearney, to whom he had commenced teaching it. + +But while the latter was making himself master of the Andalusian tongue, +he also learnt to love one who spoke it as purely, and far more sweetly, +than Don Ignacio. This was Don Ignacio's daughter. + +After parting with Cris Rock, the young Irishman advanced along the +Levee, his head bowed forward, with eyes to the ground, as if examining +the oyster-shells that thickly bestrewed the path; anon giving his +glance to the river, as though stirred by its majestic movement. But he +was thinking neither of the empty bivalves, nor the flow of the mighty +stream. Nor yet of the speech he had promised to make that same night +at the _rendezvous_ of filibusters. Instead he was reflecting upon that +affair of the heart, from which he had been for some time suffering. + +To make known his feelings it is necessary to repeat what passed through +his mind after he had separated from the Texan. + +"There's something odd in all this," soliloquised he, as he strode on. +"Here am I going to fight for a country I care nothing about, and +against one with which I have no cause of quarrel. On the contrary, I +have come four thousand miles to visit the latter, as a peaceful +friendly traveller. Now I propose making entry into it, sword in hand, +as an enemy and invader! The native land, too, of her who has taken +possession of my heart! Ah! therein lies the very reason: _I have not +got hers_. I fear--nay, I am certain of that, from what I saw this +morning. Bah! What's the use of thinking about it, or about her? +Luisa Valverde cares no more for me than the half-score of others--these +young Creole `bloods,' as they call themselves--who flit like +butterflies around her. She's a sweet flower from which all of them +wish to sip. Only one will succeed, and that's Carlos Santander. I +hate the very sight of the man. I believe him to be a cheat and a +scoundrel. No matter to her. The cheat she won't understand; and, if +report speak true of her country and race, the scoundrel would scarcely +qualify him either. Merciful heavens! to think I should love this +Mexican girl, warned as I've been about her countrywomen! 'Tis a +fascination, and the sooner I get away from it and her presence, the +better it may be for me. Now, this Texan business offers a chance of +escaping the peril. If I find she cares not for me, it will be a sort +of satisfaction to think that in fighting against her country I may in a +way humiliate herself. Ah, Texas! If you find in me a defender, it +will not be from any patriotic love of you, but to bury bitter thoughts +in oblivion." + +The chain of his reflections, momentarily interrupted was after a time +continued: "My word," he exclaimed, "there's surely something ominous in +my encounter with this Cris Rock! Destiny seems to direct me. Here am +I scheming to escape from a thraldom of a siren's smiles, and, to do so, +ready to throw myself into the ranks of a filibustering band! On the +instant a friend is found--a patron who promises to make me their +leader! Shall I refuse the favour, which fortune herself seems to +offer? Why should I? It is fate, not chance; and this night at their +meeting I shall know whether it is meant in earnest. So, canvass your +best for me, Cris Rock; and I shall do my best to make a suitable +speech. If our united efforts prove successful, then Texas shall gain a +friend, and Luisa Valverde lose _one_ of her lovers." + +At the conclusion of this speech--half boastful, half bitter--Florence +Kearney had reached the hotel where he was stopping--the celebrated +"Saint Charles," and entering its grand saloon, sat down to reflect +further on the step he was about to take. + + + +CHAPTER THREE. + +OFFICERING THE FILIBUSTERS. + +The volunteer _rendezvous_ was in a tavern, better known by the name of +"Coffee House," in the street called Poydras. The room which had been +chartered for the occasion was of ample dimensions, capable of +containing three hundred men. Drawn together by the printed +proclamation that had attracted the attention of the young Irishman in +his afternoon stroll, two-thirds of the above number had collected, and +of these at least one-half were determined upon proceeding to Texas. + +It was a crowd composed of heterogeneous elements--such as has ever +been, and ever will be, the men who volunteer for a military, more +especially a filibustering expedition. + +Present in the hall were representatives of almost every civilised +nation upon earth. Even some that could scarce boast of civilisation; +for among the faces seen around the room were many so covered with +beards, and so browned with sun, as to tell of long sojourn in savage +parts, if not association with the savages themselves. In obedience to +the counsels of the Texan, Florence Kearney--a candidate for command +over this motley crew--made early appearance in their midst. Not so +early as to find that, on entering the room, he was a stranger to its +occupants. Cris Rock had been there before him, along with a half-score +of his _confreres_--old Texans of the pure breed--who having taken part +in most of the struggles of the young Republic, had strayed back to New +Orleans, partly for a spree, and partly to recruit fresh comrades to aid +them in propagating that principle which had first taken them to Texas-- +the "Monroe Doctrine." + +To these the young Irishman was at once confidentially introduced, and +"stood drinks" freely. He would have done so without care of what was +to come of it; since it was but the habit of his generous nation. Nor +would this of itself have given him any great advantage, for not long +after entering the room, he discovered that not only drinks, but +dollars, were distributed freely by the opposition party, who seemed +earnestly bent upon making a captain of their candidate. + +As yet Kearney had not looked upon his competitor, and was even ignorant +of his name. Soon, however, it was communicated to him, just as the man +himself, escorted by a number of friends, made his appearance in the +room. The surprise of the young Irishman may be imagined; when he saw +before him one already known, and too well-known,--his rival in the +affections of Luisa Valverde! + +Yes; Carlos Santander was also a candidate for the command of the +filibusters. + +To Kearney the thing was a surprise, and something besides. He knew +Santander to be on terms of very friendly and intimate relationship not +only with Don Ignacio, but other Mexicans he had met at the exile's +house. Strange, that the Creole should be aspiring to the leadership of +a band about to invade their country! For it was _invasion_ the Texans +now talked of, in retaliation for a late raid of the Mexicans to their +capital, San Antonio. But these banished Mexicans being enemies of +Santa Anna it was after all not so unnatural. By humiliating the +Dictator, they would be aiding their own party to get back into power-- +even though the help came from their hereditary foemen, the squatters of +Texas. + +All this passed through the mind of the young Irishman, though not +altogether to satisfy him. The presence of Santander there, as aspirant +for leadership, seemed strange notwithstanding. + +But he had no opportunity for indulging in conjectures--only time to +exchange frowns at his rival and competitor, when a man in undress +uniform--a Texan colonel--who acted as chairman of the meeting, mounting +upon a table, cried "Silence!" and, after a short pithy speech, proposed +that the election of officers should at once proceed. The proposal was +seconded, no one objecting; and, without further parley, the "balloting" +began. + +There was neither noise nor confusion. Indeed, the assembly was one of +the quietest, and without any street crowd outside. There were reasons +for observing a certain secrecy in the proceedings; for, although the +movement was highly popular all over the States, there were some +compromising points of International law, and there had been talk of +Government interference. + +The election was conducted in the most primitive and simple fashion. +The names of the candidates were written upon slips of paper, and +distributed throughout the room--only the members who had formed the +organisation having the right to vote. Each of them chose the slip +bearing the name of him he intended to vote for, and dropped it into a +hat carried round for the purpose. The other he threw away, or slipped +if to his pocket. + +When all had deposited their ballots, the hat was capsized, and the bits +of paper shaken out upon the table. The chairman, assisted by two other +men, examined the votes and counted them. Then ensued a short interval +of silence, broken only by an occasional word of direction from the +chairman, with the murmuring hum of the examiners, and at length came in +a clear loud voice--that of the Texan colonel--"_The votes are in favour +of Kearney! Florence Kearney elected Captain by a majority of +thirty-three_!" + +A cheer greeted the announcement, in which something like a screech from +Cris Rock could be heard above all voices; while the giant himself was +seen rushing through the crowd to clasp the hand of his _protege_, whom +he had voluntarily assisted in promoting to a rank above himself. + +During the excitement, the defeated candidate was observed to skulk out +of the room. Those who saw him go could tell by his look of sullen +disappointment he had no intention of returning; and that the +filibustering cohort was not likely to have the name, "Carlos +Santander," any longer on its roll-call. + +He and his were soon forgotten. The lieutenants were yet to be chosen. +One after another--first, second, and _brevet_--was proposed, balloted +for, and elected in the same way as the captain. + +Then there was a choice of sergeants and corporals, till the +organisation was pronounced complete. In fine, fell a shower of +congratulations, with "drinks all round," and for several successive +rounds. Patriotic speeches also, in the true "spread-eagle" style, with +applauding cheers, and jokes about Santa Anna and his _cork-leg_; when +the company at length separated, after singing the "Star-Spangled +Banner." + + + +CHAPTER FOUR. + +AN INVITATION TO SUPPER. + +Florence Kearney, parting from his new friends, the filibusters, +sauntered forth upon the street. + +On reaching the nearest corner he came to a stop, as if undecided which +way to turn. + +Not because he had lost his way. His hotel was but three blocks off; +and he had, during his short sojourn in the Crescent City, become +acquainted with almost every part of it. It was not ignorance of the +locality, therefore, which was causing him to hesitate; but something +very different, as the train of his thoughts will tell. + +"Don Ignacio, at least, will expect me--wish me to come, whether she do +or not. I accepted his invitation, and cannot well--oh! had I known +what I do now--seen what I saw this morning--Bah! I shall return to the +hotel and never more go near her!" + +But he did not return to his hotel; instead, still stood irresolute, as +if the thing were worth further considering. + +What made the young man act thus? Simply a belief that Luisa Valverde +did not love him, and, therefore, would not care to have him as a +companion at supper; for it was to supper her father had asked him. On +the day before he had received the invitation, and signified acceptance +of it. But he had seen something since which had made him half repent +having done so; a man, Carlos Santander, standing beside the woman he +loved, bending over her till his lips almost touched her forehead, +whispering words that were heard, and, to all appearance, heeded. What +the words were Florence Kearney knew not, but could easily guess their +nature. They could only be of love; for he saw the carmine on her +cheeks as she listened to them. + +He had no right to call the young lady to an account. During all his +intercourse with Don Ignacio, he had seen the daughter scarce half a +score times; then only while passing out and in--to or from his lessons. +Now and then a few snatches of conversation had occurred between them +upon any chance theme--the weather, the study he was prosecuting (how he +wished _she_ had been his teacher), and the peculiarities of the New +Orleans life, to which they were both strangers. And only once had she +appeared to take more than an ordinary interest in his speech. This, +when he talked of Mexico, and having come from his own far land, +"Irlandesa," with an enthusiastic desire to visit hers, telling her of +his intention to do so. On this occasion he had ventured to speak of +what he had heard about Mexican banditti; still more of the beauty of +the Mexican ladies--naively adding that he would no doubt be in less +danger of losing his life than his heart. + +To this he thought she had listened, or seemed to listen, with more than +ordinary attention, looking pensive as she made reply. + +"Yes, Don Florencio! you will see much in Mexico likely to give you +gratification. 'Tis true, indeed, that many of my countrywomen are +fair--some very fair. Among them you will soon forget--" + +Kearney's heart beat wildly, hoping he would hear the monosyllable "me." +But the word was not spoken. In its place the phrase "us poor exiles," +with which somewhat commonplace remark the young Mexican concluded her +speech. + +And still there was something in what she had said, but more in her +manner of saying it, which made pleasant impression upon him--something +in her tone that touched a chord already making music in his heart. If +it did not give him surety of her love, it, for the time, hindered him +from despairing of it. + +All this had occurred at an interview he had with her only the day +before; and, since, sweet thoughts and hopes were his. But on the same +morning they were shattered--crushed out by the spectacle he had +witnessed, and the interpretation of those whispered words he had failed +to hear. It had chased all hope out of his heart, and sent him in wild, +aimless strides along the street, just in the right frame of mind for +being caught by that call which had attracted his eyes on the poster-- + +"Volunteers for Texas." And just so had he been caught; and, as +described, entered among the filibustering band to be chosen its chief. +To the young Irishman it was a day of strange experiences, varying as +the changes of a kaleidoscope; more like a dream than reality; and after +reflecting upon it all, he thus interrogated himself-- + +"Shall I see her again, or not? Why not? If she's lost, she cannot be +worse lost by my having another interview with her. Nor could I feel +worse than I do now. Ah! with this laurel fresh placed upon my brow! +What if I tell her of it--tell her I am about to enter her native land +as an invader? If she care for her country, that would spite her; and +if I find she cares not for me, her spite would give me pleasure." + +It was not an amiable mood for a lover contemplating a visit to his +sweetheart. Still, natural enough under the circumstances; and Florence +Kearney, wavering no longer, turned his steps towards that part of the +city where dwelt Don Ignacio Valverde. + + + +CHAPTER FIVE. + +A STUDIED INSULT. + +In a small house of the third Municipality, in the street called Casa +Calvo, dwelt Don Ignacio Valverde. It was a wooden structure--a frame +dwelling--of French-Creole fashion, consisting of but a single story, +with casement windows that opened on a verandah, in the Southern States +termed _piazza_; this being but little elevated above the level of the +outside street. Besides Don Ignacio and his daughter, but one other +individual occupied the house--their only servant, a young girl of +Mexican nativity and mixed blood, half white, half Indian--in short, a +_mestiza_. The straitened circumstances of the exile forbade a more +expensive establishment. Still, the insignia within were not those of +pinched poverty. The sitting-room, if small, was tastefully furnished, +while, among other chattels speaking of refinement, were several volumes +of books, a harp and a guitar, with accompaniment of sheets of music. +The strings of these instruments Luisa Valverde knew how to touch with +the skill of a professional, both being common in her own country. + +On that night, when the election of the filibustering officers was being +held in Poydras Street, her father, alone with her in the same +sitting-room, asked her to play the harp to the accompaniment of a song. +Seating herself to the instrument, she obeyed, singing one of those +_romanzas_ in which the language of Cervantes is so rich. It was, in +fact, the old song "El Travador," from which has been filched the music +set to Mrs Norton's beautiful lay, "Love not." But on this night the +spirit of the Mexican senorita was not with her song. Soon as it was +finished, and her father had become otherwise engaged, she stepped out +of the room, and, standing in the piazza, glanced through the trellised +lattice-work that screened it from the street. She evidently expected +some one to come that way. And as her father had invited Florence +Kearney to supper, and she knew of it, it would look as if he were the +expected one. + +If so, she was disappointed for a time, though a visitor made his +appearance. The door bell, pulled from the outside, soon after summoned +Pepita, the Mexican servant, to the front, and presently a heavy +footfall on the wooden steps of the porch, told of a man stepping upon +the piazza. + +Meanwhile the young lady had returned within the room; but the night +being warm, the hinged casement stood ajar, and she could see through it +the man thus entering. An air of disappointment, almost chagrin, came +over her countenance, as the moonlight disclosed to her view the dark +visage of Carlos Santander. + +"_Pasa V. adientro, Senor Don Carlos_," said her father also recognising +their visitor through the casement; and in a moment after the Creole +stepped into the room, Pepita placing a chair for him. + +"Though," continued Don Ignacio, "we did not expect to have the honour +of your company this evening, you are always welcome." + +Notwithstanding this polite speech, there was a certain constraint or +hesitancy in the way it was spoken, that told of some insincerity. It +was evident that on that night at least Don Carlos' host looked upon him +in the light of an intruder. Evidence of the same was still more marked +on the countenance, as in the behaviour of Don Ignacio's daughter. +Instead of a smile to greet the new-comer, something like a frown sat +upon her beautiful brow, while every now and then a half-angry flash +from her large liquid eyes, directed towards him, might have told him he +was aught but welcome. Clearly it was not for him she had several times +during the same night passed out into the piazza and looked through its +lattice-work. + +In truth, both father and daughter seemed disturbed by Santander's +presence, both expecting one whom, for different reasons, they did not +desire him to meet. If the Creole noticed their repugnance, he betrayed +no sign of it. Don Carlos Santander, besides being physically handsome, +was a man of rare intellectual strength, with many accomplishments, +among others the power of concealing his thoughts under a mask of +imperturbable coolness. Still, on this night his demeanour was +different from its wont. He looked flurried and excited, his eyes +scintillating as with anger at some affront lately offered him, and the +sting of which still rankled in his bosom. Don Ignacio noticed this, +but said nothing. Indeed, he seemed to stand in awe of his guest, as +though under some mysterious influence. So was he, and here it may as +well be told. Santander, though by birth an American and a native of +New Orleans, was of Mexican parentage, and still regarded himself as a +citizen of the country of his ancestors. Only to his very intimates was +it known that he held a very high place in the confidence of Mexico's +Dictator. But Don Ignacio knew this, and rested certain hopes upon it. +More than once had Santander, for motives that will presently appear, +hinted to him the possibility of a return to his own land, with +restoration of the estates he had forfeited. And the exiled patriot, +wearied with long waiting, was at length willing to lend an ear to +conditions, which, in other days, he might have spurned as humiliating +if not actually dishonourable. + +It was to talk of these Santander had now presented himself; and his +host suspecting it, gave the young lady a side look, as much as to say, +"Leave the room, Luisita." + +She was but too glad to obey. Just then she preferred a turn upon the +piazza; and into this she silently glided, leaving her father alone with +the guest who had so inopportunely intruded. + +It is not necessary to repeat what passed between the two men. Their +business was to bring to a conclusion a compact they had already talked +of, though only in general terms. It had reference to the restitution +of Don Ignacio's confiscated estates, with, of course, also the ban of +exile being removed from him. The price of all this, the hand of his +daughter given to Carlos Santander. It was the Creole who proposed +these terms, and insisted upon them, even to the humiliation of himself. +Madly in love with Luisa Valverde, he suspected that on her side there +was no reciprocity of the passion. But he would have her hand if he +could not her heart. + +On that night the bargain was not destined to reach a conclusion, their +conference being interrupted by the tread of booted feet, just ascending +the front steps, and crossing the floor of the piazza. This followed by +an exchange of salutations, in which the voice of Luisa Valverde was +heard mingling with that of a man. + +Don Ignacio looked more troubled than surprised. He knew who was there. +But when the words spoken outside reached the ears of Carlos Santander, +first, in openly exchanged salutations and then whispers seemingly +secret and confidential, he could no longer keep his seat, but springing +up, exclaimed-- + +"_Carrai_! It's that dog of an _Irlandes_!" + +"Hish!" continued his host. "The Senor Florencio will hear you." + +"I wish him to hear me. I repeat the expression, and plainly in his own +native tongue. I call him a cur of an Irishman." + +Outside was heard a short, sharp ejaculation, as of a man startled by +some sudden surprise. It was followed by an appealing speech, this in +the softer accents of a woman. Then the casement was drawn abruptly +open, showing two faces outside. One, that of Florence Kearney, set in +an angry frown; the other, Luisa Valverde's, pale and appealing. An +appeal idle and too late, as she herself saw. The air had become +charged with the electricity of deadliest anger, and between the two men +a collision was inevitable. + +Without waiting for a word of invitation, Kearney stepped over the +casement sill, and presented himself inside the room. Don Ignacio and +the Creole were by this also on their feet; and for a second or so the +three formed a strange triangular _tableau_--the Mexican with fear on +his face, that of Santander still wearing the expression of insult, as +when he had exclaimed, "Cur of an Irishman!" Kearney confronting him +with a look of indignant defiance. + +There was an interval of silence, as that of calm preceding storm. It +was broken by the guest latest arrived saying a few words to his host, +but in calm, dignified tone; an apology for having unceremoniously +entered the room. + +"No need to apologise," promptly rejoined Don Ignacio. "You are here by +my invitation, Senor Don Florencio, and my humble home is honoured by +your presence." + +The Hidalgo blood, pure in Valverde's veins, had boiled up at seeing a +man insulted under his roof. + +"Thanks," said the young Irishman. + +"And now, sir," he continued, turning to Santander and regarding him +with a look of recovered coolness, "having made my apology, I require +_yours_." + +"For what?" asked Santander, counterfeiting ignorance. + +"For using language that belongs to the _bagnios_ of New Orleans, where, +I doubt not, you spend most part of your time." + +Then, suddenly changing tone and expression of face, he added-- + +"Cur of a Creole! you must take back your words!" + +"Never! It's not my habit to take, but to give; and to you I give +this!" + +So saying, he stepped straight up to the Irishman, and spat in his face. + +Kearney's heart was on fire. His hand was already on the butt of his +pistol; but, glancing behind, he saw that pale appealing face, and with +an effort restrained himself, calmly saying to Santander-- + +"Calling yourself a gentleman, you will no doubt have a card and +address. May I ask you to favour me with it, as to-morrow I shall have +occasion to write to you? If a scoundrel such as you can boast of +having a friend, you may as well give him notice he will be needed. +Your card, sir!" + +"Take it!" hissed the Creole, flinging his card on the table. Then +glaring around, as if his glance would annihilate all, he clutched hold +of his hat, bowed haughtily to Don Ignacio, looked daggers at his +daughter, and strode out into the street. + +Though to all appearance defeated and humbled, he had in truth succeeded +in his design, one he had long planned and cherished to bring about,--a +duel with Kearney, in which his antagonist should be challenger. This +would give him the choice of weapons, which, as he well knew, would +ensure to him both safety and success. Without the certainty of this, +Carlos Santander would have been the last man to provoke such an +encounter; for, with all his air of _bravache_, he was the veriest of +cowards. + + + +CHAPTER SIX. + +"TO THE SALUTE!" + +The thick "swamp-fog" still hovered above the Crescent City, when a +carriage, drawn by two horses, rolled out through one of its suburbs, +and on along the Shell Road, and in the direction of Lake Pontchartrain. + +It was a close carriage--a hackney--with two men upon the driver's seat, +and three inside. Of these last, one was Captain Florence Kearney, and +another Lieutenant Francis Crittenden, both officers of the +filibustering band, with _titles_ not two days old. Now on the way +neither to Texas nor Mexico, but to the shore of Lake Pontchartrain, +where many an affair of honour has been settled by the spilling of much +blood. A stranger in New Orleans, and knowing scarce a soul, Kearney +had bethought him of the young fellow who had been elected +first-lieutenant, and asked him to act as his second. Crittenden, a +Kentuckian, being one of those who could not only stand fire, but _eat_ +it, if the occasion called, eagerly responded to the appeal; and they +were now _en route_ along the Shell Road to meet Carlos Santander and +whoever he might have with him. + +The third individual inside the carriage belonged to that profession, +one of whose members usually makes the third in a duel--the doctor. He +was a young man who, in the capacity of surgeon, had attached himself to +the band of filibusters. + +Besides the mahogany box balanced upon his thigh there was another lying +on the spare bit of cushion beside him, opposite to where Crittenden +sat. It was of a somewhat different shape; and no one who had ever seen +a case of duelling pistols could mistake it for aught else--for it was +such. + +As it had been arranged that swords were to be the weapons, and a pair +of these were seen in a corner of the carriage, what could they be +wanting with pistols? + +It was Kearney who put this question; now for the first time noticing +what seemed to him a superfluous armament. It was asked of Crittenden, +to whom the pistols belonged, as might have been learnt by looking at +his name engraved on the indented silver plate. + +"Well," answered the Kentuckian, "I'm no great swordsman myself. I +usually prefer pistols, and thought it might be as well to bring a pair +along. I didn't much like the look of your antagonist's friend, and +it's got into my head that before leaving the ground I may have +something to say to _him_ on my own account. So, if it come to that, I +shall take to the barkers." + +Kearney smiled, but said nothing, feeling satisfied that in case of any +treachery, he had the right sort of man for his second. + +He might have felt further secure, in a still other supporting party, +who rode on the box beside the driver. This was a man carrying a long +rifle, that stood with the barrel two feet above his shoulders, and the +butt rested between his heavily booted feet. + +It was Cris Rock, who had insisted on coming along, as he said, to see +that the fight was all "fair and square." He too had conceived an +unfavourable opinion of both the men to be met, from what he had seen of +them at the _rendezvous_; for Santander's second had also been there. +With the usual caution of one accustomed to fighting Indians, he always +went armed, usually with his long "pea" rifle. + +On reaching a spot of open ground alongside the road, and near the shore +of the lake, the carriage stopped. It was the place of the appointed +meeting, as arranged by the seconds on the preceding day. + +Though their antagonists had not yet arrived, Kearney and Crittenden got +out, leaving the young surgeon busied with his cutlery and bandage +apparatus. + +"I hope you won't have to use them, doctor," remarked Kearney, with a +light laugh, as he sprang out of the carriage. "I don't want you to +practise upon me till we've made conquest of Mexico." + +"And not then, I trust," soberly responded the surgeon. + +Crittenden followed, carrying the swords; and the two, leaping across +the drain which separated the road from the duelling ground, took stand +under a tree. + +Rock remained firm on the coach-box, still seated and silent. As the +field was full under his view, and within range of his rifle, he knew +that, like the doctor, he would be near enough if wanted. + +Ten minutes passed--most of the time in solemn silence, on the part of +the principal, with some anxious thoughts. No matter how courageous a +man may be--however skilled in weapons, or accustomed to the deadly use +of them--he cannot, at such a crisis, help having a certain tremor of +the heart, if not a misgiving of conscience. He has come there to kill, +or be killed; and the thought of either should be sufficient to disturb +mental equanimity. At such times, he who is not gifted with natural +courage had needs have a good cause, and confidence in the weapon to be +used. Florence Kearney possessed all three; and though it was his first +appearance in a duel, he had no fear for the result. Even the still, +sombre scene, with the long grey moss hanging down from the dark cypress +trees, like the drapery of a hearse, failed to inspire him with dread. +If, at times, a slight nervousness came over him, it was instantly +driven off by the thought of the insult he had received--and, perhaps +also, a little by the remembrance of those dark eyes he fancied would +flash proudly if he triumphed, and weep bitterly were he to suffer +discomfiture. Very different were his feelings now from those he +experienced less than forty-eight hours before, when he was on his way +to the house of Don Ignacio Valverde. That night, before leaving it, he +was good as sure he possessed the heart of Don Ignacio's daughter. +Indeed, she had all but told him so; and was this not enough to nerve +him for the encounter near at hand? + +Very near now--close to commencing. The rumbling of wheels heard +through the drooping festoonery of the trees, proclaimed that a second +carriage was approaching along the Shell Road. It could only be that +containing the antagonists. And it was that. In less than ten minutes +after, it drew up on the causeway, about twenty paces to the rear of the +one already arrived. Two men got out, who, although wrapped in cloaks +and looking as large as giants through the thick mist, could be +recognised as Carlos Santander and his second. There was a third +individual, who, like the young surgeon, remained by the carriage--no +doubt a doctor, too,--making the duelling party symmetrical and +complete. + +Santander and his friend having pulled off their cloaks and tossed them +back into the carriage, turned towards the wet ditch, and also leaped +over it. + +The first performed the feat somewhat awkwardly, drooping down upon the +further bank with a ponderous thud. He was a large, heavily built man-- +altogether unlike one possessing the activity necessary for a good +swordsman. + +His antagonist might have augured well from his apparent clumsiness, but +for what he had heard of him. For Carlos Santander, though having the +repute of a swaggerer, with some suspicion of cowardice, had proved +himself a dangerous adversary by twice killing his man. His second--a +French-Creole, called Duperon--enjoyed a similar reputation, he, too, +having been several times engaged in affairs that resulted fatally. At +this period New Orleans was emphatically the city of the _duello_--for +this speciality, perhaps the most noted in the world. + +As already said, Florence Kearney knew the sort of man he had to meet, +and this being his own first appearance in a duelling field, he might +well have been excused for feeling some anxiety as to the result. It +was so slight, however, as not to betray itself, either in his looks or +gestures. Confiding in his skill, gained by many a set-to with buttoned +foils, and supported, as he was, by the gallant young Kentuckian, he +knew nothing that could be called fear. Instead, as his antagonist +advanced towards the spot where he was standing, and he looked at the +handsome, yet sinister face--his thoughts at the same time reverting to +Luisa Valverde, and the insult upon him in her presence--his nerves, not +at all unsteady, now became firm as steel. Indeed, the self-confident, +almost jaunty air, with which his adversary came upon the ground, so far +from shaking them--the effect, no doubt, intended--but braced them the +more. + +When the new-comers had advanced a certain distance into the meadow, +Crittenden, forsaking his stand under the tree, stepped out to meet +them, Kearney following a few paces behind. + +A sort of quadruple bow was the exchanged salutation; then the +principals remained apart, the seconds drawing nigher to one another, +and entering upon the required conference. + +Only a few words passed between them, as but few were required; the +weapons, distance, and mode of giving the word, having all been +pre-arranged. + +There was no talk of apology--nor thought of it being either offered or +accepted. By their attitude, and in their looks, both the challenged +and challenger showed a full, firm determination to fight. + +Duperon did not seem to care much one way or the other, and the +Kentuckian was not the sort to seek conciliation--with an insult such as +his captain had received calling for chastisement. + +After the preliminaries were passed over, the seconds again separated-- +each to attend upon his principal. + +The young Irishman took off his coat, and rolled back his shirt sleeves +up to the elbow. Santander, on the other hand, who wore a red flannel +shirt under his ample _sacque_, simply threw aside the latter, leaving +the shirt sleeves as they were, buttoned around the wrist. + +Everybody was now silent; the hackney-drivers on their boxes, the +doctors, the gigantic Texan, all looming large and spectral-like through +the still lingering mist, while the streamers of Spanish moss hanging +from the cypresses around were appropriate drapery for such a scene. + +In the midst of the death-like silence a voice broke in, coming from the +top of a tall cypress standing near. Strange and wild, it was enough +not only to startle, but awe the stoutest heart. A shrill, continued +cachinnation, which, though human-like, could scarce be ascribed to +aught human, save the laughter of a maniac. + +It frightened no one there, all knowing what it was--the cackling cry of +the white-headed eagle. + +As it ended, but before its echoes had ceased reverberating among the +trees, another sound, equally awe-inspiring, woke the echoes of the +forest further down. This, the _whoo-whoo-whooa_ of the great southern +owl, seemingly a groan in answer to the eagle's laugh. + +In all countries, and throughout all ages, the hooting of the owl has +been superstitiously dreaded as ominous of death, and might have +dismayed our duellists, had they been men of the common kind of courage. +Neither were, or seemed not to be; for, as the lugubrious notes were +still echoing in their ears, they advanced, and with rapiers upraised, +stood confronting each other, but one look on their faces, and one +thought in their hearts--"_to kill_!" + + + +CHAPTER SEVEN. + +A DUEL "TO THE DEATH." + +The duellists stood confronting one another, in the position of +"salute," both hands on high grasping their swords at hilt and point, +the blades held horizontally. The second of each was in his place, on +the left hand of his principal, half a pace in advance. But a moment +more all were waiting for the word. The second of the challenger had +the right to give it, and Crittenden was not the man to make delay. + +"_Engage_!" he cried out, in a firm clear voice, at the same time +stepping half a pace forward, Duperon doing the same. The movement was +made as a precaution against foul play; sometimes, though not always +intended. For in the excitement of such a moment, or under the +impatience of angry passion, one or other of the principals may close +too quickly--to prevent which is the duty of the seconds. + +Quick, at the "engage," both came to "guard" with a collision that +struck sparks from the steel, proving the hot anger of the adversaries. +Had they been cooler, they would have crossed swords quietly. But when, +the instant after, they came to _tierce_, both appeared more collected, +their blades for a while keeping in contact, and gliding around each +other as if they had been a single piece. + +For several minutes this cautious play continued, without further +sparks, or only such as appeared to scintillate from the eyes of the +combatants. Then came a counter-thrust, quickly followed by a counter +parry, with no advantage to either. + +Long ere this, an observer acquainted with the weapons they were +wielding, could have seen that of the two Kearney was the better +swordsman. In changing from _carte_ to _tierce_, or reversely, the +young Irishman showed himself possessed of the power to keep his arm +straight and do the work with his wrist, whilst the Creole kept bending +his elbow, thus exposing his forearm to the adversary's point. It is a +rare accomplishment among swordsmen, but, when present, insuring almost +certain victory, that is, other circumstances being equal. + +In Kearney's case, it perhaps proved the saving of his life; since it +seemed to be the sole object of his antagonist to thrust in upon him, +heedless of his own guard. But the long, straight point, from shoulder +far outstretched, and never for an instant obliquely, foiled all his +attempts. + +After a few thrusts, Santander seemed surprised at his fruitless +efforts. Then over his face came a look more like fear. It was the +first time in his duelling experience he had been so baffled, for it was +his first encounter with an adversary who could keep a _straight arm_. + +But Florence Kearney had been taught _tierce_ as well as _carte_, and +knew how to practise it. For a time he was prevented from trying it by +the other's impetuous and incessant thrusting, which kept him +continuously at guard, but as the sword-play proceeded, he began to +discover the weak points of his antagonist, and, with a well-directed +thrust, at length sent his blade through the Creole's outstretched arm, +impaling it from wrist to elbow. + +An ill-suppressed cry of triumph escaped from the Kentuckian's lips, +while with eyes directed towards the other second, he seemed to ask-- + +"Are you satisfied?" + +Then the question was formally put. + +Duperon looked in the face of his principal, though without much show of +interrogating him. It seemed as if he already divined what the answer +would be. + +"_A la mort_!" cried the Creole, with a deadly emphasis and bitter +determination in his dark sinister eyes. + +"To the death be it!" was the response of the Irishman, not so calmly, +and now for the first time showing anger. Nor strange he should, since +he now knew he had crossed swords with a man determined on taking his +life. + +There was a second or two's pause, of which Santander availed himself, +hastily whipping a handkerchief round his wounded arm--a permission not +strictly according to the code, but tacitly granted by his gallant +antagonist. + +When the two again closed and came to guard, the seconds were no longer +by their sides. At the words "_a la mort_" they had withdrawn--each to +the rear of his principal--the mode of action in a duel to the death. +Their _role_ henceforth was simply to look on, with no right of +interference, unless either of the principals should attempt foul play. +This, however, could not well occur. By the phrase "_a la mort_" is +conveyed a peculiar meaning, well-known to the Orleans duellist. When +spoken, it is no longer a question of sword-skill, or who draws first +blood; but a challenge giving free licence to kill--whichever can. + +In the present affair it was followed by silence more profound and more +intense than ever, while the attention of the spectators, now including +the seconds, seemed to redouble itself. + +The only sound heard was a whistling of wings. The fog had drifted +away, and several large birds were seen circling in the air above, +looking down with stretched necks, as if they, too, felt interested in +the spectacle passing underneath. No doubt they did; for they were +vultures, and could see--whether or not they scented it--that blood was +being spilled. + +Once more, also, from the tree tops came the mocking laughter of the +eagle; and out of the depths, through long, shadowy arcades, the +mournful hootings of the great white owl--fit music for such fell +strife. + +Disregarding these ominous sounds--each seeming a death-warning in +itself--the combatants had once more closed, again and again crossing +sword-blades with a clash that frightened owl, eagle, and vulture, for +an instant causing them to withhold their vocal accompaniment. + +Though now on both sides the contest was carried on with increased +anger, there was not much outward sign of it. On neither any rash +sword-play. If they had lost temper they yet had control over their +weapons; and their guards and points, though perhaps more rapidly +exchanged, displayed as much skill as ever. + +Again Kearney felt surprised at the repeated thrusts of his antagonist, +which kept him all the time on the defensive, while Santander appeared +equally astonished and discomfited by that far-reaching arm, straight as +a yardstick, with elbow never bent. Could the Creole have but added six +inches to his rapier blade, in less than ten seconds the young Irishman +would have had nearly so much of it passed between his ribs. + +Twice its point touched, slightly scratching the skin upon his breast, +and drawing blood. + +For quite twenty minutes the sanguinary strife continued without any +marked advantage to either. It was a spectacle somewhat painful to +behold, the combatants themselves being a sight to look upon. Kearney's +shirt of finest white linen showed like a butcher's; his sleeves +encrimsoned; his hands, too, grasping his rapier hilt, the same--not +with his own blood, but that of his adversary, which had run back along +the blade; his face was spotted by the drops dashed over it from the +whirling wands of steel. + +Gory, too, was the face of Santander; but gashed as well. Bending +forward to put in a point, the Creole had given his antagonist a chance, +resulting to himself in a punctured cheek, the scar of which would stay +there for life. + +It was this brought the combat to an end; or, at all events, to its +concluding stroke. Santander, vain of his personal appearance, on +feeling his cheek laid open, suddenly lost command of himself, and with +a fierce oath rushed at his adversary, regardless of the consequences. + +He succeeded in making a thrust, though not the one he intended. For +having aimed at Kearney's heart, missing it, his blade passed through +the buckle of the young Irishman's braces, where in an instant it was +entangled. + +Only for half a second; but this was all the skilled swordsman required. +Now, first since the fight began, his elbow was seen to bend. This to +obtain room for a thrust, which was sent, to all appearance, home to his +adversary's heart. + +Every one on the ground expected to see Santander fall; for by the force +of the blow and direction Kearney's blade should have passed through his +body, splitting the heart in twain. Instead, the point did not appear +to penetrate even an inch! As it touched, there came a sound like the +chinking of coin in a purse, with simultaneously the snap of a breaking +blade, and the young Irishman was seen standing as in a trance of +astonishment, in his hand but the half of a sword, the other half +gleaming amongst the grass at his feet. + +It seemed a mischance, fatal to Florence Kearney, and only the veriest +dastard would have taken advantage of it. But this Santander was, and +once more drawing back, and bringing his blade to _tierce_, he was +rushing on his now defenceless antagonist, when Crittenden called "Foul +play!" at the same time springing forward to prevent it. + +His interference, however, would have been too late, and in another +instant the young Irishman would have been stretched lifeless along the +sward, but for a second individual who had watched the foul play--one +who had been suspecting it all along. The sword of Santander seen +flying off, as if struck out of his grasp, and his arm dropping by his +side, with blood pouring from the tips of his fingers, were all nearly +simultaneous incidents, as also the crack of a rifle and a cloud of blue +smoke suddenly spurting up over one of the carriages, and +half-concealing the colossal figure of Cris Rock, still seated on the +box. Out of that cloud came a cry in the enraged voice of the Texan, +with words which made all plain-- + +"Ye darned Creole cuss! Take that for a treetur an' a cowart! Strip +the skunk! He's got sumthin' steely under his shirt; I heerd the chink +o' it." + +Saying which he bounded down from the box, sprang over the water-ditch, +and rushed on towards the spot occupied by the combatants. + +In a dozen strides he was in their midst, and before either of the two +seconds, equally astonished, could interfere, he had caught Santander by +the throat, and tore open the breast of his shirt! + +Underneath was then seen another shirt, not flannel, nor yet linen or +cotton, but link-and-chain steel! + + + +CHAPTER EIGHT. + +A DISGRACED DUELLIST. + +Impossible to describe the scene which followed, or the expression upon +the faces of those men who stood beside Santander. The Texan, strong as +he was big, still kept hold of him, though now at arm's length; in his +grasp retaining the grown man with as much apparent ease as though it +were but a child. And there, sure enough, under the torn flannel shirt, +all could see a doublet of chain armour, impenetrable to sword's point +as plate of solid steel. + +Explanation this of why Carlos Santander was so ready to take the field +in a duel, and had twice left his antagonist lifeless upon it. It +explained also why, when leaping across the water-ditch, he had dropped +so heavily upon the farther bank. Weighted as he was, no wonder. + +By this time the two doctors, with the pair of hackney-drivers, seeing +that something had turned up out of the common course, parting from the +carriages, had also come upon the ground; the jarveys, in sympathy with +Cris Rock, crying, "Shame!" In the Crescent City even a cabman has +something of chivalry in his nature--the surroundings teach and invite +it--and now the detected scoundrel seemed without a single friend. For +he--hitherto acting as such, seeing the imposture, which had been alike +practised on himself, stepped up to his principal, and looking him +scornfully in the face, hissed out the word "_Lache_!" + +Then turning to Kearney and Crittenden he added-- + +"Let that be my apology to you, gentlemen. If you're not satisfied with +it, I'm willing and ready to take his place--with either of you." + +"It's perfectly satisfactory, monsieur," frankly responded the +Kentuckian, "so far as I'm concerned. And I think I may say as much for +Captain Kearney." + +"Indeed, yes," assented the Irishman, adding: "We absolve you, sir, from +all blame. It's evident you knew nothing of that shining panoply till +now;" as he spoke, pointing to the steel shirt. + +The French-Creole haughtily, but courteously, bowed thanks. Then, +facing once more to Santander, and repeating the "_Lache_" strode +silently away from the ground. + +They had all mistaken the character of the individual, who, despite a +somewhat forbidding face, was evidently a man of honour, as he had +proved himself. + +"What d'ye weesh me to do wi' him?" interrogated the Texan, still +keeping Santander in firm clutch. "Shed we shoot him or hang him?" + +"Hang!" simultaneously shouted the two hackney-drivers, who seemed as +bitter against the disgraced duellist as if he had "bilked" them of a +fare. + +"So I say, too," solemnly pronounced the Texan; "shootin's too good for +the like o' him; a man capable o' sech a cowardly, murderous trick +desarves to die the death o' a dog." + +Then, with an interrogating look at Crittenden, he added: "Which is't to +be, lootenant?" + +"Neither, Cris," answered the Kentuckian. "If I mistake not, the +_gentleman_ has had enough punishment without either. If he's got so +much as a spark of shame or conscience--" + +"Conshence!" exclaimed Rock, interrupting. "Sech a skunk don't know the +meanin' o' the word. Darn ye!" he continued, turning upon his prisoner, +and shaking him till the links in the steel shirt chinked, "I feel as if +I ked drive the blade o' my bowie inter ye through them steel fixin's +an' all." + +And, drawing his knife from its sheath, he brandished it in a menacing +manner. + +"Don't, Rock! Please don't!" interposed the Kentuckian, Kearney joining +in the entreaty. "He's not worth anger, much less revenge. So let him +go." + +"You're right thar, lootenant," rejoined Rock. "He ain't worth eyther, +that's the truth. An' 'twould only be puttin' pisen on the blade o' my +knife to smear it wi' his black blood. F'r all, I ain't a-gwine to let +him off so easy's all that, unless you an' the captain insists on it. +After the warmish work he's had, an' the sweat he's put himself in by +the wearin' o' two shirts at a time, I guess he won't be any the worse +of a sprinkling o' cold water. So here goes to gie it him." + +Saying which, he strode off towards the ditch, half-dragging, +half-carrying Santander along with him. + +The cowed and craven creature neither made resistance, nor dared. Had +he done so, the upshot was obvious. For the Texan's blade, still bared, +was shining before his eyes, and he knew that any attempt on his part, +either to oppose the latter's intention or escape, would result in +having it buried between, his ribs. So, silently, sullenly, he allowed +himself to be taken along, not as a lamb to the slaughter, but a wolf, +or rather dog, about to be chastised for some malfeasance. + +In an instant after, the chastisement was administered by the Texan +laying hold of him with both hands, lifting him from off his feet, and +then dropping him down into the water-ditch, where, weighted with the +steel shirt, he fell with a dead, heavy plunge, going at once to the +bottom. + +"That's less than your desarvin's," said the Texan, on thus delivering +his charge. "An' if it had been left to Cris Rock 'twould 'a been _up_, +'stead o' _down_, he'd 'a sent ye. If iver man desarved hangin', you're +the model o' him. Ha--ha--ha! Look at the skunk now!" + +The last words, with the laugh preceding them, were elicited by the +ludicrous appearance which Santander presented. He had come to the +surface again, and, with some difficulty, owing to the encumbrance of +his under-shirt, clambered out upon the bank. But not as when he went +under. Instead, with what appeared a green cloak over his shoulders, +the scum of the stagnant water long collecting undisturbed. The +hackney-driver--there was but one now, the other taken off by Duperon, +who had hired him, their doctor too--joined with Rock in his laughter, +while Kearney, Crittenden, and their own surgeon could not help uniting +in the chorus. Never had tragic hero suffered a more comical +discomfiture. + +He was now permitted to withdraw from the scene of it, a permission of +which he availed himself without further delay; first retreating for +some distance along the Shell Road, as one wandering and distraught; +then, as if seized by a sudden thought, diving into the timbered swamp +alongside, and there disappearing. + +Soon after the carriage containing the victorious party rattled past; +they inside it scarce casting a look to see what had become of +Santander. He was nothing to them now, at best only a thing to be a +matter of ludicrous remembrance. Nor long remained he in their +thoughts; these now reverting to Texas, and their necessity for +hastening back to the Crescent City, to make start for "The Land of the +Lone Star." + + + +CHAPTER NINE. + +A SPARTAN BAND. + +In ancient days Sparta had its Thermopylae, while in those of modern +date Sicily saw a thousand men in scarlet shirts make landing upon her +coast, and conquer a kingdom defended by a military force twenty or +thirty times their number! + +But deeds of heroism are not alone confined to the history of the Old +World. That of the New presents us with many pages of a similar kind, +and Texas can tell of achievements not surpassed, either in valour or +chivalry, by any upon record. Such was the battle of San Jacinto, where +the Texans were victorious, though overmatched in the proportion of ten +to one: such the defence of Fort Alamo, when the brave Colonel Crockett, +now world-known, surrendered up his life, alongside the equally brave +"Jim Bowie," he who gave his name to the knife which on that occasion he +so efficiently wielded--after a protracted and terrible struggle +dropping dead upon a heap of foes who had felt its sharp point and keen +edge. + +Among the deeds of great renown done by the defenders of the young +Republic, none may take higher rank, since none is entitled to it, than +that known as the battle of Mier. Though they there lost the day--a +defeat due to the incapacity of an ill-chosen leader--they won glory +eternal. Every man of them who fell had first killed his foeman--some +half a score--while of those who survived there was not one so craven as +to cry "Quarter!" The white flag went not up till they were overwhelmed +and overpowered by sheer disparity of numbers. + +It was a fight at first with rifles and musketry at long range; then +closer as the hostile host came crowding in upon them; the bullets sent +through windows and loopholed walls--some from the flat parapetted roofs +of the houses--till at length it became a conflict hand to hand with +knife, sword, and pistol, or guns clubbed--being empty, with no time to +reload them--many a Texan braining one antagonist with the butt of his +piece after having sent its bullet through the body of another! + +Vain all! Brute strength, represented by superior numbers, triumphed +over warlike prowess, backed by indomitable courage; and the "Mier +Expedition," from which Texas had expected so much, ended disastrously, +though ingloriously; those who survived being made prisoners, and +carried off to the capital of Mexico. + +Of the Volunteer Corps which composed this ill-fated expedition--and +they were indeed all volunteers--none gave better account of itself than +that organised in Poydras Street, New Orleans, and among its individual +members no man behaved better than he whom they had chosen as their +leader. Florence Kearney had justified their choice, and proved true to +the trust, as all who outlived that fatal day ever after admitted. +Fortunately, he himself was among the survivors; by a like good luck, so +too were his first-lieutenant Crittenden and Cris Rock. As at +"Fanning's Massacre," so at Mier the gigantic Texan performed prodigies +of valour, laying around him, and slaying on all sides, till at length +wounded and disabled, like a lion beset by a _chevaux-de-frise_ of +Caffre assegais, he was compelled to submit. Fighting side by side, +with the man he had first taken a fancy to on the Levee of New Orleans, +and afterwards became instrumental in making captain of his corps-- +finding this man to be what he had conjecturally believed and pronounced +him--of the "true grit"--Cris Rock now felt for Florence Kearney almost +the affection of a father, combined with the grand respect which one +gallant soul is ever ready to pay another. Devotion, too, so strong and +real, that had the young Irishman called upon him for the greatest risk +of his life, in any good or honourable cause, he would have responded to +the call without a moment's hesitancy or murmur. Nay, more than risk; +he would have laid it down, absolutely, to save that of his cherished +leader. + +Proof of this was, in point of fact, afforded but a short while after. +Any one acquainted with Texan history will remember how the Mier +prisoners, while being taken to the city of Mexico, rose upon their +guards, and mastering them, made their escape to the mountains around. +This occurred at the little town of El Salado, and was caused by the +terrible sufferings the captives had endured upon the march, added to +many insults and cruelties, to which they had been subjected, not only +by the Mexican soldiers, but the officers having them in charge. These +had grown altogether insupportable, at El Salado reaching the climax. + +It brought about the crisis for a long time accumulating, and which the +Texans anticipated. For they had, at every opportunity afforded them, +talked over and perfected a plan of escape. + +By early daybreak on a certain morning, as their guards were carelessly +lounging about an idle hour before continuing that toilsome journey, a +signal shout was heard. + +"Now, boys, up and at them!" were the words, with some others following, +which all well understood--almost a repetition of the famous order of +Wellington at Waterloo. And as promptly obeyed; for on hearing it the +Texans rushed at the soldiers of the escort, wrenched from them their +weapons, and with those fought their way through the hastily-formed +ranks of the enemy out into the open country. + +So far they had succeeded, though in the end, for most of them, it +proved a short and sad respite. Pursued by an overwhelming force--fresh +troops drawn from the garrisons in the neighbourhood, added to the late +escort so shamefully discomfited, and smarting under the humiliation and +defeat--the pursuit carrying them through a country to which they were +entire strangers--a district almost uninhabited, without roads, and, +worse still, without water,--not strange that all, or nearly all, of +them were recaptured, and carried back to El Salado. + +Then ensued a scene worthy of being enacted by savages, for little +better than savages were those in whose custody they were. Exulting +fiend-like over their recapture, at first the word went round that all +were to be executed; this being the general wish of their captors. No +doubt the deed of wholesale vengeance would have been done, and our +hero, Florence Kearney, with his companion, Cris Rock, never more have +been heard of; in other words, the novel of the "Free Lances" would not +have been written. But among those reckless avengers there were some +who knew better than to advocate indiscriminate slaughter. It was "a +far cry to Loch Awe," all knew; the Highland loch typified not by Texas, +but the United States. But the more knowing ones always knew that, +however far, the cry might be heard, and then what the result? No mere +band of Texan filibusters, ill-organised, and but poorly equipped, to +come across the Rio Grande; instead a well-disciplined army in numbers +enough for sure retaliation, bearing the banner of the "Stars and +Stripes." + +In fine, a more merciful course was determined upon; only _decimation_ +of the prisoners--every tenth man to suffer death. + +There was no word about degrees in their guiltiness--all were alike in +this respect--and the fate of each was to be dependent on pure blind +chance. + +When the retaken escapadoes had been brought back to El Salado, they +were drawn up in line of single file, and carefully counted. A helmet, +snatched from the head of one of the Dragoons guarding them, was made +use of as a ballot-box. Into this were thrown a number of what we call +French or kidney beans--the _pijoles_ of Mexico--in count corresponding +to that of the devoted victims. Of these _pijoles_ there are several +varieties, distinguishable chiefly by their colour. Two sorts are +common, the black and white; and these were chosen to serve as tickets +in that dread lottery of life and death. For every nine white beans +there was a black one; he who drew black would be shot within the hour! + +Into the hard soldier's head-piece, appropriate for such purpose, the +beans were dropped, and the drawing done as designed. I, who now write +of it long after, can truthfully affirm that never in the history of +human kind has there been a grander exhibition of man's courage than was +that day given at El Salado. The men who exemplified it were of no +particular nation. As a matter of course, the main body of the Texans +were of American birth, but among them were also Englishmen, Scotchmen, +Irishmen, French, and Germans--even some who spoke Spanish, the language +of their captors, now their judges, and about to become their +executioners. But when that helmet of horrible contents was carried +round, and held before each, not one showed the slightest fear or +hesitancy to plunge his hand into it, though knowing that what they +should bring up between their fingers might be the sealing of their +fate. Many laughed and made laughter among their comrades, by some +quaint _jeu d'esprit_. One reckless fellow--no other than Cris Rock--as +he fearlessly rattled the beans about, cried aloud-- + +"Wal, boys, I guess it's the tallest gamblin' I've ever took a hand at. +But this child ain't afeerd. I was born to good luck, an' am not likely +to go under--jest yet." + +The event justified his confidence, as he drew _blank_--not _black_, the +fatal colour. + +It was now Kearney's turn to undergo the dread ordeal; and, without +flinching, he was about to insert his hand into the helmet, when the +Texan, seizing hold of it, stayed him. + +"No, Cap!" he exclaimed; "I'm wownded, putty bad, as ye see,"--(he had +received a lance thrust in their struggle with the Guards)--"an' mayent +git over it. Thurfor, your life's worth more'n mine. Besides, my +luck's good jest now. So let me take your chance. That's allowed, as +these skunks hev sayed themselves." + +So it was--a declaration having been made by the officer who presided +over the drawing--from humane motives as pretended--that any one who +could find a substitute might himself stand clear. A grim mockery it +seemed; and yet it was not so; since, besides Cris Rock, more than one +courageous fellow proposed the same to comrade and friend--in the case +of two brothers the elder one insisting upon it. + +Though fully, fervently appreciating the generous offer, Florence +Kearney was not the man to avail himself of it. + +"Thanks, brave comrade!" he said, with warmth, detaching his hand from +the Texan's grasp, and thrusting it into the helmet. "What's left of +your life yet is worth more than all mine; and my luck may be good as +yours--we'll see." + +It proved so, a murmur of satisfaction running along the line as they +saw his hand drawn out with a white bear between the fingers. + +"Thanks to the Almighty!" joyously shouted the Texan, as he made out the +colour. "Both o' us clar o' that scrape, by Job! An' as there ain't no +need for me dyin' yet, I mean to live it out, an' git well agin." + +And get well he did, despite the long after march, with all its +exposures and fatigues; his health and strength being completely +restored as he stepped over the threshold, entering within his +prison-cell in the city of Mexico. + + + +CHAPTER TEN. + +THE ACORDADA. + +One of the most noted "lions" in the City of Mexico is the prison called +La Acordada. Few strangers visit the Mexican capital without also +paying a visit to this celebrated penal establishment, and few who enter +its gloomy portals issue forth from them without having seen something +to sadden the heart, and be ever afterwards remembered with repugnance +and pain. + +There is, perhaps, no prison in the universal world where one may +witness so many, and such a variety of criminals; since there is no +crime known to the calendar that has not been committed by some one of +the gaol-birds of the Acordada. + +Its cells, or cloisters--for the building was once a monastery--are +usually well filled with thieves, forgers, ravishers, highway robbers, +and a fair admixture of murderers; none appearing cowed or repentant, +but boldly brazening it out, and even boasting of their deeds of +villainy, fierce and strong as when doing them, save the disabled ones, +who suffer from wounds or some loathsome disease. + +Nor is all their criminal action suspended inside the prison walls. It +is carried on within their cells, and still more frequently in the +courtyards of the ancient convent, where they are permitted to meet in +common and spend a considerable portion of their time. Here they may be +seen in groups, most of them ragged and greasy, squatted on the flags, +card-playing--and cheating when they can--now and then quarrelling, but +always talking loud and cursing. + +Into the midst of this mass of degraded humanity were thrust two of the +unfortunate prisoners, taken at the battle of Mier--the two with whom +our tale has alone to do. + +For reasons that need not be told, most of the captives were excepted +from this degradation; the main body of them being carried on through +the city to the pleasant suburban village of Tacubaya. + +But Florence Kearney and Cris Rock were not among the exceptions; both +having been consigned to the horrid pandemonium we have painted. + +It was some consolation to them that they were allowed to share the same +cell, though they would have liked it better could they have had this +all to themselves. As it was, they had not; two individuals being +bestowed in it along with them. + +It was an apartment of but limited dimensions--about eight feet by ten-- +the cloister of some ancient monk, who, no doubt, led a jolly enough +life of it there, or, if not there, in the refectory outside, in the +days when the Acordada was a pleasant place of residence for himself and +his cowled companions. For his monastery, as "Bolton Abbey in the olden +time," saw many a scene of good cheer, its inmates being no anchorites. + +Beside the Texan prisoners, its other occupants now were men of Mexican +birth. One of them, under more favourable circumstances, would have +presented a fine appearance. Even in his prison garb, somewhat ragged +and squalid, he looked the gentleman and something more. For there was +that in his air and physiognomy, which proclaimed him no common man. +Captivity may hold and make more fierce, but cannot degrade, the lion. +And just as a lion in its cage seemed this man in a cell of the +Acordada. His face was of the rotund type, bold in its expression, yet +with something of gentle humanity, seen when searched for, in the +profound depths of a dark penetrating eye. His complexion was a clear +olive, such as is common to Mexicans of pure Spanish descent, the +progeny of the Conquistadors; his beard and moustache coal-black, as +also the thick mass of hair that, bushing out and down over his ears, +half concealed them. + +Cris Rock "cottoned" to this man on sight. Nor liked him much the less +when told he had been a robber! Cris supposed that in Mexico a robber +may sometimes be an honest man, or at all events, have taken to the road +through some supposed wrong--personal or political. Freebooting is less +a crime, or at all events, more easy of extenuation in a country whose +chief magistrate himself is a freebooter; and such, at this moment, +neither more nor less, was the chief magistrate of Mexico, Don Antonio +Lopez de Santa Anna. + +Beyond the fact, or it might be only suspicion, that Ruperto Rivas was a +robber, little seemed to be known of him among the inmates of the +Acordada. He had been there only a short while, and took no part in +their vulgar, commonplace ways of killing time; instead, staying within +his cell. His name had, however, leaked out, and this brought up in the +minds of some of his fellow-prisoners certain reminiscences pointing to +him as one of the road fraternity; no common one either, but the chief +of a band of "salteadores." + +Altogether different was the fourth personage entitled to a share in the +cell appropriated to Kearney and Cris Rock; unlike the reputed robber as +the Satyr to Hyperion. In short, a contrast of the completest kind, +both physically and mentally. No two beings claiming to be of human +kind could have presented a greater dissimilarity--being very types of +the extreme. Ruperto Rivas, despite the shabby habiliments in which the +gaol authorities had arrayed him, looked all dignity and grandeur, while +El Zorillo--the little fox, as his prison companions called him--was an +epitomised impersonation of wickedness and meanness; not only crooked in +soul, but in body--being in point of fact an _enano_ or dwarf-hunchback. + +Previous to the arrival of those who were henceforth to share their +cell, this ill-assorted pair had been kept chained together, as much by +way of punishment as to prevent escape. But now, the gaol-governor, as +if struck by a comical idea, directed them to be separated, and the +dwarf linked to the Texan Colossus--thus presenting a yet more ludicrous +contrast of couples--while the ex-captain of the filibusters and the +reputed robber were consigned to the same chain. + +Of the new occupants of the cloister, Cris Rock was the more disgusted +with the situation. His heart was large enough to feel sympathy for +humanity in any shape, and he would have pitied his deformed +fellow-prisoner, but for a deformity of the latter worse than any +physical ugliness; for the Texan soon learnt that the hideous creature, +whose couch as well as chain he was forced to share, had committed +crimes of the most atrocious nature, among the rest murder! It was, in +fact, for this last that he was now in the Acordada--a cowardly murder, +too--a case of poisoning. That he still lived was due to the proofs not +being legally satisfactory, though no one doubted of his having +perpetrated the crime. At first contact with this wretch the Texan had +recoiled in horror, without knowing aught of his past. There was that +in his face which spoke a history of dark deeds. But when this became +known to the new denizens of the cell, the proximity of such a monster +was positively revolting to them. + +Vengeance itself could not have devised a more effective mode of +torture. Cris Rock groaned under it, now and then grinding his teeth +and stamping his feet, as if he could have trodden the mis-shapen thing +into a still more shapeless mass under the heels of his heavy boots. + +For the first two days of their imprisonment in the Acordada neither of +the Texans could understand why they were being thus punished--as it +were to satisfy some personal spite. None of the other Mier prisoners, +of whom several had been brought to the same gaol, were submitted to a +like degradation. True, these were also chained two and two; but to one +another, and not to Mexican criminals. Why, then, had they alone been +made an exception? For their lives neither could tell or guess, though +they gave way to every kind of conjecture. It was true enough that Cris +Rock had been one of the ringleaders in the rising at El Salado, while +the young Irishman had also taken a prominent part in that affair. +Still, there were others now in the Acordada who had done the same, +receiving treatment altogether different. The attack upon the Guards, +therefore, could scarce be the cause of what they were called upon to +suffer now; for besides the humiliation of being chained to criminals, +they were otherwise severely dealt with. The food set before them was +of the coarsest, with a scarcity of it; and more than once the gaoler, +whose duty it was to look after them, made mockery of their irksome +situation, jesting on the grotesque companionship of the dwarf and +giant. As the gaol-governor had shown, on his first having them +conveyed to their cells, signs of a special hostility, so did their +daily attendant. But for what reason neither Florence Kearney nor his +faithful comrade could divine. + +They learnt it at length--on the third day after their entrance within +the prison. All was explained by the door of their cell being drawn +open, exposing to view the face and figure of a man well-known to them. +And from both something like a cry escaped, as they saw standing +without, by the side of the gaol-governor--Carlos Santander. + + + +CHAPTER ELEVEN. + +A COLONEL IN FULL FEATHER. + +Yes; outside the door of their cell was Carlos Santander. And in full +war panoply, wearing a magnificent uniform, with a glittering sword by +his side, and on his head a cocked hat, surmounted by a _panache_ of +white ostrich feathers! + +To explain his presence there, and in such guise, it is necessary to +return upon time and state some particulars of this man's life not yet +before the reader. As already said, he was a native of New Orleans, but +of Mexican parentage, and regarding himself as a Mexican citizen. +Something more than a mere citizen, indeed; as, previous to his +encounter with Florence Kearney, he had been for a time resident in +Mexico, holding some sort of appointment under that Government, or from +the Dictator himself--Santa Anna. What he was doing in New Orleans no +one exactly knew, though among his intimates there was an impression +that he still served his Mexican master, in the capacity of a secret +agent--a sort of _procurador_, or spy. Nor did this suspicion do him +wrong: for he was drawing pay from Santa Anna, and doing work for him in +the States, which could scarce be dignified with the name of diplomacy. +Proof of its vile character is afforded by the action he took among the +volunteers in Poydras Street. His presenting himself at their +rendezvous, getting enrolled in the corps, and offering as a candidate +for the captaincy, were all done under instructions, and with a design +which, for wickedness and cold-blooded atrocity, was worthy of Satan +himself. Had he succeeded in becoming the leader of this ill-fated +band, for them the upshot might have been no worse; though it would not +have been better; since it was his intention to betray them to the enemy +at the first opportunity that should offer. Thwarted in this intent, +knowing he could no longer show his face among the filibusters, even +though it were but as a private in the ranks; fearing, furthermore, the +shame that awaited him in New Orleans soon as the affair of the steel +shirt should get bruited about, he had hastily decamped from that place, +and, as we now know, once more made his way to Mexico. + +Luckily for him, the shirt, or rather under-shirt, business leaked not +out; at least not to reach the ears of any one in the Mexican capital. + +Nor, indeed, was it ever much known in New Orleans. His second, +Duperon, for his own sake not desiring to make it public, had refrained +from speaking of it; and their doctor, a close little Frenchman, +controlled by Duperon, remained equally reticent; while all those on the +other side--Kearney, Crittenden, Rock and the surgeon--had taken +departure for Texas on the very day of the duel; from that time forward +having "other fish to fry." + +But there were still the two hackney-drivers, who, no doubt, had they +stayed in the Crescent City in pursuit of their daily avocation, would +have given notoriety to an occurrence curious as it was scandalous. + +It chanced, however, that both the jarveys were Irishmen; and suddenly +smitten with warlike aspirations--either from witnessing the spectacle +of the duel, or the gallant behaviour of their young countryman--on that +same day dropped the ribbons, and, taking to a musket instead, wore +among the men who composed the ill-started expedition which came to +grief on the Rio Grande. + +So, for the time, Carlos Santander had escaped the brand of infamy due +to his dastardly act. + +His reappearance on the scene in such grand garb needs little +explanation. A fairly brave and skilled soldier, a vainer man than +General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna never wore sword, and one of his +foibles was to see himself surrounded by a glittering escort. The +officers of his staff were very peacocks in their gaudy adornment, and +as a rale, the best-looking of them were his first favourites. +Santander, on returning to Mexico, was appointed one of his +aides-de-camp, and being just the sort--a showy fellow--soon rose to +rank; so that the defeated candidate for a captaincy of Texan +Volunteers, was now a colonel in the Mexican Army, on the personal staff +of its Commander-in-Chief. + +Had Florence Kearney and Cris Rock but known they were to meet this man +in Mexico--could they have anticipated seeing him, as he was now, at the +door of their prison-cell--their hearts would have been fainter as they +toiled along the weary way, and perchance in that lottery of life and +death they might have little cared whether they drew black or white. + +At the sight of him there rose up all at once in their recollection that +scene upon the Shell Road; the Texan vividly recalling how he had ducked +the caitiff in the ditch, as how he looked after crawling out upon the +bank--mud bedraggled and covered with the viscous scum,--in strange +contrast to his splendid appearance now! And Kearney well remembered +the same, noting in addition a scar on Santander's cheek--he had himself +given--which the latter vainly sought to conceal beneath whiskers since +permitted to grow their full length and breadth. + +These remembrances were enough to make the heart of the captive Irishman +beat quick, if it did not quail; while that of the Texan had like reason +to throb apprehensively. + +Nor could they draw any comfort from the expression on Santander's face. +Instead, they but read there what they might well believe to be their +death sentence. The man was smiling, but it was the smile of Lucifer in +triumph--mocking, malignant, seeming to say, without spoken word but, +for all that, emphatically and with determination-- + +"I have you in my power, and verily you shall feel my vengeance." + +They could tell it was no accident had brought him thither no duty of +prison inspection--but the fiendish purpose to flaunt his grandeur +before their eyes, and gloat over the misery he knew it would cause +them. And his presence explained what had hitherto been a puzzle to +them--why they two were being made an exception among their captive +comrades, and thrown into such strange fellowship. It must have been to +humiliate them; as, indeed, they could now tell by a certain speech +which the gaol-governor addressed to Santander, as the cell door turned +back upon its hinges. + +"There they are, Senor Colonel! As you see, I've had them coupled +according to orders. What a well-matched pair!" he added, ironically, +as his eyes fell upon Cris Rock and the hunchback. "_Ay Dios_! It's a +sight to draw laughter from the most sober-sided recluse that ever +lodged within these walls. Ha! ha! ha!" + +It drew this from Carlos Santander; who, relishing the jest, joined in +the "ha! ha!" till the old convent rang with their coarse ribaldry. + + + +CHAPTER TWELVE. + +"DO YOUR DARNDEST." + +During all this time--only a few seconds it was--the four men within the +cell preserved silence; the dwarf, as the door alone was drawn open, +having said to the gaol-governor: "_Buenas Dias Excellenza_! you're +coming to set us free, aren't you?" + +A mere bit of jocular bravado; for, as might be supposed, the deformed +wretch could have little hope of deliverance, save by the gallows, to +which he had actually been condemned. A creature of indomitable pluck, +however, this had not so far frightened him as to hinder jesting--a +habit to which he was greatly given. Besides, he did not believe he was +going to the _garota_. Murderer though he was, he might expect pardon, +could he only find money sufficient to pay the price, and satisfy the +conscience of those who had him in keeping. + +His question was neither answered nor himself taken notice of; the +attention of those outside being now directed upon the other occupants +of the cell. Of these only two had their faces so that they could be +seen. The third, who was the reputed robber, kept his turned towards +the wall, the opened door being behind his back; and this attitude he +preserved, not being called upon to change it till Santander had closed +his conversation with Cris Rock and Kearney. He had opened it in a +jaunty, jeering tone, saying-- + +"Well, my brave Filibusters! Is this where you are? _Caspita_! In a +queer place and queer company, too! Not so nice, Senor Don Florencio, +as that you used to keep in the Crescent City. And you, my Texan +Colossus! I take it you don't find the atmosphere of the Acordada quite +so pleasant as the fresh breezes of prairie-land, eh?" + +He paused, as if to note the effect of his irony; then continued-- + +"So this is the ending of the grand Mier Expedition, with the further +invasion of Mexico! Well, you've found your way to its capital, anyhow, +if you haven't fought it. And now you're here, what do you expect, +pray?" + +"Not much o' good from sich a scoundrel as you," responded Rock, in a +tone of reckless defiance. + +"What! No good from me! An old acquaintance--friend, I ought rather to +call myself, after the little scene that passed between us on the shores +of Pontchartrain. Come, gentlemen! Being here among strangers you +should think yourselves fortunate in finding an old comrade of the +filibustering band; one owing you so many obligations. Ah! well; having +the opportunity now, I shall try my best to wipe out the indebtedness." + +"You kin do your darndest," rejoined Rock in the same sullen tone. "We +don't look for marcy at your hands nosomever. It ain't in ye; an if 't +war, Cris Rock 'ud scorn to claim it. So ye may do yur crowing on a +dunghill, whar there be cocks like to be scared at it. Thar ain't neery +one o' that sort hyar." + +Santander was taken aback by this unlooked-for rebuff. He had come to +the Acordada to indulge in the luxury of a little vapouring over his +fallen foes, whom he knew to be there, having been informed of all that +had befallen them from Mier up to Mexico. He expected to find them +cowed, and eager to crave life from him; which he would no more have +granted than to a brace of dogs that had bitten him. But so far from +showing any fear, both prisoners looked a little defiant; the Texan with +the air of a caged wolf seeming ready to tear him if he showed but a +step over the threshold of the cell. + +"Oh! very well," he returned, making light of what Rock had said. "If +you won't accept favours from an old, and, as you know, tried friend, I +must leave you so without them. But," he added, addressing himself more +directly to Kearney: + +"You, Senor Irlandes--surely you won't be so unreasonable?" + +"Carlos Santander," said the young Irishman, looking his _ci-devant_ +adversary full in the face, "as I proved you not worth thrusting with my +sword, I now pronounce you not worth words--even to call you coward,-- +though that you are from the crown of your head to the soles of your +feet. Not even brave when your body is encased in armour. Dastard! I +defy you." + +Though manifestly stung by the reminder, Santander preserved his +coolness. He had this, if not courage--at least a knack of feigning it. +But again foiled in the attempt to humble the enemy, and, moreover, +dreading exposure in the eyes of the gaol-governor--an old _militario_-- +should the story of the _steel shirt_ come out in the conversation, he +desisted questioning the _Tejanos_. Luckily for him none of the others +there understood English--the language he and the Texans had used in +their brief, but sharp exchange of words. Now addressing himself to the +governor, he said-- + +"As you perceive, Senor Don Pedro, these two gentlemen are old +acquaintances of mine, whose present unfortunate position I regret, and +would gladly relieve. Alas! I fear the law will take its course." + +At which commiserating remark Don Pedro smiled grimly; well aware of the +sort of interest Colonel Santander took in the pair of prisoners +committed to his care. For the order so to dispose of them he knew to +have come from Santander himself! It was not his place, nor was he the +kind of man to inquire into motives; especially when these concerned his +superiors. Santander was an officer on the staff of the Dictator, +besides being a favourite at Court. The gaol-governor knew it, and was +subservient. Had he been commanded to secretly strangle the two men +thus specially placed in his charge, or administer poison to them, he +would have done it without pity or protest. The cruel tyrant who had +made him governor of the Acordada knew his man, and had already, as +rumour said, with history to confirm it, more than once availed himself +of this means to get rid of enemies, personal or political. + +During all this interlude the robber had maintained his position and +silence, his face turned to the blank wall of the cloister, his back +upon all the others. What his motive for this was neither of the Texans +could tell; and in all likelihood Santander knew not himself any more +who the man was. But his behaviour, from its very strangeness, courted +inquiry; and seemingly struck with it, the staff-colonel, addressing +himself to the gaol-governor, said-- + +"By the way, Don Pedro, who is your prisoner, who makes the fourth in +this curious quartette? He seems shy about showing his face, which +would argue it an ugly one like my own." + +A bit of badinage in which Carlos Santander oft indulged. He knew that +he was anything but ill-favoured as far as face went. + +"Only a gentleman of the road--_un salteador_" responded the governor. + +"An interesting sort of individual then," said Santander. "Let me scan +his countenance, and see whether it be of the true brigand type--a +Mazaroni or Diavolo." + +So saying, he stepped inside the cell, and passed on till he could see +over the robber's shoulder, who now slightly turning his head, faced +towards him. Not a word was exchanged between the two, but from the +looks it was clear they were old acquaintances, Santander starting as he +recognised the other; while his glance betrayed a hostility strong and +fierce as that felt for either Florence Kearney or the Texan. A slight +exclamation, involuntary, but telling of anger, was all that passed his +lips as his eyes met a pair of other eyes which seemed to pierce his +very heart. + +He stayed not for more; but turning upon his heel, made direct for the +door. Not to reach it, however, without interruption. In his hurry to +be gone, he stumbled over the legs of the Texan, that stretched across +the cell, nearly from side to side. Angered by the obstruction, he gave +them a spiteful kick, then passed on outward. By good fortune fast and +far out of reach, otherwise Cris Rock, who sprang to his feet, and on +for the entrance, jerking the dwarf after, would in all probability +there and then have taken his life. + +As it was, the gaol-governor, seeing the danger, suddenly shut the +cloister door, so saving it. + +"Jest as I've been tellin' ye all along, Cap," coolly remarked Rock, as +the slammed door ceased to make resonance; "we shed ha' hanged the +skunk, or shot him thar an' then on the Shell Road. 'Twar a foolish +thing lettin' him out o' that ditch when I had him in it. Darn the luck +o' my not drownin' him outright! We're like to sup sorrow for it now." + + + +CHAPTER THIRTEEN. + +THE EXILES RETURNED. + +Of the _dramatis personae_ of our tale, already known to our reader, +Carlos Santander, Florence Kearney, and Cris Rock were not the only ones +who had shifted residence from the City of New Orleans to that of +Mexico. Within the months intervening two others had done the same-- +these Don Ignacio Valverde and his daughter. The banished exile had not +only returned to his native land, but his property had been restored to +him, and himself reinstated in the favour of the Dictator. + +More still, he had now higher rank than ever before; since he had been +appointed a Minister of State. + +For the first upward step on this progressive ladder of prosperity Don +Ignacio owed all to Carlos Santander. The handsome _aide-de-camp_, +having the ear of his chief, found little difficulty in getting the ban +removed, with leave given the refugee--criminal only in a political +sense--to come back to his country. + +The motive will easily be guessed. Nothing of either friendship or +humanity actuated Santander. Alone the passion of love; which had to do +not with Don Ignacio--but his daughter. In New Orleans he himself dared +no longer live, and so could no more see Luisa Valverde there. Purely +personal then; a selfish love, such as he could feel, was the motive for +his intercession with the political chief of Mexico to pardon the +political criminal. But if he had been the means of restoring Don +Ignacio to his country, that was all. True, there was the restitution +of the exile's estates, but this followed as a consequence on +reinstatement in his political rights. The after honours and +emoluments--with the appointment to a seat in the Cabinet--came from the +Chief of the State, Santa Anna himself. And his motive for thus +favouring a man who had lately, and for long, been his political foe was +precisely the same as that which actuated Carlos Santander. The +Dictator of Mexico, as famed for his gallantries in love as his +gallantry in war--and indeed somewhat more--had looked upon Luisa +Valverde, and "saw that she was fair." + +For Don Ignacio himself, as the recipient of these favours, much may be +said in extenuation. Banishment from one's native land, with loss of +property, and separation from friends as from best society; condemned to +live in another land, where all these advantages are unattainable, +amidst a companionship uncongenial; add to this the necessity of work, +whether mental or physical toil, to support life--the _res augustae +domi_; sum up all these, and you have the history of Don Ignacio +Valverde during his residence in New Orleans. He bore all patiently and +bravely, as man could and should. For all he was willing--and it cannot +be wondered at that he was--when the day came, and a letter reached him +bearing the State seal of the Mexican Republic--for its insignia were +yet unchanged--to say that he had received pardon, and could return +home. + +He knew the man who had procured it for him--Carlos Santander--and had +reason to suspect something of the motive. But the mouth of a gift +horse must not be too narrowly examined; and Santander, ever since that +night when he behaved so rudely in Don Ignacio's house, had been chary +in showing his face. In point of fact, he had made but one more visit +to the Calle de Casa Calvo here, presenting himself several days after +the duel with a patch of court plaister on his cheek, and his arm in a +sling. An invalid, interesting from the cause which made him an +invalid, he gave his own account of it, knowing there was but little +danger of its being contradicted; Duperon's temper, he understood, with +that of the French doctor, securing silence. The others were all G.T.T. +(gone to Texas), the hack-drivers, as he had taken pains to assure +himself. No fear, therefore, of what he alleged getting denial or being +called in question. + +It was to the effect that he had fought Florence Kearney, and given more +and worse wounds than he himself had received--enough of them, and +sufficiently dangerous, to make it likely that his adversary would not +long survive. + +He did not say this to Luisa Valverde--only to her father. When she +heard it second hand, it came nigh killing her. But then the informant +had gone away--perhaps luckily for himself--and could not further be +questioned. When met again in Mexico, months after, he told the same +tale. He had no doubt, however, that his duelling adversary, so +terribly gashed as to be in danger of dying, still lived. For an +American paper which gave an account of the battle of Mier, had spoken +of Captain Kearney in eulogistic terms, while not giving his name in the +death list; this Santander had read. The presumption, therefore, was of +Kearney being among the survivors. + +Thus stood things in the city of Mexico at the time the Mier prisoners +entered it, as relates to the persons who have so far found place in our +story--Carlos Santander, a colonel on the staff of the Dictator; Don +Ignacio Valverde, a Minister of State; his daughter, a reigning belle of +society, with no aspirations therefor, but solely on account of her +beauty; Florence Kearney, late Captain of the Texan filibusters, with +Cris Rock, guide, scout, and general skirmisher of the same--these last +shut up in a loathsome prison, one linked leg to leg with a robber, the +other sharing the chain of a murderer, alike crooked in soul as in body! + +That for the Texan prisoners there was yet greater degradation in +store--one of them, Kearney, was made aware the moment after the +gaol-governor had so unceremoniously shut the door of their cell. The +teaching of Don Ignacio in New Orleans had not been thrown away upon +him; and this, with the practice since accruing through conversation +with the soldiers of their escort, had made him almost a master of the +Spanish tongue. + +Carlos Santander either did not think of this, or supposed the cloister +door too thick to permit of speech in the ordinary tone passing through +it. It did, notwithstanding; what he said outside to the governor +reaching the Irishman's ear, and giving him a yet closer clue to that +hitherto enigma--the why he and Cris Rock had been cast into a common +gaol, among the veriest and vilest of malefactors. + +The words of Santander were-- + +"As you see, Senor Don Pedro, the two Tejanos are old acquaintances of +mine. I met them not in Texas, but the United States--New Orleans-- +where we had certain relations; I need not particularise you. Only to +say that both the gentlemen left me very much in their debt; and I now +wish, above all things, to wipe out the score. I hope I may count upon +you to help me!" + +There could be no mistaking what he meant. Anything but a repayal of +friendly services, in the way of gratitude; instead, an appeal to the +gaol-governor to assist him in some scheme of vengeance. So the latter +understood it, as evinced by his rejoinder-- + +"Of course you can, Senor Colonel. Only say what you wish done. Your +commands are sufficient authority for me." + +"Well," said Santander, after an interval apparently spent in +considering, "as a first step, I wish you to give these gentlemen an +airing in the street; not alone the Tejanos, but all four." + +"_Caspita_!" exclaimed the governor, with a look of feigned surprise. +"They ought to be thankful for that." + +"They won't, however. Not likely; seeing their company, and the +occupation I want them put at." + +"Which is?" + +"A little job in the _zancas_!" + +"In which street?" + +"The Calle de Plateros. I observe that its stones are up." + +"And when?" + +"To-morrow--at midday. Have them there before noon, and let them be +kept until night, or, at all events, till the procession has passed. Do +you quite understand me?" + +"I think I do, Senor Colonel. About their _jewellery_--is that to be +on?" + +"Every link of it. I want them to be coupled, just as they are now-- +dwarf to giant, and the two grand gentlemen together." + +"_Bueno_! It shall be done." + +So closed the curious dialogue, or, if continued, what came after it did +not reach the ears of Florence Kearney; they who conversed having +sauntered off beyond his hearing. When he had translated what he heard +to Cris Rock, the latter, like himself, was uncertain as to what it +meant. Not so either of their prison companions, who had likewise +listened to the conversation outside--both better comprehending it. + +"_Bueno_, indeed!" cried the dwarf, echoing the gaol-governor's +exclamation. "It shall be done. Which means that before this time +to-morrow, we'll all four of us be up to our middle in mud. Won't that +be nice? Ha! ha! ha!" + +And the imp laughed, as though, instead of something repulsive, he +expected a pleasure of the most enjoyable kind. + + + +CHAPTER FOURTEEN. + +ON THE AZOTEA. + +In the city of Mexico the houses are flat-roofed, the roof bearing the +name of _azotea_. A parapetted wall, some three or four feet in height, +runs all round to separate those of the adjacent houses from one another +when they chance to be on the same level, and also prevent falling off. +Privacy, besides, has to do with this protective screen; the azotea +being a place of almost daily resort, if the weather be fine, and a +favourite lounging place, where visitors are frequently received. This +peculiarity in dwelling-house architecture has an oriental origin, and +is still common among the Moors, as all round the Mediterranean. +Strange enough, the Conquistadors found something very similar in the +New World--conspicuously among the Mexicans--where the Aztecan houses +were flat or terrace-topped. Examples yet exist in Northern and New +Mexico, in the towns of the Pecos Zunis, and Moquis. It is but natural, +therefore, that the people who now call themselves Mexicans should have +followed a pattern thus furnished them by their ancestry in both +hemispheres. + +Climate has much to do with this sort of roof, as regards its +durability; no sharp frosts or heavy snows being there to affect it. +Besides, in no country in the world is out-door life more enjoyable than +in Mexico, the rainy months excepted; and in them the evenings are dry. +Still another cause contributes to make the roof of a Mexican house a +pleasant place of resort. Sea-coal and its smoke are things there +unknown; indeed chimneys, if not altogether absent, are few and far +between; such as there are being inconspicuous. In the _siempre-verano_ +(eternal spring) of Anahuac there is no call for them; a wood fire here +and there kindled in some sitting-room being a luxury of a special kind, +indulged in only by the very delicate or very rich. In the kitchens, +charcoal is the commodity employed, and as this yields no visible sign, +the outside atmosphere is preserved pure and cloudless as that which +overhung the Hesperides. + +A well-appointed azotea is provided with pots containing shrubs and +evergreen plants; some even having small trees, as the orange, lime, +camellia, ferns, and palms; while here and there one is conspicuous by a +_mirador_ (belvedere) arising high above the parapet to afford a better +view of the surrounding country. + +It would be difficult to find landscape more lovely, or more +interesting, than that which surrounds the city of Mexico. Look in what +direction one will, the eye is furnished with a feast. Plains, verdant +and varied in tint, from the light green of the _milpas_ (young maize), +to the more sombre _maguey_ plants, which, in large plantations +(magueyals), occupy a considerable portion of the surface; fields of +_chili_ pepper and frijoles (kidney beans); here and there wide sheets +of water between, glistening silver-like under the sun; bounding all a +periphery of mountains, more than one of their summits white with +never-melting snow--the grandest mountains, too, since they are the +Cordilleras of the Sierra Madre or main Andean chain, which here parted +by some Plutonic caprice, in its embrace the beautiful valley of Mexico, +elevated more than seven thousand feet above the level of the sea. + +Surveying it from any roof in the city itself, the scene is one to +delight the eye and gladden the heart. And yet on the azotea of a +certain house, or rather in the _mirador_ above it, stood a young lady, +who looked over it without delight in her eye or gladness in her heart. +Instead, the impression upon her countenance told of thoughts that, +besides being sad, dwelt not on the landscape or its beauties. + +Luisa Valverde it was, thinking of another land, beautiful too, where +she had passed several years in exile; the last of them marked by an era +the sweetest and happiest of her life. For it was there she first +loved; Florence Kearney being he who had won her heart. And the beloved +one--where was he now? She knew not; did not even know whether he still +lived. He had parted from her without giving any clue, though it gave +pain to her--ignorant of the exigencies which had ruled his sudden +departure from New Orleans. He had told her, however, of his becoming +captain of the volunteer band; which, as she soon after became aware, +had proceeded direct to Texas. Furthermore, she had heard all about the +issue of the ill-fated expedition; of the gallant struggle made by the +men composing it, with the havoc caused in their ranks; of the survivors +being brought on to the city of Mexico, and the cruel treatment they had +been submitted to on the march; of their daring attempt to escape from +the Guards, its successful issue for a time, till their sufferings among +the mountains compelled them to a second surrender--in short, everything +that had happened to that brave band of which her lover was one of the +leaders. + +She had been in Mexico throughout all this; for shortly after the +departure of the volunteers for Orleans, her father had received the +pardon we have spoken of. And there she had been watching the Mier +Expedition through every step of its progress, eagerly collecting every +scrap of information relating to it published in the Mexican papers; +with anxious heart, straining her ears over the lists of killed and +wounded. And when at length the account came of the shootings at El +Salado, apprehensively as ever scanned she that death-roll of nigh +twenty names--the _decimated_; not breathing freely until she had +reached the last, and saw that no more among these was his she feared to +find. + +So far her researches were, in a sense, satisfactory. Still, she was +not satisfied. Neither to read or hear word of him--that seemed +strange; was so in her way of thinking. Such a hero as he, how could +his name be hidden? Gallant deeds were done by the Tejanos, their +Mexican enemies admitted it. Surely in these Don Florencio had taken +part, and borne himself bravely? Yes, she was sure of that. But why +had he not been mentioned? And where was he now? + +The last question was that which most frequently occupied her mind, +constantly recurring. She could think of but one answer to it; this +saddening enough. He might never have reached the Rio Grande, but +perished on the way. Perhaps his life had come to an inglorious though +not ignominious end--by disease, accident, or other fatality--and his +body might now be lying in some lonely spot of the prairies, where his +marching comrades had hastily buried it. + +More than once had Luisa Valverde given way to such a train of +reflection during the months after her return to Mexico. They had +brought pallor to her cheeks and melancholy into her heart. So much, +that not all the honours to which her father had been restored--not all +the compliments paid to herself, nor the Court gaieties in which she was +expected to take part--could win her from a gloom that seemed likely to +become settled on her soul. + + + +CHAPTER FIFTEEN. + +WAITING AND WATCHING. + +As a rule, people of melancholy temperament, or with a sorrow at the +heart, give way to it within doors in the privacy of their own +apartments. The daughter of Don Ignacio had been more often taught to +assuage hers upon the house-top, to which she was accustomed to ascend +daily, staying there for hours alone. For this she had opportunity; her +father, busied with State affairs, spending most of his time--at least +during the diurnal hours--at Government headquarters in the _Palacio_. + +On this day, however, Luisa Valverde mounted up to the azotea with +feelings, and under an impulse, very different from that hitherto +actuating her. Her behaviour, too, was different. When she made her +way up and took stand inside the mirador, her eyes, instead of wandering +all around, or resting dreamily on the landscape, with no care for its +attractions, were turned in a particular direction, and became fixed +upon a single point. This was where the road, running from the city to +Tacubaya, alongside the aqueduct of Chapultepec, parts from the latter, +diverging abruptly to the left. Beyond this point the causeway, carried +on among maguey plants, and Peruvian pepper trees, cannot be seen from +the highest house-top in the city. + +Why on this day, more than any other, did the young lady direct her +glance to the bend in the road, there keeping it steadfast? For what +reason was the expression upon her countenance so different from that of +other days? No listless look now; instead, an earnest eager gaze, as +though she expected to see some one whose advent was of the greatest +interest to her. It could only be the coming of some one, as one going +would have been long since visible by the side of the aqueduct. + +And one she did expect to come that way; no grand cavalier on prancing +steed, but a simple pedestrian--in short, her own servant. She had sent +him on an errand to Tacubaya, and was now watching for, and awaiting his +return. It was the nature of his errand which caused her to look for +him so earnestly. + +On no common business had he been despatched, but one of a confidential +character, and requiring tact in its execution. But Jose, a _mestizo_ +whom she had commissioned, possessed this, besides having her +confidence, and she had no fear of his betraying her. Not that it was a +life or death matter; only a question of delicacy. For his errand was +to inquire, whether among the Texan prisoners taken to Tacubaya one was +called Florence Kearney. + +As it was now the third day after their arrival in Mexico, it may be +wondered why the young lady had not sought this information before. The +explanation is easy. Her father owned a country house in the environs +of San Augustine, some ten miles from the city; and there staying she +had only the day before heard that the captive train, long looked-for, +had at length arrived. Soon as hearing it, she had hastened her return +to town, and was now taking steps to ascertain whether her lover still +lived. + +She did not think of making inquiry at the Acordada, though a rumour had +reached her that some of the prisoners were there. But surely not Don +Florencio! If alive, it was not likely he would be thus disgraced: at +least she could not believe it. Little dreamt she of the malice that +was moving, and in secret, to degrade in her eyes the man who was +uppermost in her thoughts. + +And as little suspected she when one of the house domestics came upon +the azotea and handed her a large ornamental envelope, bearing the State +arms, that it was part of the malignant scheme. + +Breaking it open she drew out an embossed and gilded card--a ticket. It +came from the Dictator, inviting Dona Luisa Valverde to be present in a +grand procession, which was to take place on the following day; +intimating, moreover, that one of the State carriages would be at the +disposal of herself and party. + +There were but few ladies in the city of Mexico who would not have been +flattered by such an invitation; all the more from the card bearing the +name, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, signed by himself, with the added +phrase "con estima particular." + +But little cared she for the flattery. Rather did it cause her a +feeling of disgust, with something akin to fear. It was not the first +time for the ruler of Mexico to pay compliments and thus press his +attentions upon her. + +Soon as glanced over, she let the despised thing fall, almost flinging +it at her feet; and once more bent her eyes upon the Tacubaya Road, +first carrying her glance along the side of the aqueduct to assure +herself that her messenger had not in the meanwhile rounded the corner. + +He had not, and she continued to watch impatiently; the invitation to +ride in the State carriage being as much out of her mind as though she +had never received it. + +Not many minutes longer before being intruded on. This time, however, +by no domestic; instead a lady--like herself, young and beautiful, but +beauty of an altogether different style. Though of pure Spanish +descent, Luisa Valverde was a _guera_; her complexion bright, with hair +of sunny hue. Such there are in Mexico, tracing their ancestry to the +shores of Biscay's famous bay. + +She who now appeared upon the azotea was dark; her skin showing a tinge +of golden brown, with a profusion of black hair plaited and coiled as a +coronet around her head. A crayon-like shading showed upon her upper +lip--which on that of a man would have been termed a moustache-- +rendering whiter by contrast teeth already of dazzling whiteness; while +for the same reason, the red upon her cheeks was of the deep tint of a +damask rose. The tones of all, however, were in perfect harmony; and +distributed over features of the finest mould produced a face in which +soft feminine beauty vied with a sort of savage picturesqueness, making +it piquantly attractive. + +It was altogether a rare bewitching face; part of its witchery being due +to the _raza Andalusiana_--and beyond that the Moriscan--but as much of +it coming from the ancient blood of Anahuac--possibly from the famed +Malinche herself. For the young lady delineated was the Condes +Almonte--descended from one of Conquistadors who had wedded an Aztec +princess--the beautiful Ysabel Almonte whose charms were at the time the +toast of every _cercle_ in Mexico. + + + +CHAPTER SIXTEEN. + +A MUTUAL MISAPPREHENSION. + +Luisa Valverde and Ysabel Almonte were fast friends--so fondly intimate +that scarcely a day passed without their seeing one another and +exchanging confidences. They lived in the same street; the Condesa +having a house of her own, though nominally owned by her grand-aunt and +guardian. For, besides being beautiful and possessed of a title--one of +the few still found in Mexico, relics of the old _regime_--Ysabel +Almonte was immensely rich; had houses in the city, _haciendas_ in the +country, property everywhere. She had a will of her own as well, and +spent her wealth according to her inclinations, which were all on the +side of generosity, even to caprice. By nature a lighthearted, joyous +creature, gay and merry, as one of the bright birds of her country, it +was a rare thing to see sadness upon her face. And yet Luisa Valverde, +looking down from the mirador, saw that now. There was a troubled +expression upon it, excitement in her eyes, attitude, and gestures, +while her bosom rose and fell in quick pulsations. True, she had run up +the _escalera_--a stair of four flights--without pause or rest; and that +might account for her laboured breathing. But not for the flush on her +cheek, and the sparkle in her eyes. These came from a different cause, +though the same one which had carried her up the long stairway without +pausing to take breath. + +She had not enough now left to declare it; but stood panting and +speechless. + +"_Madre de Dios_!" exclaimed her friend in an accent of alarm. "What is +it, Ysabel?" + +"_Madre de Dios_! I say too," gasped the Condesa. "Oh, Luisita! what +do you think?" + +"What?" + +"They've taken him--they have him in prison!" + +"He lives then--still lives! Blessed be the Virgin!" + +Saying which Luisa Valverde crossed her arms over her breast, and with +eyes raised devotionally towards heaven, seemed to offer up a mute, but +fervent thanksgiving. + +"Still lives!" echoed the Condesa, with a look of mingled surprise and +perplexity. + +"Of course he does; surely you did not think he was dead!" + +"Indeed I knew not what to think--so long since I saw or heard of him. +Oh, I'm so glad he's here, even though in a prison; for while there's +life there's hope." + +By this the Condesa had recovered breath, though not composure of +countenance. Its expression alone was changed from the look of trouble +to one of blank astonishment. What could her friend mean? Why glad of +his being in a prison? For all the while she was thinking of a _him_. + +"Hope!" she ejaculated again as an echo, then remaining silent, and +looking dazed-like. + +"Yes, Ysabel; I had almost despaired of him. But are you sure they have +him here in prison? I was in fear that he had been killed in battle, or +died upon the march, somewhere in those great prairies of Texas--" + +"_Carramba_!" interrupted the young Countess, who, free of speech, was +accustomed to interlarding it with her country forms of exclamation. +"What's all this about prairies and Texas? So far as I know, Ruperto +was never there in his life." + +"Ruperto!" echoed the other, the joy which had so suddenly lit up her +features as suddenly returning to shadow. "I thought you were speaking +of Florencio." + +They understood each other now. Long since had their love secrets been +mutually confessed; and Luisa Valverde needed no telling who Ruperto +was. Independent of what she had lately learned from the Condesa, she +knew him to be a gentleman of good family, a soldier of some reputation; +but who--as once her own father--had the misfortune to belong to the +party now out of power; many of them in exile, or retired upon their +estates in the country--for the time taking no part in politics. As for +himself, he had not been lately seen in the city of Mexico, though it +was said he was still in the country; as rumour had it, hiding away +somewhere among the mountains. And rumour went further, even to the +defiling of his fair name. There were reports of his having become a +robber, and that, under another name, he was now chief of a band of +_salteadores_, whose deeds were oft heard of on the Acapulco Road, where +this crosses the mountains near that place of many murders--the Cruzdel +Marques. + +Nothing of this sinister tale, however, had reached the ears of Don +Ignacio's daughter. Nor till that day--indeed that very hour--had she, +more interested in him, heard aught of it. Hence much of the wild +excitement under which she was labouring. + +"Forgive me, Ysabel!" said her friend, opening her arms, and receiving +the Countess in sympathetic embrace; "forgive me for the mistake I have +made." + +"Nay, 'tis I who should ask forgiveness," returned the other, seeing the +misapprehension her words had caused, with their distressing effect. "I +ought to have spoken plainer. But you know how much my thoughts have +been dwelling on dear Ruperto." + +She did know, or should, judging by herself, and how hers had been +dwelling on dear Florencio. + +"But, Ysabel: you say they made him a prisoner! Who has done that, and +why?" + +"The soldiers of the State. As to why, you can easily guess. Because +he belongs to the party of Liberals. That's why, and nothing else. But +they don't say so. I've something more to tell you. Would you believe +it, Luisita, that they accuse him of being a _salteador_?" + +"I can believe him accused of it--some of those in power now are wicked +enough for anything--but not guilty. You remember we were acquainted +with Don Ruperto, before that sad time when we were compelled to leave +the country. I should say he would be the last man to stain his +character by becoming a robber." + +"The very last man! Robber indeed! My noble Ruperto the purest of +patriots, purer than any in this degenerate land. _Ay-de-mi_!" + +"Where did they take him, and when?" + +"Somewhere near San Augustin, and I think, several days ago, though I've +only just heard of it." + +"Strange that. As you know, I've been staying at San Augustin for the +last week or more; and there was no word of such a thing there." + +"Not likely there would be; it was all done quietly. Don Ruperto has +been living out that way up in the mountains, hiding, if you choose to +call it. I know where, but no matter. Too brave to be cautious he had +come down to San Augustin. Some one betrayed him, and going back he was +waylaid by the soldiers, surrounded, and made prisoner. There must have +been a whole host of them, else they'd never have taken him so easily. +I'm sure they wouldn't and couldn't." + +"And where is he now, Ysabel?" + +"In prison, as I've told you." + +"But what prison?" + +"That's just what I'm longing to know. All I've ye heard is that he's +in a prison under the accusation of being a highwayman. _Santissima_!" +she added, angrily stamping her tiny foot on the tesselated flags. +"They who accuse him shall rue it. He shall be revenged on them. I'll +see justice done him myself. Ah! that will I, though it costs me all +I'm worth. Only to think--Ruperto a robber! My Ruperto! _Valga me +Dios_!" + +By this, the two had mounted up into the mirador--the Senorita Valverde +having come down to receive her visitor. And there, the first flurry of +excitement over, they talked more tranquilly, or at all events, more +intelligibly of the affairs mutually affecting them. In those there was +much similarity, indeed, in many respects a parallelism. Yet the +feelings with which they regarded them were diametrically opposite. One +knew that her lover was in prison, and grieved at it; the other hoped +hers might be the same, and would have been glad of it! + +A strange dissimilitude of which the reader has the key. + +Beyond what she had already said, the Condesa had little more to +communicate, and in her turn became the questioner. + +"I can understand now, _amiga mia_, why you spoke of Don Florencio. The +Tejano prisoners have arrived, and you are thinking he's amongst them? +That's so, is it not?" + +"Not thinking, but hoping it, Ysabel." + +"Have you taken any steps to ascertain?" + +"I have." + +"In what way?" + +"I've sent a messenger to Tacubaya, where I'm told they've been taken." + +"Not all. Some of them have been sent elsewhere. One party, I believe, +is shut up in the Acordada." + +"What! in that fearful place? among those horrid wretches--the worst +criminals we have! The Tejans are soldiers--prisoners of war. Surely +they do not deserve such treatment?" + +"Deserve it or not, some of them are receiving it. That grand +gentleman, Colonel Carlos Santander--your friend by the way--told me +so." + +The mention of Santander's name, but more a connection with the subject +spoken of, produced a visible effect on Luisa Valverde. Her cheek +seemed to pale and suddenly flashed red again. Well she remembered, and +vividly recalled, the old enmity between him and Don Florencio. Too +well, and a circumstance of most sinister recollection as matters stood +now. She had thought of it before; was thinking of it all the time, and +therefore the words of the Condesa started no new train of reflection. +They but intensified the fear she had already felt, for a time holding +her speechless. + +Not noticing this, and without waiting a rejoinder, the other ran on, +still interrogating: + +"Whom have you trusted with this delicate mission, may I ask?" + +"Only Jose?" + +"Well; Jose, from what I've seen of him, is worthy of the trust. That +is so far as honesty is concerned, and possibly cleverness. But, _amiga +mia_, he's only a humble servitor, and out there in Tacubaya, among the +garrison soldiers, or if it be in any of the prisons, he may experience +a little difficulty in obtaining the information you seek. Did you give +him any money to make matters easy?" + +"He has my purse with him, with permission to use it as he may see +best." + +"Ah! then you may safely expect his bringing back a good account, or at +all events one that will settle the question you wish to have settled. +Your purse should be a key to Don Florencio's prison--if he be inside +one anywhere in Mexico." + +"Oh! I hope he is." + +"Wishing your _amanti_ in a prison! That would sound strange enough, if +one didn't understand it." + +"I'd give anything to know him there--all I have to be assured he still +lives." + +"Likely enough you'll soon hear. When do you expect your messenger to +be back?" + +"At any moment. He's been gone many hours ago. I was watching for him +when you came up--yonder on the Tacubaya Road. I see nothing of him +yet, but he may have passed while we've been talking." + +"_Muy amiga mia_! How much our doings this day have been alike. I, +too, have despatched a messenger to find out all about Ruperto, and am +now awaiting his return. I ran across to tell you of it. And now that +we're together let us stay till we know the worst or the best. God help +us both; for, to make use of the phrase I've heard among _marineros_, +we're `both in the same boat.' What is this?" she added, stooping, and +taking up the gilded card which had been all the while lying upon the +floor. "Oh, indeed! Invitation to an airing in one of the State +carriages--with such a pretty compliment appended! How free El +Excellentissimo is with his flattery. For myself I detest both him and +it. You'll go, won't you?" + +"I don't wish it." + +"No matter about wishing; I want you. And so will your father, I'm +sure." + +"But why do you want me?" + +"Why, so that you may take me with you." + +"I would rather wait till I hear what father says." + +"That's all I ask, _amiga_. I shall be contented with his dictum, now +feeling sure--" + +She was interrupted by the pattering of feet upon the stone stairway; +two pairs of them, which told that two individuals were ascending. The +heavy tread proclaimed them to be men. Presently their faces showed +over the baluster rail, and another step brought them upon the roof. +Both ladies regarding them with looks of eager inquiry, glided down out +of the mirador to meet them. + +For they were the two messengers that had been despatched separately, +though on errands so very similar. + +Returning, they had met by the front door, and entered the house +together. Each having had orders to deliver his report, and without +delay, was now acting in obedience to them. + +Two and two they stood upon the azotea,--the men, hat in hand, stood in +front of their respective mistresses; not so far apart, but that each +mistress might have heard what the servant of the other said; for on +their part there was no wish or reason for concealment. + +"Senorita," reported Jose, "the gentleman you sent me to inquire about +is not in Tacubaya." + +Almost a cry came from Luisa Valverde's lips, as with paled cheek, she +said,--"You've not heard of him, then?" But the colour quickly returned +at the answer,--"I have, Senorita; more, I have seen him." + +"Seen Don Florencio! Where? Speak, quick, Jose!" + +"In the Acordada!" + +"In the Acordada!" in still another voice--that of the Condesa speaking +in a similar tone, as though it were an echo; for she, too, had just +been told that her lover was in the same gaol. + +"I saw him in a cell, my lady," continued the Countess's man, now taking +precedence. "They had him coupled to another prisoner--a Tejano." + +"He was in one of the cells, Senorita," spoke Jose, also continuing his +report, "chained to a robber." + + + +CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. + +POR LAS ZANCAS. + +In all cities there is a street favoured by fashion. This in Mexico is +the Calle de Plateros (street of the silversmiths), so called because +there the workers in precious metals and dealers in bijouterie "most do +congregate." + +In this street the _jovenes dorados_ (gilded youth) of modern +Tenochtitlan strolled in tight-fitting patent leather boots, +canary-coloured kid gloves, cane in hand, and quizzing-glass to the eye. +There, too, the senoras and senoritas go shopping bareheaded, with but +the shawl thrown over the crown hood-fashion. + +When out only for promenade, none of these linger long in the street of +the silversmiths. They but pass through it on their way to the +_Alameda_, a sort of half-park, half-garden, devoted to the public use, +and tastefully laid out in walks, terraces, and parterres with flowers, +and fountains; grand old evergreen trees overshadowing all. For in that +summery clime shade, not sun, is the desideratum. Here the _jovenes +dorados_ spent part of the afternoons sauntering along the arcaded +walks, or seated around the great fountain watching the play of its +crystal waters. But with an eye to something besides--the senoritas, +who are there, too, flirting the fans with a dexterity which speaks of +much practice--speaks of something more. Not every movement made by +these rustling segments of circles is intended to create currents of air +and cool the heated skin. Many a twist and turn, watched with anxious +eyes, conveys intelligence interesting as words never spoken. In Mexico +many a love tale is told, passion declared, jealous pang caused or +alleviated, by the mute languages of fans and fingers. + +Though the Calle de Plateros terminates at the gate of the Alameda, the +same line of street is continued half a mile further on, to the +fashionable drive of the _Pasco Nuevo_, sometimes called Pasco de +Buccareli, from the Viceroy who ruled New Spain when it was laid out. +It is the Rotten Row of Mexico, for it is a ride as well as a drive; and +at a certain hour of the afternoon a stream of carriages, with strings +of horsemen, may be seen tending towards it, the carriages drawn, some +of them by mules, others by the small native horses, and a distinguished +few by large English or American animals, there known as _frisones_. It +is the top thing to have a pair of "_frisones_." + +In the carriages, the senoras and senoritas are seen attired in their +richest robes--full evening dress--bare-armed and bareheaded, their +hair, usually black, ablaze with jewels or entwined with flowers fresh +picked--the sweet-scented suchil, the white star-like jasmine, and +crimson grenadine. Alongside ride the cavaliers, in high-peaked, +stump-leather saddles, their steeds capering and prancing; each rider, +to all appearance, requiring the full strength of his arms to control +his mount, while insidiously using his spurs to render the animal +uncontrollable. The more it pitches and plunges the better he is +pleased, provided the occupants of the carriages have their eyes on him. + +Every day in the year--except during the week of _Guaresma_ (Lent), when +capricious fashion takes him to the Paseo Viejo, or _Lav Vigas_, on the +opposite side of the city--can this brilliant procession be seen moving +along the Calle de Plateros, and its continuation, the Calle de San +Francisco. + +But in this same thoroughfare one may often witness a spectacle less +resplendent, with groups aught but gay. Midway along the street runs a +deep drain or sewer, not as in European cities permanently covered up, +but loosely flagged over, the flags removable at will. This, the +_zanca_, is more of a stagnant sink than a drainage sewer; since from +the city to the outside country there is scarce an inch of fall to carry +off the sewage. As a consequence it accumulates in the zancas till they +are brimming full, and with a stuff indescribable. Every garbage goes +there--all the refuse of household product is shot into them. At +periodical intervals they are cleared out, else the city would soon be +a-flood in its own filth. It is often very near it, the blue black +liquid seen oozing up between the flagstones that bridge over the +zancas, filling the air with a stench intolerable. Every recurring +revolution make the municipal authorities of Mexico careless about their +charge and neglectful of their duties. But when the scouring-out +process is going on, the sights are still more offensive, and the smells +too. Then the flags are lifted and laid on one side--exposing all the +impurity--while the stuff is tossed to the other, there to lie festering +for days, or until dry enough to be more easily removed. For all it +does not stop the circulation of the carriages. The grand dames seated +in them pass on, now and then showing a slight contortion in their +pretty noses. But they would not miss their airing in the Paseo were it +twenty times worse--that they wouldn't. To them, as to many of their +English sisterhood in Hyde Park, the afternoon drive is everything--to +some, as report says, even more than meat or drink; since they deny +themselves these for the keeping of the carriage. + +It may be imagined that the scouring-out of the zancas is a job for +which labourers are not readily obtained. + +Even the _pelado_ turns up his nose at it, and the poorest proletarian +will only undertake the task when starvation is staring him in the face. +For it is not only dirty, but deemed degrading. It is, therefore, one +of the travaux-forces which, as a matter of necessity, falls to the lot +of the "gaol-bird." Convicts are the scavengers; criminals sentenced to +long periods of imprisonment, of whom there are often enough in the +_carceles_ of Mexico to clean out all the sewers in the country. Even +by these it is a task looked upon with repugnance, and usually assigned +to them as a punishment for prison derelictions. Not that they so much +regard the dirt or the smells; it is the toil which offends them--the +labour being hard, and often requiring to be done under a hot, broiling +sun. + +To see them is a spectacle of a rather curious kind, though repulsive. +Coupled two and two--for the precaution is taken, and not unfrequently +needed--to keep their leg-chains on; up in mud to the middle of their +bodies, and above bespattered with it--such mud too! many of them with +faces that, even when clean, are aught but nice to look at; their eyes +now flashing fierce defiance, now bent down and sullen, they seem either +at enmity or out of sorts with all mankind. Some among them, however, +make light of it, bandy words with the passers-by, jest, laugh, sing, +shout, and swear, which to a sensitive mind but makes the spectacle more +sad. + +All this understood, it may well be conceived with what anxiety Florence +Kearney listened to that snatch of dialogue between Santander and the +gaol-governor outside the cell. He did not even then quite comprehend +the nature of what was intended for them. But the sharer of his chain +did, who soon after made it all known to him, he passing the knowledge +on to Cris Rock. So when, on the next morning, the governor again +presented himself at the door of their cell, saying: + +"Now, gentlemen, get ready to take a little exercise,"--they knew what +sort of exercise was meant. + +He, however, believing them ignorant of it--for he was not aware they +had overheard his out-door speech with Santander, added ironically: + +"It's a special favour I'm going to give you--at the request of Senor +Colonel Santander, who, as I've seen, takes a friendly interest in some +of you. For your health's sake, he has asked me to give you a turn upon +the streets, which I trust you will enjoy and get benefit by." + +Don Pedro was a born joker, and felt conceit in his powers as a +satirist. In the present instance his irony was shaftless, being +understood. + +The dwarf was the only one who deigned rejoinder. + +"Ha, ha, ha!" he yelled in his wild unearthly way. "Turn _upon_ the +streets! That's fine for you, Don Pedro. A turn _under_ the streets-- +that's what you mean, isn't it?" + +He had been long enough in the gaol-governor's charge to know the +latter's name, and was accustomed to address him thus familiarly. The +deformed creature was fearless from his very deformity, which in a way +gave him protection. + +"_Vayate Zorillo_," returned the Governor, slightly put out and +evidently a little nettled, "you're too fond of jesting--or trying. +I'll take that out of you, and I mean to give you a lesson in good +manners this very day." Then fixing his eyes upon Rivas, he added: +"Senor Don Ruperto, I should be only too happy to let you off from the +little excursion your prison companions are about to make and save you +the fatigue. But my orders are rigorous. They come from the highest +quarter, and I dare not disobey them." + +This was all pure irony, intended but to torment him; at least so the +robber seemed to understand it. For, instead of accepting it in a +friendly sense, he turned savagely on his tormentor, hissing out: + +"I know you daren't disobey them, dog that you are! Only such as you +would be governor of a gaol like this: you, who turned coat and +disgraced the sword you wore at Zacatecas. Do your worst, Don Pedro +Arias! I defy you." + +"_Cascaras_! how swelling big you talk, Senor Captain Rivas! Ah! well. +I'll let a little of the wind out of you too, before you bid good-bye to +the Acordada. Even the Condesa, grand dame though she is, won't be able +to get you clear of my clutches so easy as you may be thinking. La +Garrota is the lady likeliest to do that." + +After thus spitefully delivering himself, he called to some prison +warders in waiting in the court outside, and commanded them to come up +to him. + +"Here," he directed, "take these two pairs and hand them over to the +guard at the gate. You know what for, Dominguez?" The half +interrogatory was addressed to a big, hulking fellow, chief of the +turnkeys, who looked all Acordada. + +"_Por cierto, Senor Gobernador_," he rejoined with a significant look, +after giving the prison salute to his superior. "I know all about it." + +"See, moreover, that they be kept all day at it; that's my orders." + +"Sure will I, Senor," was the compliant rejoinder. + +After which the man twitted with turning his coat, turned his back upon +the place where he had been so ungraciously received, going off to more +agreeable quarters. + +"Now, gentlemen!" said the gaoler, stepping up to the door of the cell, +"_Por las zancas_!" + + + +CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. + +TYRANT AND TOOL. + +_El Excellentissimo Illustrissimo General Don Jose Antonio Lopez de +Santa Anna_. + +Such the twice sesquipedalian name and title of him who at this time +wielded the destinies of Mexico. For more than a quarter of a century +this man had been the curse of the young Republic--its direst, deadliest +bane. For although his rule was not continuous, its evil effects were. +Unfortunately, the demoralisation brought about by despotism extends +beyond the reign or life of the despot; and Santa Anna had so debased +the Mexican people, both socially and politically, as to render them +unfitted for almost any form of constitutional government. They had +become incapable of distinguishing between the friends of freedom and +its foes; and in the intervals of Liberal administration, because the +Millennium did not immediately show itself, and make all rich, +prosperous, and happy, they leaped to the conclusion that its failure +was due to the existing _regime_, making no account or allowance for the +still uncicatrised wounds of the body politic being the work of his +wicked predecessor. + +This ignorance of political cause and effect is, alas! not alone +confined to Mexico. There is enough of it in England, too, as in every +other nation. But in the earlier days of the Mexican Republic, the +baneful weed flourished with unusual vigour and rankness--to the benefit +of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and the blight of his country. Deposed +and banished so many times that their number is not easily remembered, +he was ever brought back again--to the wonder of people then, and the +puzzle of historians yet. The explanation, however, is simple enough. +He reigned through corruption that he had himself been instrumental in +creating; through militarism and an abominable _Chauvinism_--this last +as effective an instrument as the oppressor can wield. _Divide et +impera_ is a maxim of despotic state-craft, old as despotism itself; +"flatter and rule" is a method equally sure, and such Santa Anna +practised to its full. He let pass no opportunity of flattering the +national vanity, which brought the Mexican nation to shame, with much +humiliation--as the French at a later period, and as it must every +people that aims at no higher standard of honour than what may be +derived from self-adulation. + +At the time I am writing of, the chief of the Mexican Republic was +aiming at "Imperium"--eagerly straining for it. Its substance he +already had, the "Libertas" having been long since eliminated from his +system of government, and trodden under foot. But the title he had not +acquired yet. He yearned to wear the purple, and be styled "Imperador," +and in order to prepare his subjects for the change, already kept a sort +of Imperial court, surrounding it with grand ceremonials. As a matter +of course, these partook of a military character, being himself not only +political head of the State, but commander-in-chief of its armies. As a +consequence, _Palacio_, his official residence was beset with +soldier-guards, officers in gorgeous uniforms loitering about the gates, +or going out and in, and in the Plaza Grande at all times exhibiting the +spectacle of a veritable Champ de Mars. No one passing through the +Mexican metropolis at this period would have supposed it the chief city +of a Republic. + +On that same day in which Carlos Santander had shown himself at the +Acordada, only at an early hour, the would-be Emperor was seated in his +apartment of the palace in which he was wont to give audience to +ordinary visitors. He had got through the business affairs of the +morning, dismissed his Ministers, and was alone, when one of the +aides-de-camp in attendance entered with a card, and respectfully +saluting him, laid it on the table before him. + +"Yes; say I can see him. Tell him to come in," he directed, soon as +reading the name on the card. + +In the door, on its second opening, appeared Carlos Santander, in the +uniform of a colonel of Hussars, gold bedizened, and laced from collar +to cuffs. + +"Ah! Senor Don Carlos!" exclaimed the Dictator in a joyous, jocular +way, "what's your affair? Coming to tell me of some fresh conquest +you've made among the _muchachas_? From your cheerful countenance I +should say it's that." + +"Excellentissimo!" + +"Oh! you needn't deny, or look so demure about it. Well, you're a lucky +fellow to be the lady killer I've heard say you are." + +"Your Excellency, that's only say-say; I ought rather to call it +slander. I've no ambition to be thought such a character. Quite the +reverse, I assure you." + +"If you could assure me, but you can't. I've had you long enough under +my eye to know better. Haven't I observed your little flirtations with +quite half a score of our senoritas, among them a very charming young +lady you met in Louisiana, if I mistake not?" + +Saying this, he fixed his eyes on Santander's face in a searching, +interrogative way, as though he himself felt more than a common interest +in the charming young lady who had been met in Louisiana. + +Avoiding his glance, as evading the question, the other rejoined-- + +"It is very good of your Excellency to take such interest in me, and I'm +grateful. But I protest--" + +"Come, come! _amigo mio_! No protestations. 'Twould only be adding +perjury to profligacy. Ha, ha, ha!" + +And the grand dignitary leaned back in his chair, laughing. For it was +but badinage, and he in no way intended lecturing the staff-colonel on +his morality, nor rebuking him for any backslidings. Instead, what came +after could but encourage him in such wise, his chief continuing-- + +"Yes, Senor Don Carlos, I'm aware of your _amourettes_, for which I'm +not the man to be hard upon you. In that regard, I myself get the +credit--so rumour says--of living in a glass house, so I cannot safely +throw stones. Ha, ha!" + +The tone of his laugh, with his self-satisfied look, told of his being +aught but angry with rumour for so representing him. + +"Well, Excellentissimo," here put in the subordinate, "it don't much +signify what the world says, so long as one's conscience is clear." + +"_Bravo--bravissimo_!" exclaimed the Most Excellent. "Ha, ha, ha!" he +continued, in still louder cachinnation. "Carlos Santander turned +moralist! And moralising to me! It's enough to make a horse laugh. +Ha, ha, ha!" + +The staff-colonel appeared somewhat disconcerted, not knowing to what +all this might be tending. However, he ventured to remark-- + +"I am glad to find your Excellency in such good humour this morning." + +"Ah! that's because you've come to ask some favour from me, I suppose." +Santa Anna had a habit of interlarding his most familiar and friendly +discourse with a little satire, sometimes very disagreeable to those he +conversed with. "But never mind," he rattled on, "though I confess some +surprise at your hypocrisy, which is all thrown away upon me, _amigo_! +I don't at all wonder at your success with the senoritas. You're a +handsome fellow, Don Carlos; and if it weren't for that scar on your +cheek--By the way, you never told me how you came by it. You hadn't it +when you were last with us." + +The red flushed into Santander's face, and up over his forehead to the +roots of his hair. He had told no one in Mexico, nor anywhere else, how +he came by that ugly thing on his jaw, which beard could not conceal, +and which he felt as a brand of Cain. + +"It's a scar of a sword-cut, your Excellency. I got it in a duel." + +"Ah! An honourable wound, then. But where?" + +"In New Orleans." + +"Just the place for that sort of thing, as I know, having been there +myself." (Santa Anna had made a tour of the States, on _parole_, after +the battle of San Jacinto, where he was taken prisoner.) "A very den of +duellists is Nuevo Orleans; many of them _maitres d'escrime_. But who +was your antagonist? I hope you gave him as good as you got." + +"I did, your Excellency; that, and more." + +"You killed him?" + +"Not quite. I would have done so, but that my second interposed, and +persuaded me to let him off." + +"Well, he hasn't let you off, anyhow. What was the quarrel about? +_Carrai_! I needn't ask; the old orthodox cause--a lady, of course?" + +"Nay; for once your Excellency is in error. Our _desajio_ originated in +something quite different." + +"What thing?" + +"An endeavour on my part to do a service to Mexico and its honoured +ruler." + +"Oh, indeed! In what way, Senor Colonel?" + +"That band of _filibusteros_, of which, as your Excellency will +remember--" + +"Yes--yes," interrupted Santa Anna impatiently. He evidently knew all +about that, and preferred hearing no more of it. "It was one of the +_filibusteros_ you fought with, I suppose?" + +"Yes, Excellentissimo; the one they chose for their captain." + +"You were angry at his being preferred to yourself, and so called him +out? Well, that was cause enough to a man of your mettle. But what +became of him afterwards? Was he among those at Mier?" + +"He was." + +"Killed there?" + +"No, your Excellency; only taken prisoner." + +"Shot at Salado?" + +"Neither that, Excellentissimo." + +"Then he must be here?" + +"He is here, your Excellency." + +"What's his name?" + +"Kearney--Florence Kearney, _un Irlandes_." + +A peculiar expression came over Santa Anna's features, a sort of knowing +look, as much as to say the name was not new to him. Nor was it. That +very morning, only an hour before, Don Ignacio Valverde had audience of +him on a matter relating to this same man--Florence Kearney; in short, +to obtain clemency for the young Irishman--full pardon, if possible. +But the Minister had been dismissed with only vague promises. His +influence at court was still not very great, and about the motive for +his application--as also who it originated from--Santa Anna had +conceived suspicions. + +Of all this he said nothing to the man before him now, simply +inquiring-- + +"Is the _Irlandes_ at Tacubaya?" + +"No, your Excellency; he's in the Acordada." + +"Since you had the disposal of the Tejano prisoners, I can understand +that," returned the Dictator, with a significant shrug. "It's about +him, then, you're here, I suppose. Well, what do you want?" + +"Your authority, Excellentissimo, to punish him as he deserves." + +"For making that tracing on your cheek, eh? You repent not having +punished him more at the time when you yourself had the power? Isn't it +so, Senor Colonel?" + +Santander's face reddened, as he made reply-- + +"Not altogether, your Excellency. There's something besides, for which +he deserves to be treated differently from the others." + +Santa Anna could have given a close guess at what the exceptional +something was. To his subtle perception a little love drama was +gradually being disclosed; but he kept his thoughts to himself, with his +eyes still searchingly fixed on Santander's face. + +"This Kearney," continued the latter, "though an Irishman, is one of +Mexico's bitterest enemies, and especially bitter against your +Excellency. In a speech he made to the _filibusteros_, he called you a +usurper, tyrant, traitor to liberty and your country--ay, even coward. +Pardon me for repeating the vile epithets he made use of." + +Santa Anna's eyes now scintillated with a lurid sinister light, as if +filled with fire, ready to blaze out. In the American newspapers he had +often seen his name coupled with such opprobrious phrases, but never +without feeling savagely wrathful. And not the less that his own innate +consciousness told him it was all as said. + +"_Chingara_!" he hissed out, for he was not above using this vulgar +exclamation. "If it is true what you say, Don Carlos, as I presume it +is, you can do as you like with this dog of an _Irlandes_! have him +shot, or have him despatched by _La Garrota_, whichever seems best to +you. But no--stay! That won't do yet. There's a question about these +Tejanos with the United States Minister; and as this Kearney is an +Irishman, and so a British subject, the representative of that country +may make trouble too. So till all this is settled, the _Irlandes_ +mustn't be either shot or garrotted. Instead, let him be treated +tenderly. You comprehend?" + +The staff-colonel did comprehend; the emphasis on the "tenderly" made it +impossible for him to mistake the Dictator's meaning, which was just as +he desired it. As he passed out of the presence, and from the room, his +countenance was lit up, or rather darkened, by an expression of fiendish +triumph. He now had it in his power to humiliate them who had so +humbled him. + +"Quite a little comedy!" soliloquised Santa Anna, as the door closed on +his subordinate, "in which, before it's played out, I may myself take a +part. She's a charming creature, this Senorita Valverde. But, ah! +nothing to the Condesa. That woman--witch, devil, or whatever I may +call her--bids fair to do what woman never did--make a fool of Lopez de +Santa Anna." + + + +CHAPTER NINETEEN. + +A WOODEN-LEGGED LOTHARIO. + +For some time the Dictator remained in his seat lighting cigarrito after +cigarrito, and puffing away at them furiously. The look of light +frivolity had forsaken his face, which was now overcast with gloom. + +At this time, as said, he wielded supreme unlimited power over the +Mexican people--even to life and death. For although he might not +recklessly or openly decree this, he could bring it about secretly--by +means which, if rumour spoke true, he had more than once made use of. +Indeed, there stood against his name more than one well-confirmed record +of assassination. + +Thought of this may have had something to do with the cloud that had +come over his features; though not for any qualms of conscience for the +murders he may have committed or hired others to commit. More likely a +fear that he himself might some day meet a similar fate; like all +despots he dreaded the steel of the assassin. By his corrupt +administration, he had encouraged bravoism till it had become a +dangerous element in the social life of his country--almost an +institution--and it was but natural he should fear the bravo's blade +turned against himself. + +Another apprehension may at this time have been troubling him. Although +to all appearance secure in the dictatorial chair, with a likelihood of +his soon converting it into a real throne, he had his misgivings about +this security. By imprisonments, executions, banishments, and +confiscations, he had done all in his power to annihilate the Liberal +party. But though crushed and feeble now, its strength was but in +abeyance, its spirit still lived, and might again successfully assert +itself. No man knew this better than he himself; and no better teacher +could he have had than his own life's history, with its alternating +chapters of triumph and defeat. Even then there was report of a +_pronunciamento_ in one of the northern cities of the Republic--the +State, by a polite euphemism, being still so designated. Only a faint +"gritto" it was, but with a tone that resembled the rumbling of distant +thunder, which might yet be heard louder and nearer. + +Little, however, of matters either revolutionary or political was he +thinking now. The subject uppermost in his mind was that latent on his +lips--woman. Not in a general way, but with thoughts specially bent +upon one of them, or both, with whose names he had just been making +free. As his soliloquy told, a certain "Condesa" had first place in his +reflections, she being no other than the Condesa Almonte. In his wicked +way he had made love to this young lady, as to many others; but, unlike +as with many others, he had met repulse. Firm, though without +indignation, his advances not yet having gone so far, nor been so bold, +as to call for this. He had only commenced skirmishing with her; a +preliminary stroke of his tactics being that invitation to ride in the +State carriage extended to Dona Luisita Valverde, while withheld from +the Countess--an astute manoeuvre on his part, and, as he supposed, +likely to serve him. In short, the old sinner was playing the old game +of "piques." Nor did he think himself so ancient as to despair of +winning at it. In such contests he had too often come off victorious, +and success might attend upon him still. Vain was he of his personal +appearance, and in his earlier days not without some show of reason. In +his youth Santa Anna would claim to be called, if not handsome, a fairly +good-looking man. Though a native Mexican, a _Vera-cruzano_, he was of +pure Spanish race and good blood--the boasted _sangre-azul_. His +features were well formed, oval, and slightly aquiline, his complexion +dark, yet clear, his hair and moustaches black, lustrous, and profuse. +But for a sinister cast in his eyes, not always observable, his +countenance would have been pleasing enough. As it was he prided +himself upon it even now that he was well up in years, and his hair +becoming silvered. As for the moustaches, black pomatum kept them to +their original colour. + +One thing soured him, even more than advancing age--his wooden leg. +'Tis said he could never contemplate that without an expression of pain +coming over his features, as though there was gout in the leg itself +giving him a twinge. And many the time--nay, hundreds of times--did he +curse Prince de Joinville. For it was in defending Vera Cruz against +the French, commanded by the latter, he had received the wound, which +rendered amputation of the limb necessary. In a way he ought to have +blessed the Prince, and been grateful for the losing of it rather than +otherwise. Afterwards the mishap stood him in good stead; at election +times when he was candidate for the Chief Magistracy of the State. Then +he was proud to parade the artificial limb; and did so to some purpose. +It was, indeed, an important element in his popularity, and more than +once proved an effective aid to his reinstatement. With a grim look, +however, he regarded it now. For though it had helped him politically, +he was not thinking of politics, and in what he was thinking about he +knew it an obstruction. A woman to love a man with a wooden leg! And +such a woman as Ysabel Almonte! Not that he put it to himself in that +way; far from it. He had still too good an opinion, if not of his +personal appearance, at least of his powers otherwise, and he even then +felt confident of success. For he had just succeeded in removing +another obstacle which seemed likely to be more in his way than the +wooden leg. He had but late come to know of it; but as soon as knowing, +had taken measures to avert the danger dreaded--by causing the +imprisonment of a man. For it was a man he feared, or suspected, as his +competitor for the affections of the Condesa. It had cost him no small +trouble to effect this individual's arrest, or rather capture. He was +one of the proscribed, and in hiding; though heard of now and then as +being at the head of a band of _salteadore_--believed to have turned +highwayman. + +But he had been taken at length, and was at that moment in the gaol of +the Acordada; which Santa Anna well knew, having himself ordered his +incarceration there, and given other instructions regarding him to the +gaol-governor, who was one of his creatures. + +After sitting for some time, as he stretched out his hand, and held the +end of his paper cigar to the red coals burning in a _brazero_ on the +table before him, the frown upon his features changed to a demoniac +smile. Possibly from the knowledge that this man was now in his power. +Sure was he of this; but what would he not have given to be as sure of +her being so too! + +Whether his reflections were sweet or bitter, or which predominated, he +was not permitted longer to indulge in them. The door again opening-- +after a tap asking permission to enter--showed the same aide-de-camp. +And on a similar errand as before, differing only in that now he placed +two cards on the table instead of one; the cards themselves being +somewhat dissimilar to that he had already brought in. + +And with altogether a different air did Santa Anna take them up for +examination. He was enough interested at seeing by their size and shape +that those now desiring an audience of him were ladies. But on reading +the names, his interest rose to agitation, such as the aide-de-camp +never before had seen him exhibit, and which so much astonished the +young officer that he stood staring wonderingly, if not rudely, at the +grand dignitary, his chief. His behaviour, however, was not noticed, +the Dictator's eyes being all upon the cards. Only for an instant +though. If he gave ready reception to his late visitor, still readier +did he seem desirous of according it to those now seeking speech with +him. + +"Conduct the ladies in," was his almost instantaneous command, as +quickly retracted. For soon as spoken he countermanded it; seemingly +from some afterthought which, as a codicil, had suddenly occurred to +him. Then followed a chapter of instructions to the aide-de-camp, +confidential, and to the effect that the ladies were not to be +immediately introduced. He was to keep them in conversation in the +ante-chamber outside, till he should hear the bell. + +Judging by his looks as he went out the young subaltern was more than +satisfied with the delay thus enjoined upon him. It was aught but a +disagreeable duty; for, whether acquainted with the ladies who were in +waiting, or not, he must have seen that both were bewitchingly +beautiful--one being Luisa Valverde, the other Ysabel Almonte. + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY. + +A PAIR OF BEAUTIFUL PETITIONERS. + +Soon as the aide-de-camp had closed the door behind him, Santa Anna +sprang up from his seat and hastily stumped it to a large cheval glass +which stood on one side of the room. Squaring himself before this he +took survey of his person from crown to toes. He gave a pull or two at +his moustaches, twisting their points, and turning them upward along his +cheeks. Then running his fingers comb-like through his hair, he gave +that also a jaunty set. In fine, straightening himself in his +gold-braided uniform frock, with a last glance down to his feet--this +resulting in a slight grimace--he returned to the state chair and +reseated himself. + +With all his gallantry and politeness--and to these he made much +pretension--it was not his custom to receive lady visitors standing. In +the upright attitude the artificial leg made him look stiff, and he +preferred stowing it away under the table. Besides, there was his +dignity, as the grand figure-head of the nation, which he now wished to +have its full effect. Leaning forward, he gave a downward blow to the +spring of the table bell; then assuming an attitude of expectant +grandeur, sate expectant. This time the aide-de-camp required no +passing to and fro; and the door again opening, the ladies were ushered +into the august presence. + +In their air and manner they betrayed agitation too, while the serious +expression upon their features told they were there on no trivial +errand. + +"Pray be seated, ladies," said the Dictator, after exchanging +salutations with them. "'Tis not often the Condesa Almonte honours the +Palacio with her presence, and for the Senorita Valverde, were it not +for official relations with her father, I fear we should see even less +of her than we do." + +While speaking he pointed to a couple of couch chairs that stood near +the table. + +They sat down rather hesitatingly, and slightly trembling. Not that +either would have been at all timid had the occasion been a common one. +Both were of Mexico's best blood, the Condesa one of the old _noblesse_ +who hold their heads higher even than the political chief of the State, +when he chances to be--as more than once has occurred--an adventurer of +humbler birth. Therefore, it was not any awe of the great dignitary +that now unnerved them, but the purpose for which they were seeking +speech with him. Whether Santa Anna guessed it, or not, could not be +told by his looks. An experienced diplomatist, he could keep his +features fixed and immovable as the Sphinx, or play them to suit the +time and the tune. So, after having delivered himself, as above, with +the blandest of smiles upon his face, he remained silent, awaiting the +rejoinder. + +It was the Condesa who made it. + +"Your Excellency," she said, doing her utmost to look humble; "we have +come to beg a favour from you." + +A gratified look, like a gleam of light, illuminated Santa Anna's +swarthy features. Ysabel Almonte begging favours from him! What better +could he have wished? With all his command of features he but +ill-concealed the triumph he now felt. It flashed up in his eyes as he +said respondingly-- + +"A favour you would ask? Well, if it be within my power to grant it, +neither the Condesa Almonte, nor the Dona Luisa Valverde need fear +refusal. Be frank, then, and tell me what it is." + +The Countess, with all her courage, still hesitated to declare it. For +despite the ready promise of compliance, she did fear a refusal; since +it had been asked for that same morning and though not absolutely +refused, the answer left but little hope of its being conceded. + +As is known, at an earlier hour Don Ignacio had paid a visit to the +Palacio, to seek clemency for a prisoner-of-war, Florence Kearney. But +pardon for a state prisoner was also included in his application--that +being Ruperto Rivas. Of all this the ladies were well aware, since it +was at their instigation, and through their importunity, he had acted. +It was only, therefore, by the urgency of a despairing effort, as a +_dernier ressort_, these had now sought the presence as petitioners, and +naturally they dreaded denial. Noting the Condesa's backwardness--a +thing new but not displeasing to him, since it gave promise of influence +over her--Santa Anna said interrogatively: + +"Might this favour, as you are pleased to term it, have ought to do with +a request lately made to me by Don Ignacio Valverde?" + +"'Tis the same, your Excellency," answered the Countess, at length +recovering spirit, but still keeping up the air of meek supplication she +had assumed. + +"Indeed!" exclaimed the Dictator, adding, "that grieves me very much." + +He made an attempt to look sorry, though it needed none for him to +appear chagrined. This he was in reality, and for reasons intelligible. +Here were two ladies, both of whom he had amatory designs upon, each +proclaiming by her presence--as it were telling him to his teeth, the +great interest she felt in another--that or she would not have been +there! + +"But why, Excellentissimo?" asked the Countess, entreatingly. "What is +there to grieve you in giving their freedom to two men--gentlemen, +neither of whom has been guilty of crime, and who are in prison only for +offences your Excellency can easily pardon?" + +"Not so easily as you think, Condesa. You forget that I am but official +head of the State, and have others to consult--my Ministers and the +Congress--in affairs of such magnitude. Know, too, that both these men +for whom you solicit pardon have been guilty of the gravest offences; +one of them, a foreigner, an enemy of our country, taken in arms against +it; the other, I am sorry to say, a citizen, who has become a rebel, and +worse still, a robber!" + +"'Tis false!" exclaimed the Countess, all at once changing tone, and +seeming to forget the place she was in and the presence. "Don Ruperto +Rivas is no robber; never was, nor rebel either; instead, the purest of +patriots!" + +Never looked Ysabel Almonte lovelier than at that moment--perhaps never +woman. Her spirit roused, cheeks red, eyes sparkling with indignation, +attitude erect--for she had started up from her chair--she seemed to be +the very impersonation of defiance, angry, but beautiful. No longer +meek or supplicating now. Instinct or intuition told her it would be of +no use pleading further, and she had made up her mind for the worst. + +The traits of beauty which her excitement called forth, added piquancy +to her natural charms, and inflamed Santa Anna's wicked passions all the +more. But more than any of them revenge. For now he knew how much the +fair petitioner was interested in the man whose suit she had preferred. +With a cold cynicism--which, however, cost him an effort--he rejoined: + +"That, perhaps, is your way of thinking, Condesa. But it remains to be +proved--and the prisoner you speak of shall have an opportunity of +proving it--with his innocence in every respect. That much I can +promise you. The same for him," he added, turning to Luisa Valverde, +"in whom, if I mistake not, the Dona Luisa is more especially +interested. These _gentlemen_ prisoners shall have a fair trial, and +justice done them. Now, ladies! can you ask more of me?" + +They did not; both seeing it would be to no purpose. Equally +purposeless to prolong the interview; and they turned toward the door, +the daughter of Don Ignacio leading where she had before followed. + +This was just as Santa Anna wished it. Seemingly forgetful of his +cork-leg, and the limp he took such pains to conceal, he jerked himself +out of his chair and hurried after--on a feigned plea of politeness. +Just in time to say to the Countess in a hurried, half-whisper:-- + +"If the Condesa will return, and prefer her request _alone_, it may meet +with more favour." + +The lady passed on, with head held disdainfully, as though she heard but +would not heed. She did hear what he said, and it brought a fresh flush +upon her cheek, with another flash of anger in her eyes. For she could +not mistake his meaning, and knew it was as the serpent whispering into +the ear of Eve. + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. + +A WOMAN'S SCHEME. + +"My poor Ruperto is indeed in danger! Now I am sure of it. Ah, even to +his life! And I may be the cause of his losing it." + +So spoke the Countess Almonte half in soliloquy, though beside her sat +her friend Luisa Valverde. They were in a carriage on return from their +fruitless visit to the Dictator. It was the Countess' own landau which +had remained waiting for them outside the Palace gates. + +The other, absorbed with her own anxieties, might not have noticed what +was said but for its nature. This, being in correspondence with what +was at the moment in her own mind, caught her ear, almost making her +start. For she, too, was thinking of a life endangered, and how much +that danger might be due to herself. It was not poor Ruperto's life, +but poor Florencio's. + +"You the cause, Ysabel!" she said, not in surprise, save at the +similarity of their thoughts. "Ah! yes; I think I comprehend you." + +"If not, _amiga_, don't ask explanation of it now. It's a hateful +thing, and I dislike to think, much more speak of it. Some other time +I'll tell you all. Now we've work to do--a task that will take all our +energies--all our cunning to accomplish it. However is it to be done? +_Valga me Dios_!" + +To her interrogatory she did not expect reply. And the desponding look +of Luisa Valverde showed she had none to give that would be +satisfactory; for she quite understood what was the task spoken of, and +equally comprehended the difficulty of its accomplishment. Perplexed as +the Countess herself, and possibly more despairing, she could but echo +the exclamatory words-- + +"How indeed! _Valga me Dios_." + +For a while they sat without further exchange of speech, both buried in +thought. Not long, however, when the Countess again spoke, saying-- + +"You're not good at dissembling, Luisita; I wish you were." + +"_Santissima_!" exclaimed her friend, alike surprised at the remark as +at its abruptness. "Why do you wish that Ysabel?" + +"Because I think I know a way by which something might be done--if you +were but the woman to do it." + +"Oh, Ysabelita! I will do anything to get Florencio out of prison." + +"It isn't Florencio I want you to get out, but Ruperto. Leave the +getting out of Florencio to me." + +Still more astonished was Don Ignacio's daughter. What could the +countess mean now? She put the question to her thus-- + +"What is it you desire me to do?" + +"Practise a little deception--play the coquette--that's all." + +It was not in Luisa Valverde's nature. If she had many admirers, and +she had--some of them over head and ears in love with her--it was from +no frivolity, or encouragement given them, on her part. From the day +Florence Kearney first made impression upon her heart, it had been true +to him, and she loyal throughout all. So much that people thought her +cold, some even pronouncing her a prude. They knew not how warmly that +heart beat, though it was but for one. Thinking of this one, however, +what the countess proposed gave her a shock, which the latter +perceiving, added, with a laugh-- + +"Only for a time, _amiga mia_. I don't want you to keep it up till +you've got a naughty name. Nor to make fools of all the fine gentlemen +I see dangling around you. Only one." + +"Which one?" + +She was not averse to hearing what the scheme was, at all events. How +could she be, in view of the object aimed at? + +"A man," pursued the Countess, "who can do more for us than your father; +more than we've been able to do ourselves." + +"Who is he?" + +"Don Carlos Santander, colonel of Hussars on the staff--aide-de-camp and +adjutant to El Excellentissimo in more ways than military ones--some not +quite so honourable, 'tis said. Said also, that this staff-colonel, for +reasons nobody seems to know, or need we care, has more influence at +Court than almost any one else. So what I want you to do is to utilise +this influence for our purpose, which I know you can." + +"Ah, Ysabelita! How much you are mistaken, to think I could influence +him to that! Carlos Santander would be the last man to help me in +procuring pardon for Florencio--the very last. You know why." + +"Oh yes; I know. But he may help me in procuring pardon for Ruperto. +Luckily my good looks, if I have any, never received notice from the +grand colonel, who has eyes only for you; so he's not jealous of +Ruperto. As the obsequious servant of his master, hostile to him no +doubt; but that might be overcome by your doing as I should direct." + +"But what would you have me do." + +"Show yourself _complaisant_ to the Colonel. Only in appearance, as +I've said; and only for a time till you've tried your power over him, +and see with what success." + +"I'm sure it would fail." + +"I don't think it would, _amiga mia_; and will not, if you go about it +according to instructions. Though it may cost you some unpleasantness, +Luisita, and an effort, you'll make it for my sake, won't you? And as a +reward," pursued the Countess, as if to render her appeal more surely +effective, "I shall do as much for you, and in a similar way. For I, +too, intend counterfeiting complacency in a certain quarter, and in the +interest of a different individual--Don Florencio. Now, you understand +me?" + +"Not quite yet." + +"Never mind. I'll make it more plain by-and-by. Only promise me that +you'll do--" + +"Dearest Ysabelita! I'd do anything for you." + +"And Don Florencio. I thought that would secure your consent. Well, +_mil mil gracias_! But what a game of cross-purposes we'll be playing; +I for you, and you for me, and neither for ourselves! Let us hope we +may both win." + +By this the carriage had stopped in front of the Casa Valverde to set +down Dona Luisa. The Countess alighted also, ordering the horses home. +It was but a step to her own house, and she could walk it. For she had +something more to say which required saying there and then. Passing on +into the _patio_, far enough to be beyond earshot of the "cochero," and +there stopping, she resumed the dialogue at the point where she had left +off. + +"We must set to work at once," she said; "this very day, if opportunity +offer. Perhaps in the procession--" + +"Oh! Ysabel?" interrupted the other. "How I dislike the thought of +this procession--making merry as it were, and he in a prison! And we +must pass it too--its very doors! I'm sure I shall feel like springing +out of the carriage and rushing inside to see him." + +"That would be just the way to ensure your not seeing him--perhaps, +never more. The very opposite is what you must do, or you'll spoil all +my plans. But I'll instruct you better before we start out." + +"You insist, then, on our going?" + +"Of course, yes; for the very reason--the very purpose we've been +speaking of. That's just why I ask you to take me with you. It will +never do to offend his High Mightiness, angry as we may be with him. +I'm now sorry at having shown temper; but how could I help it, hearing +Ruperto called a robber? However, that may be all for the best. So, +upstairs; turn out your _guarda-roba_, and your jewel case; array +yourself in your richest apparel, and be in readiness for the gilded +coach when it comes round. _Carramba_!" she added after drawing out her +jewelled watch,--one of Losada's best--and glancing at its dial, "we +haven't a moment to spare, I must be off to my toilet too." + +She had made a step in the direction of the street, when suddenly +turning again she added-- + +"As a last word, lest I might forget it. When next you appear in the +Grand Presence drop that forlorn doleful look. Misery is the weakest +weapon either man or woman can make use of--the very worst advocate in +any cause. So don't show it, especially in the company of Don Carlos +Santander, where in all likelihood you will be before the end of another +hour. Try to look cheerful, put on your sweetest smile, though it be a +feigned one, as I intend doing for Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna." + +She took her departure now; but as she passed out through the _saguan_ a +cloud could be seen upon her countenance, more than that from the shadow +of the arched gateway, telling that she herself needed quite as much as +her friend, admonition to be cheerful. + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY TWO. + +IN THE SEWERS. + +Along with a score of other prisoners, the "chain-gang" of the Acordada, +Kearney, Rock, Rivas, and the dwarf were conducted out into the street, +and on the Calle de Plateros. Dominguez, the gaoler, went with them-- +having received orders to that effect--carrying a heavy _cuarta_ with +hard raw-hide lash knotted at the end. Their escort consisted of two or +three files of the prison guard, dirty looking soldiers of the +_infanteria_, in coarse linen uniforms, stiff shakoes on their heads, +their arm the old-fashioned flint-lock musket. + +The scavengers had still their ankle chains on, coupled two and two, +these lengthened, however, to give more freedom to their work. One +reason for keeping them chained is to economise the strength of the +guard, a single sentry thus being as good as a dozen. Of course, it is +an additional precaution against escape, a thing which might seem +impossible under the muzzles of muskets and bayonets fixed. But to +desperadoes such as are some of the Acordada gaol-birds it would not be +so if left leg free. More than once had the attempt been made, and with +success; for in no city is it easier, or indeed so easy. In the Mexican +metropolis there are whole districts where the policeman fears to show +his face, and a criminal pursued, even by soldiers in uniform, would +have every door thrown open to him, and every opportunity given for +stowing himself away. Get he but out into the country, and up to the +mountains--on all sides conveniently near--his chances are even better, +since the first man there met may be either footpad or _salteador_. + +As said, the street to which the scavengers were taken was the Calle de +Plateros, where it ends at the Alameda Gate. The covering flags of the +_zancas_ had been already lifted off, exposing to view the drain brimful +of liquid filth the tools were beside--scoops, drags, and shovels having +been sent on before. + +Soon, on arriving on its edge, Dominguez, who kept close by the two +couples in which were the Tejanos, ordered them to lay hold and fall to. + +There could be no question of refusal or disobedience. From the way he +twirled the _quirt_ between his fingers it looked as though he wished +there was, so that he might have an excuse for using it. Besides, any +hanging back would be rewarded by a blow from the butt of a musket, and, +persisted in, possibly a bayonet thrust--like as not to lame the +refractory individual for life. + +There was no need for such violent measures now. The others of the gang +had done scavenger work before; and knowing its ways, went at it as soon +as the word was given. _Nolens volens_ Kearney and Cris Rock, with +their chain partners, had to do likewise; though, perhaps, never man +laid hold of labourer's tool with more reluctance than did the Texan. +It was a long shafted shovel that had been assigned to him, and the +first use he made of the implement was to swing it round his head, as +though he intended bringing it down on that of one of the sentries who +stood beside. + +"Durnashun!" he shrieked out, still brandishing the tool and looking the +soldier straight in the face. "If 'twarn't that the thing 'ud be o' no +use, an' _you_ ain't the one as is to blame, I'd brain ye on the spot, +ye ugly yaller-belly. Wage! Let me get back to Texas, and grip o' a +good rifle, the Mexikin as kums my way may look out for partickler +forked lightnin'!" + +Though not comprehending a word of what was said the little manikin of a +_militario_ was so frightened by the big fellow's gestures as to spring +back several feet, with a look of alarm so intense, yet so comical, as +to set the Texan off into a roar of laughter. And still laughing, he +faced towards the sewer, plunged in his implement, and set to work with +the others. + +At first the task was comparatively clean and easy--a sort of skimming +affair--the scavengers keeping upon the pavement. The necessity had not +yet arisen for them going down into the drain. + +After a time, however, as the liquid got lower and the sediment at the +bottom too stiff to be _conveniently_ scooped up, a number of them were +ordered to "step in." It was a cruel, brutal order, and Bill Sykes +would have declined sending his "bull-dawg" into that sewer after rats. +But Dominguez, a sort of Mexican Bill Sykes, had no scruples about this +with the unfortunates he had charge of, and with a "_carajo_," and a +threatening flourish of his whip, he repeated the order. One or two of +the _forzados_ took the plunge good-humouredly, even to laughing, as +they dropped into the stuff, waist deep, sending the mud in splashes all +round. The dainty ones went in more leisurely, some of them needing a +little persuasion at the point of the bayonet. + +Cris Rock was already down, having gone voluntarily. Only one of each +couple had been ordered below; and, much as he disliked the dwarf, he +had no wish to see him drowned or suffocated, which the diminutive +creature would well-nigh have been in the horrible cesspool. Tall as +the Texan was, the stuff reached up to his thighs, the surface of the +street itself being on a level with his arm-pits, while only the heads +of the others could be seen above the stones. + +Neither Kearney nor Rivas had yet taken the plunge. They still stood on +the brink, discussing the question of precedence. Not that either +wished the other to do the disagreeable; instead, the reverse. Strange +as it may appear, knowing or believing him to be a bandit, the young +Irishman had taken a liking to the Mexican, and the feeling was +reciprocated, so that each was now trying to restrain the other from +entering the ugly gulf. + +But their friendly contest was cut short by the brutal gaoler; who, +advancing, grasped Rivas by the shoulder, and with his other hand +pointing downward shouted "_Abajo_!" + +There was no help for it but obey; the alternative sure of being +something worse. For the man so rudely commanded went down willingly; +indeed, with alacrity, to satisfy his impulse of friendship for the +_Irlandes_. + +Had Carlos Santander been there likely the position would have been +reversed, and Kearney compelled to "take the ditch." But the Governor +of the Acordada had control of details, and to his hostility and spleen, +late stirred by that wordy encounter with Rivas, the latter was no doubt +indebted for the partiality shown him by Don Pedro's head turnkey. + +In time, all were disposed of: one of each couple down in the sewer, +pitching out its sweet contents; the other pressing them back upon the +pavement to prevent their oozing in again. Either way the work was now +nasty enough; but for those below, it was a task too repulsive to set +even the lowest pariah at. + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY THREE. + +THE PROCESSION. + +Disagreeable as was their job, some of the _forzados_ made light of it, +bandying jests with the street passengers, who did not find it safe to +go too near them. A scoopful of the inky liquid could be flung so as to +spoil the polish on boots, or sent its splashes over apparel still +higher. Even the vigilance of the sentries could not prevent this, or +rather they cared not to exercise it. The victims of such practical +jokes were usually either of the class _felado_, or the yet more humble +aboriginals, accustomed to be put upon by the soldiers themselves, who +rather relished the fun. + +But only the more abandoned of the gaol-birds behaved in this way, many +of them seeming to feel the degradation more than aught else. For among +them, as we know, were men who should not have been there. Some may +have seen friends passing by, who gave them looks of sympathy or pity, +and possibly more than one knew himself under eyes whose expression told +of a feeling stronger than either of these--love itself. Indeed this +last, or something akin to it, seemed the rule rather than the +exception. In Mexico, he must be a deeply disgraced criminal whose +sweetheart would be ashamed of him; and every now and then, a +brown-skinned "muchacha" might be seen crossing to where the scavengers +were at work, and, with a muttered word or two, passing something into a +hand eagerly outstretched to receive it. The sentries permitted this, +after examining the commodity so tendered, and seeing it a safe thing to +be entrusted to the receiver. These gifts of friendship, or _gages +d'amour_, were usually eatables from the nearest cook-shop; their donors +well knowing that the fare of the Acordada was neither plentiful nor +sumptuous. + +But beyond these interested ones, few of the pedestrians stopped or even +looked at the chain-gang. To most, if not all, it was an ordinary +spectacle, and attracted no more attention than would a crossing-sweeper +on a London street. Not as much as the latter, as he is often an +Oriental. On that particular day, however, the party of scavengers +presented a novelty, in having the two Tejanos in it; with a yet greater +one in the odd juxtaposition of Cris Rock and his diminutive "mate." In +Mexico, a man over six feet in height is a rarity, and as Cris exceeded +this by six inches, a rarer sight still was he. The colossus coupled to +the dwarf, as Gulliver to Lilliputian--a crooked Lilliputian at that--no +wonder that a knot of curious gazers collected around them, many as they +approached the grotesque spectacle uttering ejaculations of surprise. + +"_Ay Dios_!" exclaimed one. "_Gigante y enano_!" (a giant and a +dwarf)--"and chained together! Who ever saw the like?" + +Such remarks were continually passing among the spectators, who laughed +as they listened to them. And though the Texan could not tell what they +said, their laughter "riled" him. He supposed it a slur upon his +extraordinary stature, of which he was himself no little proud, while +they seemed to regard it sarcastically. Could they have had translated +to them the rejoinders that now and then came from his lips, like the +rumbling of thunder, they would have felt their sarcasm fully paid back, +with some change over. As a specimen:-- + +"Devil darn ye, for a set of yaller-jawed pigmies! Ef I hed about a +millyun o' ye out in the open purairu, I'd gie you somethin' to larf at. +Dod-rot me! ef I don't b'lieve a pack o' coycoats ked chase as many o' +ye as they'd count themselves; and arter runnin' ye down 'ud scorn to +put tooth into yur stinkin' carcasses!" + +Fortunately for him, the "yaller-jawed pigmies" understood not a word of +all this; else, notwithstanding his superior size and strength, he might +have had rough handling from them. Without that, he was badly plagued +by their behaviour, as a bull fretted with flies; which may have had +something to do with his readiness to go down into the drain. There, up +to his elbows, he was less conspicuous, and so less an object of +curiosity. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + +It had got to be noon, with the sun at fire heat; but for all the +_forzados_ were kept on at work. No rest for them until the task should +be completed, and they taken back to their prison quarters at a late +hour of the afternoon. The cruel gaoler told them so in a jeering way. +He seemed to take a pleasure in making things disagreeable to them, as +he strutted to and fro along their line, flourishing his _quirt_, and +giving grand exhibition of his "brief authority." + +A little after midday, however, there came a change in their favour, +brought by unlooked-for circumstances. Groups of people began to gather +in the Calle de Plateros, swarming into it from side streets, and taking +stand upon the foot-walk. Soon they lined it all along as far as the +eye could reach. Not _pelados_, but most of them belonging to a class +respectable, attired in their holiday clothes, as on a _dia de fiesta_. +Something of this it was, as the scavengers were presently told, though +some of them may have had word of it before without feeling any concern +about it. Two, however, whom it did concern--though little dreamt they +of its doing so--were only made aware of what the crowd was collecting +for, when it began to thicken. These were Kearney and Rivas, who, +knowing the language of the country, could make out from what was being +said around them that there was to be a _funcion_. The foundation-stone +of a new church was to be laid in the suburb of San Cosme the chief +magistrate of the State himself to lay it--with all ceremony and a +silver trowel. The procession, formed in the Plaza Grande, would, of +course, pass through the Calle de Plateros; hence the throng of the +people in that street. + +_Funcions_ and _fiestas_ are of such frequent occurrence in the Mexican +metropolis--as indeed everywhere else in that land of the _far niente_-- +that this, an ordinary one and not much announced, excited no particular +interest, save in the suburb of San Cosme itself--a quarter where a +church might be much needed, being a very den of disreputables. Still, +a large number of people had put on their best apparel, and sallied +forth to witness the procession. + +This did not delay long in showing itself. It came heralded by the +stirring notes of a trumpet, then the booming of the big drum in a band +of music--military. A troop of cavalry--Lancers--formed the advance, to +clear the way for what was to follow; this being a couple of carriages, +in which were seated the Bishop of Mexico and his ecclesiastical staff, +all in grand, gaudy raiments; on such an occasion the Church having +precedence, and the post of honour. + +Behind came the gilded coach of the Dictator--flanked on each side by +guards in gorgeous uniform--himself in it. Not alone, but with one +seated by his side, whose presence there caused Florence Kearney +surprise, great as he ever experienced in his life. Despite the coat of +diplomatic cut and its glittering insignia, he easily recognised his +_ci-devant_ teacher of the Spanish tongue--Don Ignacio Valverde. + +But great as was his astonishment, he was left no time to indulge in it, +or speculate how his old "crammer" came to be there. For close behind +the Dictator's carriage followed another, holding one who had yet more +interest for him than Don Ignacio--Don Ignacio's daughter! + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR. + +SIGNIFICANT GLANCES. + +Yes; the lady in the carriage was Luisa Valverde. Too surely she, +thought Florence Kearney; for seeing her there was painful to him--a +shock--as one who sees the woman he loves in the jaws of some great +danger. And so he believed her to be, as a host of unpleasant memories +came crowding into his mind like hideous spectres. No imagination +either, but a danger real and present before his eyes at that moment, in +the person of a man, riding by the side of the carriage in which she +sat--Carlos Santander. He it was, in a gold-laced uniform, with a smile +of proud satisfaction on his face. What a contrast to the craven, +crestfallen wretch who, under a coating of dull green ooze, crawled out +of the ditch at Pontchartrain! And a still greater contrast in the +circumstances of the two men--fortunes, positions, apparel, everything +reversed. + +The Hussar colonel appeared not to be one of the regular escorts +attending upon the Dictator, but detached, and free to choose his place +in the procession. Well had he chosen it, any one would say; for there +was a second lady in the carriage, young and beautiful, too; as may be +guessed--the Condesa Almonte. But he seemed to have no eyes for her, +nor words; his looks and speech all bestowed upon Luisa Valverde. For +he was smilingly conversing with her, and she appeared to listen +attentively, returning his smiles! + +A spectacle to Kearney not only saddening, but maddening. Through his +soul, dark as winter now, swept dire bitter misgivings. + +"Are they married? No. 'Tis not the behaviour of man and wife. Soon +will be--engaged, no doubt. Yes; he has won her heart, after all; +likely had it then, when I believed it mine. Such deception? O God!" + +These unspoken questions and conjectures passed through his mind rapidly +as thought itself. + +They were interrupted by his seeing the ladies--the carriage being now +nearly abreast--turn their faces towards him in an odd interrogative +way. The movement, abrupt and sudden, seemed prompted; and so had it +been by him on horseback. Florence Kearney saw him nod in that +direction, his lips moving, but the distance was too great to hear what +he said. + +"_Mira! Los Tejanos_!" were Santander's words, indicating the group of +which they formed part. "One of them is, if I mistake not, an old +acquaintance of yours, Don Luisa? And how strange!" he added, feigning +surprise. "Chained to a criminal--no, let me not call him that--an +individual in whom the Condesa Almonte takes an interest, if rumour's to +be believed. Is it so, Condesa?" + +Neither of them made response, for neither was now listening to him. +Each had her eyes upon that which engrossed all her attention, one +fixedly gazing at Florence Kearney, the other at Ruperto Rivas. For, by +the grace, or rather negligence, of their guards, the latter was now up +on the pavement. + +What an interchange of glances between the pairs thus brought face to +face! What a variety of expression upon their features! For varied and +strong were their emotions at this moment--surprise, sadness, sympathy, +indignation, and, amidst all, conspicuous above all, looks of unchanged, +ever-confiding love! + +He who had brought about this odd interview--for it had been +pre-arranged--was riding on the left and near side of the carriage, the +sewer being on the right and off; which, of course, placed him behind +the backs of the ladies as they now were, and hindered his observing +their faces. Could he have seen them just then, he might have doubted +the success of his scheme, and certainly could not have accounted it a +triumph. For the eyes, late turned smilingly upon himself, were now +regarding Florence Kearney with earnest, sympathetic gaze. + +And the man, to whom this was given, was trying his best to interpret +it. He saw that she turned pale as her eyes first fell upon him. That +might be but surprise seeing him there, with the consciousness of her +own guilt. Or was it pity? If so, he would have spurned it. All the +tortures the Acordada could inflict upon him, all the toil and +degradation would be easier to bear than that. But no. It could not be +pity alone. The sudden start and paling cheek; the look of interest in +those eyes, beautiful as ever, and so well remembered; a flash in them +that recalled the old time when he believed her heart his; all spoke of +something more than mere sympathy with his misfortune. Before the +carriage, moving slowly on, had carried her out of his sight, the +jealous fancies so late harrowing his soul, seemed to be passing away, +as though an angel was whispering in his ear, "She loves you--still +loves you!" + +Needless to say, he was too much occupied in reading the expression on +Luisa Valverde's face to give even a look to the other beautiful one +beside it. And alike was he forgetful of the man who stood beside +himself. Yet, between these two neglected individuals, glances were +being exchanged also in earnest, and watchful glances, which told of +their being as much interested in one another as he in Luisa Valverde, +or she in him. Better comprehending one another, too, as a +physiognomist could have told, observing the play of their features. +The first expression on those of the Condesa was surprise, quick +changing to indignation, this as suddenly disappearing or becoming +subdued, restrained by a thought, or possibly a sign, given by her +"dear, noble Ruperto." As evinced by the fond, yet proud, sparkle of +her eyes, he was no less dear now, no less noble in that degrading garb, +than when she knew him in a gold-laced uniform, splendid as that worn by +Santander, and he, in her eyes, ten times more worthy of wearing it. If +he had turned bandit, she did not believe it; though, believing it, she +would have loved him all the same. Nor in this would she have so much +differed from the rest of her sex. Blameable as it may be, love--even +that of a lady--has but little to do with the moralities; and of a +Mexican lady perhaps less than any other. Certain, that Ruperto Rivas, +robber or no, in that crossing of glances with the Condesa Almonte +showed no sign of jealousy; instead, full confidence of being beloved by +her. + +Though the account of this little episode seems long, the actual +occurrence--gestures, thoughts, looks, changes of facial expression--was +all comprised within a few seconds of time, scarce so much as a minute. + +Then the carriage containing the two ladies passed on out of sight, +other carriages following, with other ladies in them; more cavalry-- +Lancers, Hussars, and heavy Dragoons--more music, mingling with the +shouts and cheers of the fickle populace, as they swarmed along the +foot-walk, every now and then vociferating-- + +"_Viva, Santa Anna el Illustrissimo! Viva, el Salvador de la Patria_!" + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE. + +A MYSTERIOUS MISSIVE. + +"O! Ysabel! To think of it! In the chain-gang--in the sewers! _Madre +de Dios_!" + +Thus passionately exclaimed Luisa Valverde, half addressing herself to +the Condesa Almonte in her father's house again, to which they had just +returned from the ceremony of the procession. They were in the _sala_, +seated upon the chair, into which they flung themselves, as if overcome +with fatigue. + +And weariness it was, but not of the body. Their souls were a-wearied +through being unable to give utterance to the thoughts and passions that +for hours had been convulsing them. Ever since passing the chain-gang +they had been forced to keep up faces, seem as they felt not, smile when +they could have wept. This the Condesa had counselled for reasons +already hinted at; and now back home, with no one to see or hear, they +were giving way to the wild tumult of emotion so long pent up. + +For a time the Condesa made no rejoinder, herself as much affected as +her friend. Both sat in despairing attitudes, heads drooped, and hands +clasping them as though they ached; bosoms rising and falling in +laboured undulation, the hearts within them painfully pulsing. All so +unlike themselves, in such discordance with their great beauty, and the +rich robes they wore. Looking at two such women, one could ill believe +it possible for them to be otherwise than happy; yet, at that moment, +both were miserable as misery itself. + +"Ah, yes!" sighed the Countess, at length, and like as if awakening from +some weird dream, its impress still upon her face. "To think of it; and +fearful it is to think of. I understand things better now. My Ruperto +is indeed in danger--more than I this morning believed. And your +Florencio too. I could read his death in the eyes of Don Carlos +Santander; and one told me the Tejanos are all to be shot!" + +"O Ysabel, say not that! If they kill him, they may kill me! The man I +love! Santa Guadalupe--Blessed Virgin! Save, oh, save him from such a +fate!" + +Against the wall was a picture of this, the patroness Saint of Mexico-- +for there is one in every Mexican house--and, while speaking, the young +girl had risen from her chair, glided across the room, and fallen upon +her knees before it. In this attitude she remained for some moments, +her hands crossed over her breast, her lips moving as though she +muttered a prayer. + +Altogether differently acted the Condesa. She was not of the devotional +sort, where it seemed unlikely to be of practical service. Good +Catholic enough, and observant of all the ceremonies, but no believer in +miracles; and therefore distrustful of what Santa Guadalupe, or any +other saint, could do for them. She had more belief in the Cromwellian +doctrine of keeping the powder dry; and that she meant to practise it, +not with powder, but with her purse, was soon made evident by her +speech. + +"It's no use kneeling there," she said, starting to her feet, and again +showing spirit. "Let us pray in our hearts. I've been doing that +already, and I'm sure so have you. Something else should be done now-- +another effort made--this time with money; no matter how much it takes. +Yes, Luisa, we must act." + +"I want to act," rejoined the other, as she forsook the kneeling +posture, with an abruptness not common to devotees; "only tell me how. +Can you?" + +For some seconds the Condesa let the question remain unanswered. Once +more her hand had gone up to her head, the jewelled fingers met and +clasped upon her brow--this time to quicken reflection; some scheme, +already half conceived, needing further elaboration. + +Whatever the plan, it was soon worked out complete, as evinced by her +words following. + +"_Amiga mia_; is there in your service one we can implicitly trust?" + +"Jose. You know we can trust him." + +"True. But he won't do for the first step to be taken: which is, +indeed, only to deliver a letter. But it needs being adroitly done, and +a woman will be the better for that. Besides, Jose will be wanted for +something else, at the same time. There are two or three of my own +female following could be relied on, so far as fidelity is concerned; +but, unluckily, they're all known on the Calle de Plateros, as well as +the street itself; and there isn't any of them particularly intelligent +or dexterous. What we stand in need of now is one possessed of both +these qualities--either woman or girl." + +"Would Pepita do?" + +"You mean the little _mestizo_, who was with you at New Orleans?" + +"The same. She's all that; and, besides, devoted to me." + +Don Ignacio's daughter had reason to know this, from experience in the +Casa de Calvo, in which Pepita had played a part. + +"She'll do," said the Countess; "the very individual, from what I've +seen of her. Get me pen, ink, and paper--quick! At the same time +summon Pepita!" + +The Countess was now all action; and, responding to her roused energies, +the other rushed towards the bell-pull, and gave it two or three +vigorous jerks. + +As it chanced, there were writing materials in the room; and, while +waiting for the bell to be answered, the Countess made use of them, +hastily scribbling some words on a sheet of paper, which she folded +without putting into an envelope; instead, twisted it between her +finger, as if dissatisfied with what she had written, and designed +cancelling it. Far from this her intention, as was soon made manifest. + +"_Muchacha_!" she said to Pepita, who, being lady's maid, had answered +the bell herself. "Your mistress tells me you can be trusted on a +matter which calls not only for confidence, but cleverness. Is that +so?" + +"I can't promise the cleverness, your ladyship; but for the other, I +think the Dona Luisa knows she can rely on me." + +"You'd be good at delivering a letter, without letting all the world +into the secret, I suppose?" + +"I'll do my best, your ladyship, if Duena command it." + +"Yes, I wish it, Pepita," interposed Dona Luisa, herself the "Duena." + +"_Muy bien Senorita_. Into whose hands is it to be put?" + +Though speaking direct to her own mistress, the interrogatory was more +meant for the Condesa, between whose fingers and thumb she saw the thing +she was to take charge of. + +The answer to her query called for some consideration. The note was for +Ruperto Rivas; but the girl knew him not; so how could she give it him? + +Here was a difficulty not before thought of, for a time perplexing both +the ladies. In this case Dona Luisa was the first to see a way out of +it, saying in a whisper:-- + +"Let her give it to Florencio; she knows him, and he can--" + +"_Carramba_!" exclaimed the Countess interrupting. "How wonderfully +wise you are, _amiga_! The very thing! And it never occurred to me! +No, _you_ tell her what to do." + +"This, Pepita," said her mistress, taking the crumpled sheet from the +Condesa, and passing it to her maid, "this is to be delivered to a +gentleman you've seen, and should know." + +"Where have I seen him, senorita?" + +"In New Orleans." + +"Do you mean Don Carlos, my lady?" + +"No;" the abrupt negative accompanied with a dissatisfied look. + +"Who then, senorita?" + +"Don Florencio." + +"_Ay Dios_! Is he here? I did not know it. But where am I to find +him?" + +No need to repeat the dialogue as continued. Suffice it that, before +leaving the room, Pepita received full instructions where to find Don +Florencio, and when found what she was to do and say to him. + +So far all this was easy enough. More difficult the commission to be +entrusted to Jose--more dangerous too. But it was made known to him in +less than twenty minutes after; receiving his ready assent to its +execution--though it should cost him his life, as he said. One motive +for his agreeing to undergo the danger was devotion to his young +mistress; another to stand well with Pepita, who had a power over him, +and as he knew had entered upon her part with an ardent alacrity. But +there was a third stimulus to keep up his courage, should it feel like +failing--this having to do with the Condesa. Drawing out her grand gold +watch--good value for a hundred _dollores_, and holding it up before his +eyes, she said: + +"That's your reward, Jose; that or its worth in money." + +No need saying more. For the commission he was to execute much +preparation was to be made, in all haste too. And in all haste he set +to making it--determined to win the watch. + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY SIX. + +THE PLAY OF EYES. + +The ceremony of laying the foundation-stone had been brief and it was +yet only an early hour of the afternoon when the procession passed back +along the Calle de Plateros. The scavengers were still at work, and it +is scarcely necessary to say that two of their number were earnestly on +the lookout for a certain carriage. Sorry plight as they were in, +neither felt ashamed or reluctant to come again under those eyes, after +the expression they had observed in them. Rivas had hopes that in +another exchange of glances with the Condesa, he might see something +still further to instruct him; while Kearney, not so confident about his +interpretation of those given to himself, longed to have a second +reading of them. + +Nor was he disappointed. The procession returned sooner than they +expected, the looked-for carriage still holding its place in the line; +the ladies in it, but now no officer of Hussars, nor any other, riding +alongside. Santander, an aide-de-camp as known, had likely been ordered +off on some official errand, and likely, too, his chief did not relish +seeing him so near that particular equipage. Whatever the cause, his +absence gave gratification to the two men noting it. With less +constraint glances might now be exchanged--even gestures. + +And both were. The look Kearney had given to him was accompanied by a +nod of recognition; slight and timid, for it could not well be otherwise +under the circumstances. But the eyes spoke more eloquently, telling +him of respect undiminished, faith that had never faltered, love strong +and true as ever. If he read pity in them too, it was not such as he +would now spurn. + +To Rivas were accorded signs of a very different sort. He had them not +only from eyes, but the movement of a fan and fingers. They seemed +satisfactory to him; for as the carriage passed out of sight, he turned +to the other and said in a cheerful whisper: + +"Keep up heart, _camarado_! I perceive you're not unknown to a friend +of my friend. You heard the brute of a gaol-governor taunt me about a +certain Condesa?" + +"I did." + +"Well; that's the lady, alongside her who's just been making eyes at +you. An old acquaintance of yours, I see; and I think I could say where +it was commenced. Never mind about that now. Enough for you to know +that if friendship can get us out of this fix, with gold to back it, we +may yet have a chance of giving leg-bail to the turnkeys of the +Acordada." + +Their dialogue was terminated by Dominguez, who, temporarily absent for +a swill at one of the neighbouring _pulquerias_, now returned to the +superintendence of his charge, and roughly commanded them to resume +their work. + +For nearly another hour the work went on, though not so regularly as +before. The stream of returning sightseers still lined the foot-walks, +many of them showing by their behaviour they had been paying a visit to +_pulquerias_ too, and more than once. Some stopped to fraternise with +the soldiers, and would have done likewise with the _forzados_, if +permitted. They were not hindered, however, from holding converse with +the former, and extending hospitality to them in the shape of treats; +sentry after sentry stealing away from his post after the proffered and +coveted toothful. Nor was Dominguez an exception, he too every now and +then repeating his visit to the dram-shop. + +All this gave the scavengers licence of speech, with some liberty of +action, or rather rest from their disagreeable task. And in the +interval, while they were thus idling, the young Irishman noticed that +the eyes of his chain companion were kept continuously on the +foot-walks, now on one side now the other, his face towards the Plaza +Grande--as though he expected to see some one coming that way. Kearney +himself was regarding the people who came along--but only from +curiosity--when his attention was more particularly drawn to one who had +come to a stop on the sidewalk nearly opposite. This was a girl of +rather diminutive stature, dressed in the ordinary fashion of the common +people, short-skirted petticoat, sleeveless _camisa_, arms, ankles, and +feet bare; but the head, breast, and shoulders all under one covering-- +the _reboso_. Even her face was hidden by this, for she was wearing it +"tapado," one eye only visible, through a little loop in the folded +scarf, which was kept open by the hand that held it. The girl had drawn +up in front of a jeweller's window, as though to feast that eye on the +pretty things therein displayed. And thus Kearney would not have +noticed her, any more than the others, many of them in like garb passing +to and fro. But, just as his eye happened to light upon her, he saw +that hers--literally a single one--was fixed upon him, regarding him in +a way altogether different from that which might be expected on the part +of a chance stranger. Her attitude, too, was odd. Though facing nearly +square to the shop window, and pretending to look into it, her head was +slightly turned, and the eye surely on him. + +At first he was puzzled to make out what it could mean, and why the girl +should be taking such an interest in him. Possibly, had she been +wearing shoes and stockings, he might have come easier to the +comprehension of it. But a little brown-skinned, barefooted _muchacha_, +in a petticoat of common stuff, and cheap scarf over her shoulders, he +could think of no reason why she should have aught to do with him. + +Only for a few seconds, however, was he thus in the dark. Then all +became clear, the _eclaircissement_ giving him a start, and sending the +blood in quick rush through his veins--pleasant withal. For the girl, +seeing she had caught his attention, relaxed her clasp upon the scarf, +partially exposing her face, and the other eye. + +Kearney needed not seeing the whole of it for recognition now. Well +remembered he those features--pretty in spite of the dark skin--he had +often seen wreathed with pleasant smiles, as their owner used to open +the door for him in the Casa de Calvo. + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN. + +A LETTER DEXTEROUSLY DELIVERED. + +Pepita it was, though in a different style of dress to what he had been +accustomed to see her in; as at New Orleans she had not kept to her +national costume. Besides, there was a _soupcon_ of shabbiness about +her present attire, and then the shoeless feet! + +"Dismissed the Valverde service--out of a situation--poor girl!" + +He would not have so pityingly reflected, had he seen her as she was but +a short half-hour before, in a pretty muslin dress, snow-white +stockings, and blue satin slippers. Since then she had made a change in +her toilet under direction and by help of the Condesa, who had attired +her in a way more befitting the task intended. + +Kearney, in full belief of her being a discharged servant, remembering +her many little kindnesses to himself in the Casa de Calvo, was about to +call her up, and speak a word of sympathy for old time's sake. +Dominguez was still absent, and the nearest sentry engaged in a chaffing +encounter with some one in the crowd. + +Just then he observed a slight tremor of her head, and with a sudden +movement of the hand which seemed to say, "No, don't speak to me." She, +too, could talk that mute language, so well understood in her country. + +So restrained, he kept silent; to see her now glance furtively around, +as if to make sure no one else was observing her. She had again closed +the scarf over her face, but in the hand that held it under her chin +something white--a piece of paper he supposed--appeared; just for one +instant, then drawn under. Another significant look accompanied this +gesture, saying plain as word could speak it:-- + +"You see what I've got for you; leave the action all to me." + +He did, for he could not do otherwise; he was fixed to this spot, she +foot free. And the use she now made of this freedom was to walk +straight out into the street, though not as coming to him; instead, her +steps, as her eyes were directed towards Cris Rock and the hunchback, +who were at work some paces further on. She seemed bent on making a +closer inspection of the odd pair, nor would any one suppose she had +other object in crossing over to them. No one did, save Kearney +himself. Rivas had been again ordered into the sewer, and was at work +in it. Besides, he did not know Pepita, though he was the one she most +wished to be near. Chiefly for him was the communication she had to +make. + +It could not be, however, without a demonstration likely to be observed, +therefore dangerous. But her wit was equal to the occasion, proving how +well the ladies had chosen their letter-carrier. + +"_Ay Dios_!" she exclaimed aloud, brushing past the young Irishman, and +stopping with her eyes bent wonderingly on the strangely contrasted +couple; then aside in _sotto voce_ to Kearney, whom she had managed to +place close behind her, apparently unconscious of his being there--"A +_billetita_, Don Florencio--not for you--for the Senor Rivas--you can +give it him--I daren't. Try to take it out of my hand without being +seen." Then once more aloud. "_Gigante y enano_!" just as others had +said, "_Rue cosa estranja_!" (what a strange thing). + +She need not say any more, nor stay there any longer. For while she was +speaking the crumpled sheet had passed through the fringe of the scarf, +out of her fingers into those of Don Florencio, who had bent him to his +work bringing his hand to the right place for the transfer. + +Her errand, thus vicariously accomplished with another wondering look at +the giant and dwarf, and another "_Ay, Dios_!" she turned to go back to +the side walk. But before passing Kearney she managed to say something +more to him. + +"Carriage will come along soon--two ladies in it--one you know--one dear +to you as you to her." + +Sweet words to him, though muttered, and he thanked her who spoke them-- +in his heart. He dared not speak his thanks, even in whisper; she was +already too far off, tripping back to the flagged foot-walk, along which +she turned, soon to disappear from his sight. + +What she had said about the coming of a carriage was to Kearney not +altogether intelligible. But, no doubt, the note, now concealed inside +his shirt bosom would clear that up; and the next step was to hand it +over to him for whom it was intended. + +Luckily, Rivas had not been unobservant of what was going on between the +girl and his companion. Her look seeming strange to him, had attracted +his attention, and though keeping steadily at work, his eyes were not on +it, but on them, which resulted in his witnessing the latter part of the +little episode, and having more than a suspicion it also concerned +himself. He was not taken by surprise, therefore, when Kearney, drawing +closer to the edge of the drain, spoke down to him in a half-whisper-- + +"I've got something for you. Bring the point of your tool against mine, +and look out when you feel my fingers." + +"_Muy bien_! I understand," was the muttered response. + +In a second or two after the shafts of their implements came into +collision accidentally, it appeared. He would indeed have been +sharp-witted who could have supposed it intentional, and lynx-eyed to +have seen that scrap of twisted paper passed from one to the other--the +second transfer dexterously done as the first. All any one could have +told was, that the two scavengers seemed sorry for what had occurred, +made mutual apologies, then separated to the full length of their +coupling-chain, and went to work again, looking meek and innocent as +lambs. + +It was now Rivas' turn to prove himself possessed of quick wit. He had +reason to think the letter required immediate reading; and how was this +to be done? To be seen at it would surely bring the sentries upon him, +even though Dominguez was not there. And for them to get possession of +it--that was a calamity perhaps worst of all! Possibly to compromise +the writer; and well knew he who that was. + +For a time he was perplexed, looking in all directions, and thinking of +every way possible for him to read the letter unobserved. But none did +seem possible. He could stoop down, so as to be unseen by those passing +along the sidewalk; but close to the sewer's edge were two or three of +the sentries, who would still command view of him. + +All at once a look of satisfaction came over his countenance, as his +eyes rested on a side drain, which entered the main one, like many +others, from adjacent dwellings. He had just scraped the mud out of its +mouth, and was close to it. + +The very thing, was his thought--the very place for his purpose. And +shortly after he might have been seen standing before it, in bent +attitude, his arms busy with his shovel, but his eyes and thoughts +busier with a sheet of paper which lay at the bottom of the branch +drain, some two or three feet inside it. It was the _billetita_, and +though the creases were but hastily pressed out, he contrived to make +himself master of its contents. They were but brief and legibly +written--the script familiar to him. + +"Querido,--Soon after receiving this--say, half an hour--look for a +carriage--landau shut up--two ladies inside--pair of large +horses--_frisones_--grey. When opposite, be ready--with him who shares +your chain. Leave manners in the mud--make a rush, storm the carriage, +eject the occupants rudely--violently--and take their places. You can +trust the _cochero_. Some danger in the attempt, I know; but more if +not made. Your old enemy implacable--determined to have your life. Do +this, dearest, and save it--for your country's sake, as also that of +Ysabel." + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT. + +LOOKING OUT FOR A LANDAU. + +From the way Rivas treated the "billetita" after he had finished reading +it, one unacquainted with its contents might have supposed they had made +him either mad angry, or madly jealous. Instead of taking it up +tenderly, and treasuring it away, he planted his muddy boot upon it, +with a back scrape brought it into the main sewer, still keeping it +under the mud and trampling it with both feet, lifted and set down +alternately, the while shovelling away, as though he had forgotten all +about it. Not so, however. The tread-mill action was neither +accidental nor involuntary, but for a purpose. The writer had committed +herself in sub-signing a portion of her name, as by other particulars, +and should the letter fall into hands he knew of, her danger would be as +great as his own. + +In a few seconds, however, any uneasiness about this was at an end. The +most curious _chiffonier_ could not have deciphered a word written on +that sheet, which by the churning he had submitted it to must have been +reduced to a very pulp. + +During all this time no one had taken notice of his proceedings, not +even the man chained to him, except by an occasional side glance. For +Kearney, well aware of what he was at, to draw attention from him had +got up a wordy demonstration with the dwarf--to all appearance a +quarrel. There was real anger on the side of the latter; for the +"gringo," as he contemptuously called the Irishman, had cruelly mocked +his deformity. A cruelty which gave pain to the mocker himself; but he +could think of no other way to secure inattention to Rivas, and this +efficiently did. Both talking the tongue of the country, their war of +words, with some grotesque gestures which Kearney affected, engrossed +the attention of all within sight or hearing; so that not an eye was +left for the surreptitious reader of the letter. + +When the sham quarrel came to an end--which it did soon as he who +commenced it saw it should--the knot of spectators it had drawn around +dispersed, leaving things as before. But not as before felt Rivas and +Kearney. Very different now the thoughts stirring within them, both +trying to appear calm while under the greatest agitation. For they had +again contrived to bring their ears together, and the latter now knew +all about the contents of the Condesa's letter, their purport being +fully explained, nor did they draw apart, till a thorough understanding +had been established between them as to the action they should take. + +All this without loss of time was translated to Cris Rock, who was told +also of their resolve to attempt to escape, in which the Texan was but +too glad to take part. Kearney would have stayed there, and gone back +into the Acordada, loathsome gaol though it was, sooner than leave his +old filibustering comrade behind. He could never forget the incident of +El Salado, nor cease to feel gratitude to the man who had offered to +give up life for him. + +But there was no need for Rock being left behind. Rivas himself wished +it otherwise, for more than one reason; but one good one, that instead +of obstructing their escape he would be an aid to it. + +The hunchback alone was not let into their secret. No doubt he too +would be glad to get free from his chains, since he was under a sentence +of imprisonment for life. But who could tell whether at the last moment +he might not purchase pardon by turning out and betraying them? They +knew him to be vile enough even for that, and so kept him in the dark +about their design. + +There was no need of further premeditation or contrivance of plans. +That had all been traced out for them in the singular epistle signed +"Ysabel," and a few whispered words from one to the other completed the +understanding of it, with what was to be done. From the time this was +settled out, never looked three pair of eyes more eagerly along a street +than did theirs along the Calle de Plateros; never was a carriage more +anxiously awaited than a landau which should show itself with hood up, +drawn by a pair of grey horses. + +It is now well on the afternoon, and the "beauty and fashion" of the +Mexican metropolis were beginning to appear in carriages, with chivalry +on horseback, along the line of streets leading to the Paseo Nuevo. The +procession of the morning would little affect the usual evening display; +and already several equipages had rolled past the place where the +chain-gang was at work. But as yet appeared not the one so anxiously +looked-for, and the half-hour was up! + +Still ten minutes more without any sign of it! + +More anxious now were the three prisoners, who contemplated escape, +though not at all to the same degree, or for the same reason. Kearney +feared there had been a failure, from betrayal by the coachman spoken of +as so trustworthy; he did not think of suspecting Pepita. The Texan, +too, believed some hitch had occurred, a "bit o' crooked luck," as he +worded it. Not so Rivas. Though, as the others, chafing at the delay, +he still had confidence in the carriage coming, as he had in the +directing head of one he expected to see inside it. It was being +purposely kept back, he fancied; likely as not, lest it might attract +attention by being too early on the street. + +Whatever the cause, his conjectures were soon brought to an end--and +abruptly--by seeing the thing itself. + +"_Bueno_!" he mentally exclaimed, then muttering to the others--"Yonder +it comes! _Frisones pardes_ coachman in sky-blue and silver--be ready +_camarados_." + +And ready they were, as panthers preparing to spring. Rock and Rivas, +as Kearney himself, were now out of the sewer and up on the street; all +three still making believe to work; while the dwarf seemed to suspect +there was something in the wind, but could not guess what. + +He knew the instant after, when a strong hand, grasping him by the +collar, lifted him off his feet, raising and tossing him further aloft, +as though he had been but a rat. + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY NINE. + +A CLUMSY COCHERO. + +Perhaps no people in the world have been more accustomed to spectacular +surprises than they who perambulate the streets of the Mexican +metropolis. For the half-century preceding the time of which I write, +they had witnessed almost as many revolutions as years, seen blood +spilled till the stones ran red with it, and dead bodies lying before +their doors often for hours, even days, unremoved. As a consequence, +they are less prone to curiosity than the dwellers in European cities, +and the spectacle or incident that will stir their interest in any great +degree must needs be of an uncommon kind. + +Rare enough was that they were called on to witness now--such of them as +chanced to be sauntering along the Calle de Plateros, where the +chain-gang was at work. They first saw a carriage--a handsome equipage +of the landau speciality--drawn by a pair of showy horses, and driven by +a coachman in smart livery, his hat cockaded, proclaiming the owner of +the turnout as belonging to the military or diplomatic service. Only +ladies, however, were in it--two of them--and the horses proceeding at a +rather leisurely pace. As several other carriages with ladies in them, +and liveried coachmen on the boxes, had passed before, and some seen +coming behind, there was nothing about this one to attract particular +attention; unless, indeed, the beauty of the two "senoritas" inside, +which was certainly exceptional. Both were young, and, if related, not +likely to be sisters; in contour of features, complexion, colour of eyes +and hair, everything different, even to contrast. But alike in that +each after her own style was a picture of feminine loveliness of the +most piquantly attractive kind; while their juxtaposition made it all +the more so, for they were seated side by side. + +Such could not fail to draw the eyes of the street passengers upon them, +and elicit looks of admiration. So far from courting this, however, +they seemed desirous of shunning it. The day was one of the finest, the +atmosphere deliciously enjoyable, neither too warm nor too cold; other +carriages were open, yet the hoods of theirs met overhead, and the +glasses were up. Still, as these were not curtained they could be seen +through them. Some saw who knew them, and saluted; gentlemen by raising +the hat, lady acquaintances by a nod, a quivering of the fingers. For +it was the hour of promenade to the Alameda. Others to whom they were +unknown inquired whose carriage it was. But not a few noticed in the +faces of its fair occupants an expression which struck them as singular; +something of constraint or anxiety--the last so unlike what should have +been there. + +And so all along the line of street, until the carriage came nearly +opposite the entrance gate of the Alameda, still going slowly; at which +the pampered, high-spirited horses seemed to chafe and fret. Just then, +however, they showed a determination to change the pace, or at all +events the direction, by making a sudden start and shy to the right; +which carried the off wheels nearly nave-deep into the ridge of mud +recently thrown out of the sewer. + +Instinctively, or mechanically, the coachman pulled up. No one could +suppose designedly; since there was sufficient likelihood of his having +an overturn. Still, as the mud was soft, by bearing on the near rein, +with a sharp cut of the whip, he might easily clear the obstruction. + +This was not done; and the spectators wondered why it was not. They had +already made up their minds that the balk was due to the coachman's +maladroit driving, and this further proof of his stupidity quite +exhausted their patience. Shouts assailed him from all sides, jeers, +and angry ejaculations. + +"_Burro_!" (donkey) exclaimed one; a second crying out, "What a clumsy +_cochero_!" a third, "You're a nice fellow to be trusted with reins! A +rope tied to a pig's tail would better become you?" + +Other like shafts, equally envenomed, were hurled at Josh's head; for it +scarce needs telling that he was the driver of the carriage, and the +ladies inside it his mistress and the Condesa Almonte. For all he +seemed but little to regard what was being said to him--indeed nothing, +having enough on hand with his restive horses. But why did he not give +them the whip, and let them have more rein! It looked as if that would +start them off all right again, and that was what every one was shouting +to him to do, he instead doing the very opposite, holding the animals in +till they commenced plunging. + +The ladies looked sorely affrighted; they had from the first, for it was +all but the occurrence of an instant. Both had risen to their feet, one +tugging at the strap to get the sash down, the other working at the +handle of the door, which perversely refused to act, all the while +uttering cries of alarm. + +Several of the passengers rushed to the door in the near side to assist +them, that on the off being unapproachable by reason of the open drain. +But on this also appeared rescuers--a pair of them--not street +promenaders, but two of the chain-gang! All muddy as these were, they +were advancing with as much apparent eagerness as the others--more in +reality--to release the imperilled senoritas. A proof that humanity may +exist even in the breast of a gaol-bird; and the spectators, pleased +with an exhibition of it, so rare and unexpected, were preparing to +applaud them enthusiastically. + +Their admiration, however, received a rude and almost instantaneous +check, changing to wild astonishment, succeeded by equally wild +indignation. The _forzados_ got their door open first; but the ladies, +apparently terrified at the rough, unclean creatures, refused to go out +that way, and only shrank back. Luckily, the other was by this also +opened, and they made through it into the street. But not before the +two scavengers had leaped up into the carriage beside them, and, as if +angry at their earlier offer being declined, given them a rude shove +outward! + +That was not all the spectators saw to astonish them. Other incidents +followed equally unlooked-for, and with lightning rapidity. One was +indeed of simultaneous occurrence; a second couple of the scavengers-- +the _gigante y enano_--rushing towards the coachman's box, clambering up +to it, Rock flinging the dwarf before him as one would an old +carpet-bag, and mounting after. Then, jerking the reins and whip out of +Josh's hands--letting him still keep his seat, however,--he loosened the +one, and laid the lash of the other on the horses' hips, so sharply and +vigorously, as to start them at once into a gallop. + +Meanwhile, the uncouth couple inside had pulled-to the doors, shutting +themselves in, and taken the seats late occupied by the elegantly +dressed ladies--a transformation so grotesque as to seem more dream than +reality. And so off all went, leaving behind a crowd as much amazed as +any that ever witnessed spectacle on the streets of the Mexican +metropolis. + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY. + +THE POOR LADIES. + +Quite a combination of circumstances had favoured the escape of the four +_forzados_--the balking of the horses, the absence of Dominguez, and the +relaxed vigilance of the guards--from their brains bemuddled with drink. +But there was yet another lucky chance that stood them in stead--the +point from which they had started. The line of sentries ended at the +Alamedas Gate, and, as the one posted there was he who had them in +particular charge, once past him they had only to fear a single bullet +sent after them. + +As it turned out, they did not even get that, fortune favouring them in +every way. This sentry, though last on the line outward, was the first +encountered by the people returning from the ceremony at San Corme; +therefore made most of by passing friends, with the bottle oftener +presented to his lips. As a consequence, when the carriage whirled past +him he had but an indistinct idea of why it was going so fast, and none +at all as to who were in it. With eyes drowned in _aguardiente_ he +stood as one dazed, looking after, but taking no measures to stop it. +When at length some one bawled the truth into his ear and he brought his +flint-lock to an unsteady level, it would have been too late--had the +piece gone off. Luckily for those on the sidewalk, it did not; missing +fire by a flash in the pan, as might have been anticipated. + +Never were sentries more completely taken by surprise than they guarding +the chain-gang. Nor more disagreeably. They knew they had been +neglecting their duty, and might expect severe punishment! possibly set +at the very task they were now superintending! Still, they made no +attempt to pursue. They were not cavalry; and only mounted men could +overtake that landau with its curious load, soon to vanish from their +sight. So they stood gazing after it in helpless bewilderment, their +faces showing a variety of expressions, surprise, anger, fear, mingled +in a most ludicrous manner. Deserting their posts they had gathered +into a knot, and it was some time before they had so far recovered their +senses as to think of despatching one of their number to the Plaza +Grande after cavalry sure to be there. + +It was a fine opportunity for others of the gaol-birds to make a bolt; +but for the obstructive coupling-chains no doubt some would avail +themselves of it. These, however, hindered the attempt. There were no +more restive horses, nor blundering coachmen to bring another carriage +near enough for a rush. + +But the most interesting group now on the ground was that which had +collected round the ladies left carriage-less; some offering services, +others speaking words of sympathy. "_Las senoritas pobres_!" + +"_Pobrecitas_!"--("The poor young ladies!" "Poor things!") were +exclamations uttered over and over again. + +It was a trying situation for the "poor things" to be in, sure enough. +But they acquitted themselves admirably; especially the Condesa, who, +young though she was, for courage and coolness had few to equal her. In +that emergency no man could have shown himself her superior. Her look +of still untranquillised terror, the intermittent flashes of anger in +her eyes as she loudly denounced the ruffians who had carried off their +carriage, was a piece of acting worthy of a Rachel or Siddons. He would +have been a keen physiognomist who could have told that her emotions +were counterfeit. Little dreamt the sympathising spectators that while +being pushed out of the carriage she had contrived to whisper back to +the man so rudely behaving: "Look under the cushions, _querido_! You'll +find something. _Dios te guarda_!" + +Still less could they have supposed that the other young lady, looking +so meek, had at the same time spoken tender words to the second ruffian +who had assailed them. + +The part the _pobrecitas_ were playing, with the sympathy they received, +seemed to themselves so comically ludicrous that, but for its serious +side, neither could have kept countenance. Alone the thought of the +lovers not yet being beyond danger hindered their bursting out into +laughter. + +And lest this, too, might cease to restrain them they seized upon the +earliest pretext to get away from the spot. + +Glad were they when some of their gentlemen acquaintances, who chanced +to be passing the place, came up and proposed escorting them home. A +service accepted and, it need not be said, offered with as much alacrity +as it was received. + +Their departure had no effect in dispersing the crowd which had gathered +by the Alamedas Gate. A spot signalised by an episode so odd and +original, was not to be forsaken in that quick inconsiderate way. +Instead, the throng grew quicker, until the street for a long stretch +was packed full of people, close as they could stand. Only one part of +it remained unoccupied, the central list showing the open sewer with its +bordering of black mud. In their holiday attire the populace declined +invading this, though they stood wedging one another along its edge; +their faces turned towards it, with hilarity in their looks and laughter +on their lips. It was just the sort of spectacle to please them; the +sentries in a row--for they had now sneaked back to their post-- +appearing terribly crestfallen, while those over whom they stood guard +seemed, on the contrary, cheerful--as though expecting soon to be +released from their chains. With them it was the _esprit de corps_ of +the galley slave, glad to see a comrade escape from their common misery, +though he cannot escape himself. + +All this, however, was tame; but the winding up of the spectacle in a +quiet natural way. It would soon have been over now, and the sightseers +scattered off to their homes; but just as they were beginning to retire, +a new incident claimed their attention. A scene almost as exciting as +any that had preceded, though only a single personage appeared in it. +This Dominguez, the gaoler, who had been absent all the while at his +_pulqueria_, and only just warned of the event that had so convulsed the +Calle de Plateros, breaking through the crowd like an enraged bull, +rushed along the sewer's edge, nourishing his whip over the heads of the +_forzados_, at the same time reviling the sentries for their scandalous +neglect of duty! To tell the truth, he was more troubled about his own. +He had received particular instructions to be watchful of four +prisoners--the very ones that had escaped. Well might he dread the +reckoning in store for him on return to the gaol. However could he face +his governor? + +For some time he strode to and fro, venting his drunken spleen alike on +soldiers or scavengers. Some of the former would have retaliated; but +they knew him to have authority in high places, and therefore kept +silent, sullenly enduring it. Not so the spectators, many of whom, +knowing, hated him. Possibly, more than probably, some of them had been +under his care. But to all he was now affording infinite amusement. +They laughed at his impotent anger, and laughed again, one crying out, +"He's as good as a bull in a ring!" another exclaiming, "_Viva el Senor +Dominguez rey de las bastoneros_!" ("Hurrah for the Senor Dominguez, +king of the turnkeys!")--a sally which elicited roars of applauding +laughter. + +If angry before, he was now infuriated. Purple in the face, he was +making a dash at the man whom he suspected of mocking him, when his foot +slipped and down he went into the drain head foremost. + +He had altogether disappeared, and was for some seconds out of sight; +the laughter, which had become a yelling chorus, all the while +continuing. Nor did it cease when he re-appeared; instead, was louder +and more uproarious than ever. For his face, late blue with rage, was +now black with a limning of the sewer liquid. + +But he was less mad than sad, after the ill-timed tumble. The _douche_ +had tamed, if not sobered him; and his only thought now was how to get +away from that place of repeated discomfitures, anywhere to hide and +wash himself. + +Luck declared for him at last, in the approach of a squadron of Hussars, +drawing off from him the eyes of the spectators; who had now enough to +do looking out for themselves and their safety. For the Hussars were +coming on at a gallop, with drawn sabres. + +A crush and a scampering followed, as they forced their way through the +crowd, shouting, and striking with the back of their blades. After they +had passed, the people were no longer in a humour for laughing at the +"King of the turnkeys," nor any one else; neither was he there to be +laughed at. + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY ONE. + +A TRANSFORMATION. + +While the ladies set down upon the street were still plaintively +appealing to those around, the carriage from which they had been so +unceremoniously ejected was tearing along the Calle de San Francisco, +going direct for the Acordada! But nothing could be farther from the +thoughts of those in it than a return to that grand gaol, or even +approaching its door. All of them knew there was a regular guard there; +and instead of a single musket missing fire, they would more likely be +saluted with a full volley, sending a shower of bullets about their +ears. Bad marksmen as the Mexican soldiers are, they could not all +miss. But even if they passed through that unscathed, beyond was the +_garita_ of San Cosme, with another guard there. Indeed, go what way +they would, there was none leading out into the country without a +_garita_ to be got through--and for the country they were aiming. + +In these gates, however, there was a difference as to the strength of +their guard detail, and the possibilities of their being passed. All of +which one of the fugitives well understood--Rivas, who, as a matter of +course, had assumed direction of everything relating to their flight. +When opposite the old convent, which gives its name to the street, he +leaned his head out of the carriage window, and said to the _cochero_:-- + +"Take the route by El Nino Perdido. You know the way; show it to him." + +The "him" was Cris Rock, who still had hold of the reins, and who, not +understanding Spanish, could not be addressed direct. + +The result of the order was, that shortly after, the horses were headed +into a side street, indicated to the Texan by a nod perceptible only to +himself. It would not do for the real coachman to appear as aiding +their escape; though there was no danger of the dwarf observing it--the +latter having been crammed down into the boot--where he was held with +his head between Rock's huge thighs, as in a vice. + +The street into which they had turned was a narrow one running along a +dead wall--that of the ancient monastery, which occupies acres of +ground. And in its strip of sidewalk just then there was not a +pedestrian to be seen--the very thing Rivas had been wishing for. Again +speaking out, he said:-- + +"Slowly for a bit. I see a _seraph_ out there. Tell the Tejanos to put +it on." + +For the next hundred yards or so--along the dead wall--the horses went +at a walk, they inside the carriage, as also one on the box, all the +while busy as bees. And when they came out at the end of the quiet +street entering upon a more frequented thoroughfare, the brisk pace was +resumed; though no one could have believed it the same party, seen but a +minute or two before driving at a racecourse speed along the Calle de +Plateros. Jose alone looked the same, in his sky-blue livery and +cockaded hat. But the big man by his side had so far effected a change +that his mud-stained habiliments were hidden under an ample _seraph_, +which covered him from neck to ankles; while the little one was +altogether invisible, and under a threat of having his skull kicked in +if he attempted to show himself. + +Alike quick and complete had been the transformation of the "insides." +There now sat two gentlemen, decently, indeed rather stylishly dressed-- +one wearing a blue cloth cloak with velvet collar; the other a scarlet +"manga," with gold bullion embroidery from neck to shoulders. + +About the equipage there was little now to make remark upon, or cause it +to be regarded with suspicion. Some rich _haciendado_, who had been at +the laying of the foundation-stone, on return to his country house, +taking a friend along with him. The strapping fellow on the box might +be mayor-domo of the estate--they are usually tall men--who had taken a +fancy to try his hand at driving, and the coachman had surrendered him +the reins. All perfectly natural, and _en regle_, even to the rapid +speed at which the horses were put. The driver not accustomed to +handling the ribbons would account for this. Besides, the sun was +getting low, the _casa de campo_ might be a good distance from town, and +such a splendid turnout, belated on a country road would be like +tempting Providence, and certainly the _salteadores_! + +How little would its occupants have regarded an encounter with +highwaymen. Perhaps just then they would have welcomed it. Nor much +did Rivas anticipate further trouble in the streets of the city. He was +familiar with those they were now driving along, and felt no fear of +being obstructed there--at least by the people. Had they hung their +chain out of the carriage window and exposed the prison dress, no one in +that quarter would have cried "Stop thief!" The man who should so cry, +would run the risk of having his clamour suddenly silenced. + +For all they had apprehensions of the keenest. If they were in no +danger while in the streets, they would be when parting from them--at El +Nino Perdido. That gauntlet had yet to be run. + +But while thinking of it, they had not been idle; instead, all the while +planning and preparing for it; Rivas instructing the others as to how +they should act. + +"A _garita_ of the usual kind," he said to Kearney, making known the +nature of the anticipated obstruction; "a gate across the road, with a +guard-house alongside. There's sure to be a sergeant and eight or ten +files in it. If, by good luck, the gate be open, our best way will be +to approach gently, then go through at a gallop. If shut, we'll be +called upon to show our best diplomacy. Leave all that to me. Failing +to fool the guard, we must do battle with it. Anything's better than be +taken back to the Acordada. That would be sure death for me; and, if I +mistake not, for yourself, Senor." + +"I'm sure of it. If we can't get through without, let us fight our way, +whatever the result." + +"Take this pair, then. They seem the most reliable. You _Americanos_ +are more skilled in the use of fire-arms than we. With us steel is +preferred. But I'll do the best I can with the other pair." + +This had reference to two pairs of pistols discovered under the carriage +cushions. Nor were they the only weapons there; besides them were two +long-bladed knives, and a pearl-handled stiletto--the last a tiny +affair, which looked as though taken from the toilet case of a lady. + +"See that yours are loaded and in firing order," Rivas added, at the +same time looking to his own. + +The injunction was not needed, as the Irishman was already examining the +weapons put into his hand, with a view to their efficiency. + +Both pair of pistols were of the old-fashioned duelling kind-- +flintlocks, with barrels nearly a foot in length. Like as not the +Condesa's father and Don Ignacio Valverde, in days long gone by, had +vindicated honour with them. + +The inspection was quick and short, as had been all that preceded; pans +sprung open, showing them filled with powder; rammers run into the +barrels, then drawn out again, and replaced in their thimbles. + +"Mine," said Kearney, first to report, "are good for two lives." + +"And mine the same," rejoined Rivas, "unless I'm laid low before I can +pull the second trigger. Now to dispose of the knives. My countryman, +the _cochero_, however trustworthy, mustn't show fight. That would ruin +all afterwards. But, if I mistake not, your colossal comrade is the man +to make play with one of them in a pinch." + +"You may be sure of it. He was in the Alamo with Bowie, and at Goliad +with Fanning. Don't fear putting a knife into his hands; he'll make +good use of it if we're driven to close quarters." + +"Let him have it, then. You give it, and tell him all." + +Kearney getting hold of one of the two knives, that seeming best suited +for the hands he designed putting it in, passed it on to Cris Rock--not +through the carriage window, but a hole cut in the leathern hood by the +blade itself. Speaking through the same, he said-- + +"Cris! we've got to run a gate where there's a guard of soldiers--maybe +a dozen or so. You're to drive gently up, and, if you see it open, pass +through--then lay on the whip. Should it be shut, approach more +briskly, and pull up impatient-like. But do nothing of yourself--wait +till I give you the word." + +"Trust me, Cap; ye kin do that, I kilk'late." + +"I can, Cris. Take this knife, and if you hear pistols cracking behind, +you'll then know what to do with it." + +"I gie a guess, anyhow," rejoined the Texan, taking hold of the knife, +in a hand passed behind him. Then bringing it forward and under his +eyes, he added, "'Taint sech a bad sort o' blade eyther, tho' I weesh +'twas my ole bowie they took from me at Mier. Wal, Cap; ye kin count on +me makin' use o't, ef 'casion calls, an' more'n one yaller-belly gittin' +it inter his guts; notwithstandin' this durnation clog that's swinging +at my legs. By the jumping Geehosophat, if I ked only git shet o' that +I'd--" + +What he would do or intended saying, had to stay unsaid. Rivas +interrupted him, pulling Kearney back, and telling him to be ready with +the pistols. For they were nearing the place of danger. + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY TWO. + +AN UNLOOKED-FOR SALUTE. + +In a strict military sense the capital of Mexico cannot be called a +fortified city. Still, it has defences, one being an _enceinte_ wall, +which envelops it all round, leaving no straggled suburb, scarce so much +as a house, outside. Compact and close stand the dwellings of the +modern city as those of ancient Tenochtitlan, whose site it occupies, +though the waves of Tezcuco and Xochimilco no longer lap up to its +walls. + +The _enceinte_ spoken of is a mere structure of "adobes," large +sun-baked blocks of mud and straw--in short, the bricks of the +Egyptians, whose making so vexed Moses and the Israelites. Here and +there may be seen a little redoubt, with a battery of guns in it; but +only on revolutionary occasions--the wall, so far as defence goes, more +concerning the smuggler than the soldier; and less contraband from +abroad than infringement of certain regulations of home commerce--chief +of them the tax called "alcabala," corresponding to the _octroi_ of +France, and the _corvee_ of some other European countries. + +The tax is collected at the "garitas," of which there is one on every +road leading out of the city, or rather into it; for it is the man who +enters, not he making exit, who is called upon to contribute to the +_alcabala_. It is levied on every article or commodity brought from the +country in search of a city market. Nothing escapes it; the produce of +farm and garden, field and forest--all have to pay toll at the +_garitas_, so losing a considerable percentage of their value. The +brown aboriginal, his "burro" laden with charcoal, or skins of _pulque_, +or himself staggering under a load of planks heavy enough to weigh down +a donkey, which he has transported from a mountain forest--ten or twenty +miles it may be--is mulcted in this blackmail before he can pass through +a _garita_. + +Not unfrequently he is unable to meet the demand till he have made sale +of the taxed commodity. On such occasions he hypothecates his hat, or +_frezada_, leaving it at the gate, and going on bareheaded or +bare-shouldered to the market, to redeem the pawned article on return. + +Save through these gates there is no access to, or egress from, the +Mexican capital; and at each, besides the official having charge of the +revenue matters, a soldier-guard is stationed, with a guard-house +provided; their duties being of a mixed, three-cornered kind--customs, +police, and military. Five or six such posts there are, on the five or +six roads leading out from the city, like the radiating limbs of a +star-fish; and one of these is the _garita_ El Nino Perdido--literally, +the gate of the "Lost Child." It is, however, one through which the +traffic is of secondary importance; since it is not on any of the main +routes of travel. That which it bars is but a country road, +communicating with the villages of Mixcoac, Coyoacan, and San Angel. +Still, these being places of rural residence, where some of the +_familiares principes_ have country houses, a carriage passing through +the gate of the Lost Child is no rarity. Besides, from the gate itself +runs a _Calzada_, or causeway, wide and straight for nearly two miles, +with a double row of grand old trees along each side, whose pleasant +shade invites, and often receives, visits from city excursionists out +for a stroll, ride, or drive. Near the end of the second mile it angles +abruptly to the right, in the direction of San Angel--a sharp corner the +writer has good reason to remember, having been shot at by +_salteadores_, luckily missed, while passing round it on his way from +country quarters to the city. A horse of best blood saved _his_ blood +there, or this tale would never have been told. + +Asking the reader's pardon for a personal digression--with the excuse +that it may throw light on the scene to follow--it will be understood +how easily the guard on duty at the gate might be "thrown off guard" by +a carriage passing through it; especially on that day when there were so +many, by reason of the grand doings in the city. + +Several had just passed, going country-wards; for it was the season of +rural sojourn among the "ricos." So, when another appeared, heading in +the same direction, the guard-sergeant at Nino Perdido saw nothing +amiss, or to be suspicious of; instead, something to inspire him with +respect. He had been on guard at the Palace scores of times; and by +appearance knew all who were accustomed to pass in and out, more +especially those holding authority. Liveries he could distinguish at +any distance; and when he saw a carriage approaching along the street, +with a coachman in sky-blue and silver, cockaded, he did not need its +being near to recognise the equipage of one of the Cabinet Ministers. + +Though a non-commissioned officer, he was a man of ambitious aims; +dreaming of gold bullion in the shape of epaulettes; and he had long had +his eye on the epaulette of an _alferez_--officers of this rank being +allowed only one. The good word of a Cabinet Minister, whether war, +navy, or _Hacienda_, could give him what he was wishing for, easy at a +nod; and here was an opportunity of winning it. + +"_Cabo_!" he cried out to his corporal, in a flurry of excitement, +"throw open the gate--quick! Fall in, men! Dress up--ready to present +arms! See that you do it handsomely!" + +It was in his favour, and so he congratulated himself that the carriage +came on rather slowly, so that he had ample time to get his half-dozen +files well set-up and dressed for the salute. + +There was some buttoning of jackets, stocks to be adjusted round +shirtless necks, with shakos to be searched for inside the guard-house, +and hurriedly clapped on. Still, it was all got through in good time; +and, when at length the carriage came abreast, the guard was found +standing at "present arms," the sergeant himself saluting in the most +gracious manner. + +They inside, knowing how, returned the salute in true soldier style, +though with a surprised expression upon their faces. No wonder. Where +they had anticipated difficulty and danger, they were received with more +than civility--accorded military honours! + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY THREE. + +"IS IT A GRITO?" + +The soldiers of the guard had grounded arms, and were sauntering back to +their benches, when something came into the sergeant's mind which caused +him misgiving. + +Was it possible he had been paying honours to those undeserving of them? + +He was sure of it being the carriage of Don Ignacio Valverde; his horses +and livery too. But nothing more. None of the party was known to him +as belonging to Don Ignacio's family or servants. For Jose was but +groom or second coachman, who occasionally drove out his young mistress, +but never to the Palace, or other place where the sergeant had been on +duty. + +Equally a stranger to him was the big fellow on the box, who had hold of +the reins, as also one of the gentlemen inside. It occurred to him, +however, that the face of the other was familiar--awakening the memories +of more than ordinary interest. + +"_Mil diablos_!" he muttered to himself as he stood gazing after the +retreating equipage. "If that wasn't my old captain, Don Ruperto Rivas, +there isn't another man in Mexico more like him. I heard say he had +turned _salteador_, and they'd taken him only the other day. _Carria_! +what's that?" + +The carriage, as yet not over a hundred yards from the _garita_, still +going on at a rather moderate pace, was seen suddenly to increase its +speed: in fact, the horses had started off at a gallop! Nor was this +from any scare or fright, but caused by a sharp cut or two of the whip, +as he could tell by seeing the arm of the big man on the box several +times raised above the roof, and vigorously lowered again. +Extraordinary behaviour on his part; how was it to be accounted for? +And how explain that of the gentleman inside, who appeared satisfied +with the changed pace? At all events they were doing naught to prevent +it, for again and again the whip strokes were repeated. None of the +party were intoxicated; at least they had no appearance of it when they +passed the gate. A little excited-looking, though no more than might be +expected in men returning from a public procession. But an elegant +light equipage with horses in full gallop, so unlike the carriage of a +Cabinet Minister! What the mischief could it mean? + +The guard-sergeant had just asked himself the question, when, hark! a +gun fired at the citadela! Soon after another from the military college +of Chapultepec! And from the direction of the Plaza Grande the ringing +of bells. First those of the Cathedral, then of the Acordada, and the +convent of San Francisco, with other convents and churches, till there +was a clangour all over the city! + +Hark again! A second gun from the citadel, quickly followed by another +from Chapultepec, evidently signals and their responses! + +"What the _demonio_ is it? A _pronunciamento_?" Not only did the +sergeant thus interrogate, but all the soldiers under his command, +putting the question to one another. It would be nothing much to +surprise them, least of all himself. He was somewhat of a veteran, and +had seen nigh a score of revolutions, counting _ententes_. + +"I shouldn't be surprised if it is," he suggested, adding, as a third +gun boomed out from the citadel; "it must be a _grito_!" + +"Who's raising it this time, I wonder?" said one of the soldiers, all +now in a flurry of excited expectancy. + +Several names of noted _militarios_ were mentioned at a venture; but no +one could say for certain, nor even give a guess with any confidence. +They could hardly yet realise its being the breaking out of a +_pronunciamento_, since there had been no late tampering with them--the +usual preliminary to revolutions. + +It might not be, after all. But they would be better able to decide +should they hear the rattle of small arms, and for this listened they +all ears. + +More than one of them would have been delighted to hear it. Not that +they disliked the _regime_ of the Dictator, nor the man himself. Like +all despots he was the soldiers friend; professed and giving proofs of +it, by indulging them in soldierly licence--permission to lord it over +the citizen. But much as they liked "El Cojo" (Game leg), as they +called him, a _grito_ would be still more agreeable to them--promising +unlimited loot. + +The sergeant had views of his own, and reflections he kept to himself. +He felt good as sure there was something up, and could not help +connecting it with the carriage which had just passed. He now no longer +doubted having seen his old captain in it. But how came he to be there, +and what doing? He had been in the city, that's certain--was now out of +it, and going at a speed that must mean something more than common. He +could get to San Augustin by that route. There were troops quartered +there; had they declared for the Liberals? + +It might be so, and Rivas was on his way to meet and lead them on to the +city. At any moment they might appear on the _calzada_, at the corner +round which the carriage had just turned. + +The sergeant was now in a state of nervous perplexity. Although his +eyes were on the road his thoughts were not there, but all turned +inward, communing with himself. Which side ought he to take? That of +the _Liberales_ or the _Parti Pretre_? He had been upon both through +two or three alternate changes, and still he was but a _sargento_. And +as he had been serving Santa Anna for a longer spell than usual, without +a single step of promotion, he could not make much of a mistake by +giving the Republican party one more trial. It might get him the +long-coveted epaulette of _alferez_. + +While still occupied with his ambitious dreams, endeavouring to decide +into which scale he should throw the weight of his sword, musket, and +bayonet, the citadel gun once more boomed out, answered by the canon of +Chapultepec. + +Still, there was no cracking of rifles, nor continuous rattle of +musketry, such as should be heard coincident with that cry which in the +Mexican metropolis usually announces a change of government. + +It seemed strange not only to him, but all others on guard at El Nino. +But it might be a parley--the calm before the storm, which they could +not help thinking would yet burst forth, in full fusillade--such as they +had been accustomed to. + +Listening on, however, they heard not that; only the bells, bells, +bells, jingling all over the city, as though it were on fire, those of +the cathedral leading the orchestra of campanule music. And yet another +gun from the citadel, with the answering one from the "Summer Palace of +the Monctezunas." + +They were fast losing patience, beginning to fear there would be no +_pronunciamento_ after all, and no chance of plundering, when the notes +of a cavalry bugle broke upon their ears. + +"At last!" cried one, speaking the mind of all, and as though the sound +were a relief to them. "That's the beginning of it. So, _camarados_! +we may get ready. The next thing will be the cracking of carbines!" + +They all ran to the stack of muskets, each clutching at his own. They +stood listening as before; but not to hear any cracking of carbines. +Instead, the bugle again brayed out its trumpet notes, recognisable as +signals of command; which, though only infantry men, they understood. +There was the "Quick march!" and "Double quick!" but they had no time to +reflect on what it was for, nor need, as just then a troop of Hussars +was seen defiling out from a side street, and coming on towards them at +a charging gallop. + +In a few seconds they were up to the gate, which, being still open, they +could have passed through, without stop or parley. For all, they made +both, the commanding officer suddenly reining up, and shouting back +along the line-- + +"_Alto_!" + +The "halt" was proclaimed by the trumpeter at his side, which brought +the galloping cohort to a stand. + +"_Sargento_!" thundered he at their head to the guard-sergeant, who, +with his men re-formed, was again at "Present arms!" + +"Has a carriage passed you, guard--a landau--grey horses, five men in +it?" + +"Only four men, Senor Colonel; but all the rest as you describe it." + +"Only four! What can that mean? Was there a coachman in light blue +livery--silver facings?" + +"The same, Senor Colonel." + +"That's it, sure; must be. How long since it passed?" + +"Not quite twenty minutes, Senor Colonel. It's just gone round the +corner; yonder where you see the dust stirring." + +"_Adelante_!" cried the colonel, without waiting to question further, +and as the trumpet gave out the "Forward--gallop!" the Hussar troop went +sweeping through the gate, leaving the guard-sergeant and his men in a +state of great mystification and no little chagrin; he, their chief +spokesman, saying with a sorrowful air-- + +"Well _hombres_, it don't look like a _grito_, after all!" + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR. + +AN ILL-USED COACHMAN. + +"Such forethought?" exclaimed Rivas, as the landau went rattling along +the road with the speed of a war-chariot, "wonderful!" he went on. "Ah, +for cleverness, commend me to a woman--when her will's in it. We men +are but simpletons to them. My glorious Ysabel! She's the sort for a +soldier's wife. But don't let me be claiming all the credit for her. +Fair play to the Senorita Valverde; who has, I doubt not, done her share +of the contriving--on your account, Senor." + +The Senor so spoken to had no doubt of it either, and would have been +grieved to think otherwise, but he was too busy at the moment to say +much, and only signified his assent in monosyllables. With head down, +and arms in see-sawing motion, he was endeavouring to cut their +coupling-chain; the tool he handled being a large file; another of the +"something" to be found under the cushions--as found it was! No wonder +Don Ruperto's enthusiastic admiration of the providence which had placed +it there. + +Handy with workmen's tools as with warlike weapons, the young Irishman +had laid hold of it as soon as they were safe through the _garita_, and +was now rasping away with might and main; the other keeping the chain in +place. + +It was not a task to be accomplished without time. The links were thick +as a man's finger, and would need no end of filing before they could be +parted. Still, there was little likelihood of their being interrupted +until it could be done. There was nobody on the road, and only here and +there some labourers at work in the adjoining fields, too busy to take +note of them, or what they were at. The sight of a passing carriage +would be nothing strange, and the horses going at a gallop would but +lead to the supposition of its being a party of "jovenes dorados" +driving out into the country, who had taken too much wine before +starting. + +But, even though these poor proletarians knew all, there was nothing to +be apprehended for any action on their part. Conspiracies and +_pronunciamentos_ were not in their line; and the storm of revolution +might burst over their heads without their caring what way it went, or +even inquiring who was its promoter. So the escaping prisoners took +little pains to conceal what they were at. Speed was now more to their +purpose than strategy, and they were making their best of it, both to +get on along the road, and have their legs free for future action. + +"We might have passed safely through that gate," said the Mexican, who +still continued to do the talking, "even had they known who we were." + +"Indeed! how?" + +"You saw that sergeant who saluted us?" + +"Of course I did, and the grand salute he gave! He couldn't have made +it more impressive had it been the Commander-in-Chief of your army, or +the Dictator himself who was passing." + +"And I fancy it was just something of the kind that moved him. +Doubtless, the livery of the coachman, which he would know to be that of +Don Ignacio Valverde." + +"You think he got us through?" + +"Yes. But it wouldn't have done so if he'd known what was up. Though +something else might--that is, his knowing _me_." + +"Oh! he knows you?" + +"He does; though I'm not sure he recognised me in passing, as I did him. +Odd enough, his being there just then. He was corporal in a company I +once commanded, and I believe liked me as his captain. He's an old +schemer, though; has turned his coat times beyond counting; and just as +well there's been no call for trusting him. He'll catch it for letting +us slip past without challenge; and serve him right, wearing the colours +he now does. Ha! they've waked up at last! I was expecting that." + +It was the first gun at the citadel which called forth these +exclamations, soon followed by the ding-dong of the city bells. + +"_Carrai_!" he continued, "we're no doubt being pursued now, and by +cavalry; some of those we saw in the procession. It begins to look bad. +Still, with so much start, and this fine pair of _frisones_, I've not +much fear of their overtaking us, till we reach the point I'm making +for; unless, indeed--" + +"Unless what?" asked Kearney, seeing he had interrupted himself, and was +looking out apprehensively. + +"That! There's your answer," said the Mexican, pointing to a puff of +smoke that had just shot out from the summit of an isolated hill on +which were batteries and buildings. "Chapultepec--a gun!" he added, and +the bang came instantly after. + +"We'll have it hot enough now," he continued, in a tone telling of +alarm. "There's sure to be cavalry up yonder. If they're cleverly led, +and know which way to take, they may head us off yet, in spite of all we +can do. Lay on the whip," he shouted out to the coachman. + +And the whip was laid on, till the horses galloped faster than ever, +leaving behind a cloud of dust, which extended back for more than a +mile. + +The road they were on was the direct route to San Angel; and through +this village Rivas had intended going, as he had no reason to believe +there were troops stationed in it. But Chapultepec was nearer to it +than the point where they themselves were, and cavalry now starting from +the latter could easily reach San Angel before them. But there was a +branch road leading to Coyoacan, and as that would give them some +advantage, he determined on taking it. + +And now another gun at the citadel, with the response from Chapultepec, +and, soon after, the third booming from both. But meanwhile, something +seen at the castle-crowned hill which deepened the anxious expression on +the face of the Mexican. + +"_Santos Dios_!" he exclaimed; "just as I expected. Look yonder, +Senor!" + +Kearney looked, to see a stream pouring out from the castle gates and +running down the steep causeway which zig-zags to the bottom of the +hill. A stream of men in uniform, by their square crowned shakos and +other insignia, recognisable as Lancers. They had neither weapons nor +horses with them; but both, as Rivas knew, would be at the _Cuartel_ and +stables below. He also knew that the _Lanzeros_ were trained soldiers-- +a petted arm of the service--and it would not take them long to "boot +and saddle." + +More than ever was his look troubled now, still not despairing. He had +his hopes and plans. + +"Drop your file, Senor," he said hurriedly; "no time to finish that now. +We must wait for a better opportunity. And we'll have to leave the +carriage behind; but not just yet." + +By this they had arrived at the embouchure of the branch road coming out +from Cayocaon, into which by his direction the horses were headed, going +on without stop or slackening of speed. And so for nearly another mile; +then he called out to those on the box to bring up. + +Rock, anticipating something of the sort, instantly reined in, and the +carriage came to a stand. At which the two inside sprang out upon the +road, Kearney calling to the Texan-- + +"Drop the reins, Cris! Down; unhitch the horses. Quick!" + +And quick came he down, jerking the dwarf after, who fell upon all +fours; as he recovered his feet, looking as if he had lost his senses. +No one heeded him or his looks; the hurry was too great even to stay for +unbuckling. + +"Cut everything off!" cried Kearney, still speaking to Rock. "Leave on +only the bridles." + +With the knife late put into his hands the Texan went to work, Kearney +himself plying the other, while Rivas held the horses and unhooked the +bearing reins. + +Soon pole-pieces and hame-straps were severed; and the frisones led +forward left all behind, save the bridles and collars. + +"Leave the collars on," said Rivas, seeing there was no time to detach +them. "Now we mount two and two; but first to dispose of him." + +The "him" was Jose, still seated on the box, apparently in a state of +stupor. + +"Pull him down, Cris! Tie him to the wheel!" commanded Kearney. "The +driving reins will do it." + +The Texan knew how to handle tying gear, as all Texans do, and in a +trice the unresisting cochero was dragged from his seat and bound, +Ixion-like, to one of the carriage wheels. + +But Rock had not done with him yet. There was a necessity for something +more, which looked like wanton cruelty--as they wished it to look. This +was the opening of the poor fellow's mouth, and gagging him with the +stock of his own whip! + +So, rendered voiceless and helpless, he saw the four forzados, +two-and-two, get upon his horses and ride off, the only one who +vouchsafed to speak a parting word being the dwarf--he calling back in a +jocular way-- + +"_Adios, Senor cochero_! May your journey be as pleasant as your coach +is slow. Ha, ha, ha!" + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE. + +DOUBLE MOUNTED. + +The labourers hoeing among the young maize plants, and the _tlachiquero_ +drawing the sap from his magueys, saw a sight to astonish them. Two +horses of unusual size, both carrying double, and going at full gallop +as if running a race--on one of them two men in cloaks, blue and +scarlet; the other ridden by a giant, with a mis-shapen monkey-like +creature clinging on the croup behind--harness bridles, with collars +dancing loose around their necks--chains hanging down and clanking at +every bound they made--all this along field paths, in an out-of-the-way +neighbourhood where such horses and such men had never been seen before! +To the cultivator of "milpas" and the collector of "aguamiel" it was a +sight not only to astonish, but inspire them with awe, almost causing +the one to drop his hoe, the other his half-filled hog-skin, and take to +their heels. But both being of the pure Aztecan race, long subdued and +submissive, yet still dreaming of a return to its ancient rule and +glories, they might have believed it their old monarchs, Monctezuna and +Guatimozin, come back again, or the god Oatluetzale himself. + +In whatever way the spectacle affected them, they were not permitted +long to look upon it. For the galloping pace was kept up without halt +or slowing; the strange-looking horses--with the men upon their backs, +still stranger to look at--soon entered a _chapparal_, which bordered +the maize and maguey fields, and so passed out of sight. + +"We're near the end of our ride now," said Rivas to Kearney, after they +had been some time threading their way through the thicket, the horses +from necessity going at a walk. "If 'twere not for this ironmongery +around our ankles, I could almost say we're safe. Unfortunately, where +we've got to go the chains will be a worse impediment than ever. The +file! Have we forgotten it?" + +"No," answered Kearney, drawing it from under his cloak, and holding it +up. + +"Thoughtful of you, _caballero_. In the haste, I had; and we should +have been helpless without it, or at all events awkwardly fixed. If we +only had time to use it now. But we haven't--not so much as a minute to +spare. Besides the lances from Chapultepec, there's a cavalry troop of +some kind--huzzars I take it--coming on from the city. While we were +cutting loose from the carriage, I fancied I heard a bugle-call in the +direction cityward. Of course, with guns and bells signalling, we may +expect pursuit from every point of the compass. Had we kept to the +roads, we'd have been met somewhere. As it is, if they give us another +ten minutes' grace, I'll take you into a place where there's not much +fear of our being followed--by mounted men, anyhow." + +Kearney heard this without comprehending. Some hiding-place, he +supposed, known to the Mexican. It could only mean that. But where? +Looking ahead, he saw the mountains with their sides forest-clad, and +there a fugitive might find concealment. But they were miles off; and +how were they to be reached by men afoot--to say nothing of the chains-- +with cavalry in hue and cry all around them? He put the question. + +"Don't be impatient, _amigo_!" said the Mexican in response; "you'll +soon see the place I speak of, and that will be better than any +description I could give. It's a labyrinth which would have delighted +Daedalus himself. _Mira_! You behold it now!" + +He pointed to a _facade_ of rock, grey, rugged, and precipitous, +trending right and left through the _chapparal_ far as they could see. +A cliff, in short, though of no great elevation; on its crest, growing +yuccas, cactus, and stunted mezquite trees. + +"The _Pedregal_!" he added, in a cheerful voice, "and glad am I to see +it. I've to thank old Vulcan or Pluto for making such a place. It has +saved my life once before, and I trust will do the same now, for all of +us. But we must be quick about it. _Adelante_!" + +The horses were urged into a final spurt of speed, and soon after +arrived at the base of the rocky escarpment, which would have barred +them further advance in that direction, had the intention been to take +them on. But it was not. + +"We must part from them, now," said Rivas. "Dismount all!" + +All four slipped off together, Rock taking hold of both bridles, as if +he waited to be told what to do. + +"We mustn't leave them here," said the Mexican. "They might neigh, and +so guide our pursuers to the spot. In another hour, or half that, we +needn't care; it'll be dark then--" + +He interrupted himself, seeming to reflect, which, the Texan observing, +said to Kearney-- + +"He weeshes the anymals sent off, do he?" + +"Just that, Cris." + +"I war thinkin' o' thet same, meself. The groun' for a good spell back +hez been hard as flint, an' we hain't left much o' trail, nothin' as a +set o' bunglin' yaller-bellies air like ter take up. As for startin' +the horses, that's easy as fallin' off a log. Let me do it." + +"Do it." + +"Take holt o' one then, Cap. Unbuckle the neck strap and pull off the +bridle, when you see me do so wi' t'other. It is a pity to act cruel to +the poor brutes arter the sarvice they've did us; but thar ain't no help +for 't. Riddy, air ye?" + +"Ready!" + +The Texan had taken out his knife; and in another instant its blade was +through the horse's ear, the bridle jerked off at the same time. The +animal, uttering a terrified snort, reared up, spun round, and broke +away in frenzied flight through the thorny _chapparal_. The other, also +released, bounded after, both soon passing out of sight. + +"_Bueno_--_bravo_!" cried the Mexican, admiringly, relieved of his +dilemma. "Now, senors, we must continue the march afoot, and over +ground that'll need help from our hands, too. _Vamonos_!" + +Saying which, he took up the bridles, and tossed them over the crest of +the cliff; then ascended himself, helping Kearney. There was no path; +but some projections of the rock--ledges, with the stems of cactus +plants growing upon their--made the ascent possible. The Texan swarmed +up after, with hunchback at his heels; as he got upon the top, turning +suddenly round, laying hold of the chain, and with a "Jee up," hoisting +the creature feet foremost! + +Another second and they were all out of sight; though not a second too +soon. For as they turned their backs upon the cliff, they could hear +behind, on the farther edge of the thicket through which they had +passed, the signal calls of a cavalry bugle. + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY SIX. + +THE PEDREGAL. + +Interesting as is the Mexican Valley in a scenic sense, it is equally so +in the geological one; perhaps no part of the earth's crust of like +limited area offering greater attractions to him who would study the +lore of the rocks. There he may witness the action of both Plutonic and +Volcanic forces, not alone in records of the buried past, but still +existing, and too oft making display of their mighty power in the +earthquake and the burning mountain. + +There also may be observed the opposed processes of deposition and +denudation in the slitting up of great lakes, and the down wearing of +hills by tropical rain storms, with the river torrents resulting from +them. + +Nor is any portion of this elevated plateau more attractive to the +geologist than that known as "El Pedregal"; a tract lying in its +south-western corner, contiguous to the Cerro de Ajusco, whose summit +rises over it to a height of 6,000 feet and 13,000 above the level of +the sea. + +It is a field of lava vomited forth from Ajusco itself in ages long +past, which, as it cooled, became rent into fissures and honey-combed +with cavities of every conceivable shape. Spread over many square miles +of surface, it tenders this part of the valley almost impassable. No +wheeled vehicle can be taken across it; and even the Mexican horse and +mule--both sure-footed as goats--get through it with difficulty, and +only by one or two known paths. To the pedestrian it is a task; and +there are places into which he even cannot penetrate without scaling +cliffs and traversing chasms deep and dangerous. It bristles with +cactus, zuccas, and other forms of crystalline vegetation, +characteristic of a barren soil. But there are spots of great +fertility--hollows where the volcanic ashes were deposited--forming +little _oases_, into which the honest Indian finds his way for purposes +of cultivation. Others less honest seek refuge in its caves and +coverts, fugitives from justice and the gaols--not always criminals, +however, for within it the proscribed patriot and defeated soldier oft +find an asylum. + +In the four individuals who had now entered there was all this variety, +if he who directed their movements was what the Condesa Almonte +described him. In any case, he appeared familiar with the place and its +ways, saying to Kearney, as they went on-- + +"No thanks to me for knowing all about the Pedregal. I was born on its +edge; when a boy bird-nested and trapped armadilloes all over it. +Twisted as this path is, it will take us to a spot where we needn't fear +any soldiers following us--not this night anyhow. To-morrow they may, +and welcome." + +Their march was continued, but not without great difficulty, and much +exertion of their strength. They were forced to clamber over masses of +rock, and thread their way through thickets of cactus, whose spines, +sharp as needles, lacerated their skins. With the coupling-chains still +on, it was all the more difficult to avoid them. + +Luckily, they had not far to go before arriving at the place where their +conductor deemed it safe to make a stop. About this there was nothing +particular, more than its being a hollow, where they could stand upright +without danger of being seen from any of the eminences around. +Descending into it, Rivas said-- + +"Now, Don Florencio, you can finish the little job you were interrupted +at, without much fear of having to knock off again." + +At which he raised the chain, and held it rested on something firmer +than the cushion of a carriage. So placed, the file made better +progress, and in a short time the link was cut through, letting them +walk freely apart. + +"_Caballero_!" exclaimed the Mexican, assuming an attitude as if about +to propose a toast; "may our friendship be more difficult to sever than +that chain, and hold us longer together--for life, I hope." + +Kearney would not have been a son of Erin to refuse reciprocating the +pretty compliment, which he did with all due warmth and readiness. + +But his work was not over. Rock and Zorillo had yet to be uncoupled; +the former, perhaps, longing to be delivered more than any of the four. +He had conceived a positive disgust for the hunchback; though, as +already said, less on account of the creature's physical than moral +deformity, of which last he had ample evidence during the short while +they were together. Nor had it needed for him to understand what the +latter said. A natural physiognomist, he could read in Zorillo's eyes +the evil disposition of the animal from which he drew his name. + +As Kearney approached him with the file, the Texan raising his foot, and +planting it on a ledge of rock, said-- + +"Cut through thar, Cap--the link as air nixt to my ankle-clasp." + +This was different to what had been done with the other, which had been +severed centrally. It was not intended to take off the whole of the +chains yet. The Mexican said there was no time for so much filing; that +must be done when they got farther on. + +"Yer see, Cap," added Rock, giving a reason for the request, "'fore it's +all over, who knows I mayn't need full leg freedom 'ithoot any hamper? +So gie the dwarf the hul o' the chain to carry. He desarve to hev it, +or suthin' else, round his thrapple 'stead o' his leg. This chile have +been contagious to the grist o' queer company in his perambulations +roun' and about; but niver sech as he. The sight of him air enough to +give a nigger the gut ache." + +And in his quaint vernacular he thus rambled on all the time Kearney was +at work, his rude speech being an appropriate symphony to the rasping of +the file. + +He at the other end of the coupling-chain lay squatted along the ground, +saying not a word, but his eyes full of sparkle and mischief, as those +of an enraged rattle-snake. Still, there was fear in his face; for +though he could not tell what was being said, he fancied it was about +himself, and anything but in his favour. He was with the other three, +but not of them; his conscience told him that. He was in their way, +too; had been all along, and would be hereafter. What if they took into +their heads to rid themselves of him in some violent manner? They might +cut his throat with one of the knives he had seen them make such +dexterous use of! Reflecting in this fashion, no wonder he was +apprehensive. + +Something was going to be done to him different from the rest, he felt +sure. After the chain had been got apart the other three drew off to a +distance, and stood as if deliberating. It must be about himself. + +And about him it was--the way to dispose of him. + +"I hardly know what we're to do with the little beast," said Rivas. +"Leave him here loose we daren't; he'd slip back again, good as certain, +and too soon for our safety. If we tie him he will cry out, and might +be heard. We're not far enough away. _Oiga_! They're beating up the +cover we've just come out of. Yes; they're in the _chapparal_ now!" + +It was even so, as could be told by the occasional call of a bugle +sounding skirmish signals. + +"Why not tie and gag him, too?" asked Kearney. + +"Sure we could do that. But it wouldn't be safe either. They might +find their way here at once. But if they didn't find it at all, and no +one came along--" + +"Ah! I see," interrupted the Irishman, as the inhumanity of the thing +became manifest to him. "He might perish, you mean?" + +"Just so. No doubt the wretch deserves it. From all I've heard of him, +he does richly. But we are not his judges, and have no right to be his +executioners." + +Sentiments not such as might have been expected from the lips of a +bandit! + +"No, certainly not," rejoined Kearney, hastening to signify his approval +of them. + +"What do _you_ think we should do with him, Rock?" he added, addressing +himself to the Texan, who quite comprehended the difficulty. + +"Wal', Cap; 't 'ud be marciful to knock him on the head at onc't, than +leave him to gasp it out with a stopper in his mouth; as ye say the +Mexikin thinks he mout. But thar ain't no need for eyther. Why not +toat him along? Ef he should bother us I kin heist him on my back, easy +enuf. A ugly burden he'd be, tho' 'tain't for the weight o' him." + +The Texan's suggestion was entertained, no other course seeming safe, +except at the probable sacrifice of the creature's life. And that none +of them contemplated for a moment. In fine, it was determined to take +him on. + +The colloquy now coming to an end, Rivas and the Irishman caught up the +pieces of chain still attached to their ankles, each making the end of +his own fast round his wrist, so as not to impede their onward march. +This done, they all moved on again, the Mexican, of course, foremost, +Kearney at his heels. After him, Cris Rock, chain in hand, half +leading, half-dragging the dwarf, as a showman might his monkey. + +In this way there was no danger of his betraying them. He could shout +and still have been heard by those behind. But an expressive gesture of +the Texan admonished him that if he made a noise, it would be the last +of him. + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN. + +A SUSPICION OF CONNIVANCE. + +"Suspicious, to say the least of it! If a coincidence, certainly the +strangest in my experience, or that I've ever heard of. A score of +other carriages passing, and they to have chosen that one of all! +_Carrai_! it cannot have been chance--improbable--impossible!" + +So soliloquised the Chief Magistrate of Mexico, after receiving a report +of what had occurred in the Calle de Plateros. He had as yet only been +furnished with a general account of it; but particularising the +prisoners who had escaped, with their mode of making off, as also whose +carriage they had seized upon. He had been told, also, that there were +two ladies in it, but needed not telling who they were. + +All this was made known by a messenger who came post-haste to the +Palace, soon after the occurrence. He had been sent by Colonel +Santander, who could not come himself; too busy getting the Hussars into +their saddles for the pursuit--for he it was who led it. And never did +man follow fugitives with more eagerness to overtake them, or more +bitter chagrin in their flight. + +Not much, if anything, less was that of Santa Anna himself, as he now +sat reflecting over it. He, too, had seen the two Texans with Rivas in +the sewers; the latter a well-known enemy in war, and, as he late +believed, a dangerous rival in love. He had glanced exultingly at him, +with the thought of that danger past. The rebel proscribed, and for +years sought for, had at length been found; was in his power, with life +forfeit, and the determination it should be taken. That but a short +hour ago, and now the doomed man was free again! + +But surely not? With a squadron of cavalry in pursuit, canon booming, +bells ringing, every military post and picket for miles round on the +alert, surely four men chained two and two, conspicuous in a grand +carriage, could not eventually get off. + +It might seem so; still the thing was possible, as Santa Anna had reason +to know. A man of many adventures, he had himself more than once eluded +a pursuing enemy with chances little better. + +He sat chewing the cud of disappointment, though not patiently, nor +keeping all the time to his chair. Every now and then he rose to his +feet, made stumping excursions round the room, repeatedly touched the +bell, to inquire whether any news had been received of the fugitive +party. + +The aide-de-camp in attendance could not help wondering at all this, +having had orders to report instantly whatever word should be brought +in. Besides, why should the great Generalissimo be troubling himself +about so small a matter as the escape of three or four prisoners, +seeming excited as if he had lost a battle. + +The cause of this excitement the Dictator alone knew, keeping it to +himself. He was still in the dark as to certain details of what had +transpired, and had sent for the governor of the Acordada, who should be +able to supply them. + +Meantime he went about muttering threats against this one and that one, +giving way to bitter reflections; one bitterest of all, that there had +been a suspicion of connivance at the escape of the prisoners. But to +this there was a sweet side as well; so some words uttered by him would +indicate. + +"Ah, Condesa! You may be clever--you are. But if I find you've had a +hand in this, and it can be proved to the world, never was a woman in a +man's power more than you'll be in mine. Title, riches, family +influence, all will be powerless to shield you. In the cell of a prison +where I may yet have the pleasure of paying you a visit, you won't be +either so proud or so scornful as you've shown yourself in a palace this +same day. _Veremos_--we shall see." + +"Don Pedro Arias." + +It was an aide-de-camp announcing the Governor of the Acordada. + +"Conduct him in." + +Without delay the prison official was ushered into the presence, looking +very sad and cowed-like. Nor did the reception accorded him have a +restoring influence; instead, the reverse. + +"What's all this I hear?" thundered out the disposer of punishments and +of places; "you've been letting your prisoners bolt from you in whole +batches. I suppose by this time the Acordada will be empty." + +"_Excellentissimo_! I am very sorry to say that four of them--" + +"Yes; and of the four, two of them you had orders to guard most +strictly--rigorously." + +"I admit it, Sire, but--" + +"Sirrah! you needn't waste words excusing yourself. Your conduct shall +be inquired into by-and-by. What I want now is to know the +circumstances--the exact particulars of this strange affair. So answer +the questions I put to you without concealment or prevarication." + +The gaol-governor, making humble obeisance, silently awaited the +examination, as a witness in the box who fears he may himself soon stand +in the dock. + +"To begin: why did you send those four prisoners out with the +chain-gang?" + +"By order of Colonel Santander, Sire. He said it was your Excellency's +wish." + +"Humph! Well, that's comprehensible. And so far you're excusable. But +how came it you didn't see to their being better guarded?" + +"Sire, I placed them in charge of the chief turnkey--a man named +Dominguez--whom I had found most trustworthy on other occasions. To-day +being exceptional, on account of the ceremonies, he was pressed to take +drink, and, I'm sorry to say, got well-nigh drunk. That will explain +his neglect of duty." + +"It seems there were two ladies in the carriage. You know who they +were, I suppose?" + +"By inquiry I have ascertained, your Excellency. One was the Countess +Almonte the other Don Luisa Valverde, as your Excellency will know, the +daughter of him to whom the equipage belonged." + +"Yes, yes. I know all that. I have been told the carriage made stop +directly opposite to where these men were at work. Was that so?" + +"It was, Sire." + +"And have you heard how the stoppage came about?" + +"Yes, _Excellentissimo_. The horses shied at something, and brought the +wheels into a bank of mud. Then the _cochero_, who appears to be a +stupid fellow, pulled them up, when he ought to have forced them on. +While they were at rest the four _forzados_ made a rush, two right into +the carriage, the other two up to the box; one of these last, the big +_Tejano_, getting hold of the reins and whip, and driving off at a +gallop. They had only one sentry to pass in the direction of San +Francisco. He, like Dominguez, was too far gone in drink, so there was +nothing to stop them--except the guards at the garitas. And, I am sorry +to say, the sergeant at El Nino Perdita let them pass through without so +much as challenging. His account is that, seeing the carriage belonged +to one of your Excellency's Ministers, he never thought of stopping it, +and should not. Why should he, Sire?" + +This touch of obsequious flattery seemed to mollify the Dictator's +wrath, or it had by this otherwise expended itself, as evinced by his +rejoinder in a more tranquil tone. Indeed, his manner became almost +confidential. + +"Don Pedro," he said, "I'm satisfied with the explanation you give, so +far as regards your own conduct in the affair. But now, tell me, do you +think the ladies who were in the carriage had anything to do with the +drawing up of the horses? Or was it all an accident?" + +"Will your Excellency allow me a moment to reflect? I had thought +something of that before; but--" + +"Think of it again. Take time, and give me your opinion. Let it be a +truthful one, Don Pedro; there's much depending on it." + +Thus appealed to, the gaol-governor stood for a time silent, evidently +cudgelling his brains. He made mental review of all that had been told +him about the behaviour of the young ladies, both before they were +turned out of the carriage and after. He was himself aware of certain +relations, friendly at least, supposed to exist between one of them and +one of the escaped prisoners, and had thought it strange, too, that +particular equipage being chosen. Still, from all he could gather, +after ample inquiry, he was forced to the conclusion that the thing was +unpremeditated--at least on the part of the ladies. + +This was still his belief, after reflecting as he had been enjoined to +do. In support of it he stated the facts as represented to him, how the +Senoritas had been forced from their carriage, almost pitched into the +street, their costly dresses dirtied and damaged, themselves showing +wildest affright. Still, this was strange, too, on the part of the +Condesa; and, in fine, Don Pedro, after further cross-questioning, was +unable to say whether there had been connivance or not. + +After giving such an unsatisfactory account of the matter he was +dismissed, rather brusquely; and returned to the Acordada, with an ugly +apprehension that instead of continuing governor of this grand gaol, +with a handsome salary and snug quarters, he might ere long be himself +the occupant of one of its cells, set apart for common prisoners. + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT. + +THE REPORT OF THE PURSUER. + +With unappeased impatience the Dictator awaited the return of the +pursuing party, or some news of it. The last he in time received at +first hand from the lips of its leader, who, after nightfall, had +hastened back to the city and reported himself at the Palace. + +"You have taken them?" interrogated Santa Anna, as the Hussar officer, +no longer in a glitter of gold lace, but dim with sweat and dust, was +ushered into his presence. + +He put the question doubtingly; indeed, from the expression of +Santander's face, almost sure of receiving a negative answer. Negative +it was-- + +"Not yet, Sire; I regret to say they are still at large." + +The rejoinder was preceded by a string of exclamatory phrases, ill +becoming the Chief of the State. But Santa Anna, being a soldier, +claimed a soldier's privilege of swearing, and among his familiars was +accustomed to it as any common trooper. After venting a strong +ebullition of oaths, he calmed down a little, saying-- + +"Give me a full account of what you've seen and done." + +This was rendered in detail, from the time of the pursuit being entered +upon till it had ended abortively, by the coming on of night. + +Chancing to be in the Maza, the Colonel said, when word reached him of +what had occurred in the Calle de Plateros, he made all haste to pursue +with a squadron of Hussars. Why he took so many, was that he might be +able to send a force along every road, in case it should be necessary. + +He found the _escapados_ had gone out by El Nino Perdido, the sergeant +on guard there allowing them to go past. + +"See that he be put under arrest!" + +"He's under arrest now, your Excellency. I had that done as I was +returning." + +"Proceed with your relation!" + +Which Santander did, telling how he had followed the fugitive party +along the San Angel Road, and there met a troop of Lancers from +Chapultepec. Some field-labourers had seen a carriage turn off towards +Coyoacan; and taking that route he soon after came up with it. It was +stopped on the roadside: empty, horses gone, the harness strewed over +the ground hacked and cut; the _cochero_ strapped to one of the wheels, +and gagged with the handle of his whip! + +When the man was released he could tell nothing more than that the four +had mounted his horses, a pair upon each, and galloped off across the +country, on a sort of bridle path, as if making for the San Antonio +Road. + +Turning in that direction, Santander soon discovered that they had +entered into a tract of _chapparal_; and while this was being searched +for them, the unharnessed horses were observed rushing to and fro in +frenzied gallop, riderless of course. When caught, it was seen why they +were now excited, one of them having its ear slit, the blood still +dropping from the wound. + +The _chapparal_ was quartered in every direction; but he soon came to +the conclusion it was no use searching for them there. + +"_Carramba_!" interrupted his listener; "of course not I know the place +well. And if you, Senor Colonel, were as well acquainted with that +_chapparal_, and what lies alongside it, as one of those you were after, +you'd have dropped the search sooner. You needn't tell me more; I can +guess the finish; they got off into the Pedregal." + +"So it would seem, your Excellency." + +"Seem! So it is, _por cierto_. And looking for them there would be so +much lost time. Around your native city, New Orleans, there are swamps +where the runaway slave manages to hide himself. He'd have a better +chance of concealment here, among rocks, in that same quarter you've +just come from. It's a very labyrinth. But what did you afterwards? +You may as well complete your narrative." + +"There is not much more to tell, Sire; for little more could we do. The +darkness came on, as we discovered they had taken to the rocks." + +"You did discover that?" + +"Yes, your Excellency. We found the place where they had gone up over a +sort of cliff. There were scratches made by their feet, with a branch +broken off one of the cactus plants; some of the sewer mud, too, was on +the rock. But there was no path, and I saw it would be useless carrying +the pursuit any further till we should have the light of morning. I've +taken every precaution, however, to prevent their getting out of the +Pedregal." + +"What precautions?" + +"By completely enfilading it, Sire. I sent the Lancers round by San +Geromino and Contreras; the Hussars to go in the opposite direction by +San Augustin. They have orders to drop a picket at every path that +leads from it, till they meet on the other side." + +"Well, Senor Colonel, your strategy is good. I don't see that you could +have done better under the circumstances. But it's doubtful whether we +shall be able to trap our foxes in the Pedregal. One of them knows its +paths too well to let night or darkness hinder his travelling along +them. He'll be through it before your pickets can get to their +stations. Yes; and off to a hiding-place he has elsewhere--a safer +one--somewhere in the Sierras. Confound those Sierras with their +caverns and forests. They're full of my enemies, rebels, and robbers. +But I'll have them rooted out, hanged, shot, till I clear the country of +disaffection. _Carajo_! I shall be master of Mexico, not only in name, +but deeds. Emperor in reality!" + +Excited by the thought of unrestrained rule and dreams of vengeance-- +sweet to the despot as blood to the tiger--he sprang out of his chair, +and paced to and fro, gesticulating in a violent manner. + +"Yes, Senor Colonel!" he continued in tone satisfied as triumphant. +"Other matters have hindered me from looking after these skulking +proscripts. But our victory over the Tejanos has given me the power +now, and I intend using it. These men must be recaptured at all cost-- +if it take my whole army to do it. To you, Don Carlos Santander, I +entrust the task--its whole management. You have my authority to +requisition troops, and spend whatever money may be needed to ensure +success. And," he added, stepping close to his subordinate, and +speaking in a confidential way, "if you can bring me back Ruperto Rivas, +_or his head so that I can recognise it_, I shall thank you not as +_Colonel_, but as _General_ Santander." + +The expression upon his face as he said this was truly Satanic. Equally +so that on his to whom the horrid hint was given. Alike cruel in their +instincts, with aims closely corresponding, it would be strange if the +fugitive prisoners were not retaken. + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY NINE. + +UP THE MOUNTAIN. + +"We're going to have a night black as charcoal," said Rivas, running his +eye along the outline of the Cordilleras, and taking survey of the sky +beyond. + +"Will that be against us?" queried the young Irishman. + +"In one way, yes; in another, for us. Our pursuers will be sure to ride +all round the Pedregal, and leave a picket wherever they see the +resemblance of path or trail leading out. If it were to come on +moonlight--as luckily it won't--we'd had but a poor chance to get past +them without being seen. And that would signify a fight against awkward +odds--numbers, arms, everything. We must steal past somehow, and so the +darkness will be in our favour." + +As may be deduced from this snatch of dialogue, they were still in the +Pedregal. But the purple twilight was now around them, soon to deepen +into the obscurity of night; sooner from their having got nearly across +the lava field, and under the shadow of Ajusco, which, like a black +wall, towered up against the horizon. They had stooped for a moment, +Rivas himself cautiously creeping up to an elevated spot, and +reconnoitring the ground in front. + +"It will be necessary for us to reach the mountains before morning," he +added after a pause. "Were we but common gaol-birds who had bolted, it +wouldn't much signify, and we'd be safe here for days, or indeed for +ever. The authorities of Mexico, such as they are at present, don't +show themselves very zealous in the pursuit of escaped criminals. But +neither you nor I, Senor Kearney, come under that category--unluckily +for us, just now--and the Pedregal, labyrinth though it be, will get +surrounded and explored--every inch of it within the next forty-eight +hours. So out of it we must move this night, or never." + +Twilight on the table-lands of the western world is a matter of only a +few minutes: and, while he was still speaking, the night darkness had +drawn around them. It hindered them not from proceeding onwards, +however, the Mexican once more leading off, after enforcing upon the +others to keep close to him, and make no noise avoidable. + +Another half-hour of clambering over rocks, with here and there a +scrambling through thickets of cactus, and he again came to a stop, all, +of course, doing the same. This time to use their ears, rather than +eyes; since around all was black as a pot of pitch, the nearest object, +rock or bush, being scarcely visible. + +For a time they stood listening intently. Not long, however, before +hearing sounds--the voices of men--and seeing a glimmer of light, which +rose in radiation above the crest of a low ridge at some distance ahead. + +"_Un piquet_!" pronounced Rivas, in a half-whisper. + +"_Soto en la puerto--mozo_!" (knave in the door--winner) came a voice +in a long-drawn accentuation, from the direction of the light. + +"Good!" mutteringly exclaimed the Mexican, on hearing it. "They're at +their game of _monte_. While so engaged, not much fear they'll think of +aught else. I know the spot they're in, and a way that will take us +round it. Come on, _camarados_! The trick's ours!" + +Sure enough it proved so. A path that showed no sign of having ever +been trodden, but still passable, led out past the gambling soldiers, +without near approach to them. And they were still absorbed in their +game--as could be told by its calls every now and then drawled out, and +sounding strange in that solitary place. Ruperto Rivas conducted his +trio of companions clear of the Pedregal, and beyond the line of +enfiladement. + +In twenty minutes after they were mounting the steep slope of the Cerro +Ajusco, amid tall forest trees, with no fear of pursuit by the soldiers, +than if separated from them by a hundred long leagues. + +After breasting the mountain for some time, they paused to take breath, +Rivas saying-- + +"Well, _caballeros_, we're on safe ground now, and may rest a bit. It's +been a close shave, though; and we may thank our stars there are none in +the sky--nor moon. Look yonder! They're at it yet. `_Soto en la +puerto--mozo_!' Ha, ha, ha!" + +He referred to a faint light visible at a long distance below, on the +edge of the Pedregal, where they had passed that of a picket fire-camp, +which enabled the _monte_ players to make out the markings on their +cards. + +"We may laugh who have won," he added, now seemingly relieved from all +apprehension of pursuit. + +Nevertheless the fugitive party stayed but a short while there; just +long enough to recover wind. The point they were making for was still +further up the mountain, though none of them could tell where save Rivas +himself. He knew the place and paths leading to it, and well; otherwise +he could not have followed them, so thick was the darkness. In daylight +it would have been difficult enough, yawning chasms to be crossed +_barransas_--with cliffs to be climbed, in comparison with which the +escarpments of the Pedregal were but as garden walls. + +In a groping way, hand helping hand, all were at length got up and over, +as the tolling of distant church bells, down in the valley below, +proclaimed the hour of midnight. Just then Rivas, once more making a +stop, plucked a leaf from one of the grass plants growing by, and +placing it between his lips gave out a peculiar sound, half screech, +half whistle--a signal as the others supposed; being assured it was, by +the response soon after reaching their ears. + +The signal was given again, with some variations; responded to in like +manner. Then a further advance up the mountain, and still another halt; +this time at hearing the hail: + +"_Quien viva_!" + +"_El Capitan_!" called out Rivas in answer, and received for rejoinder +first an exclamation of delighted surprise, then words signifying +permission to approach and pass. + +The approach was not so easy, being up a steep incline, almost a cliff. +But on reaching its crest they came in sight of the man who had +challenged, standing on a ledge of rock. A strange-looking figure he +seemed to Kearney and the Texan, wearing a long loose robe, girded at +the waist--the garb of a monk, if the dim light was not deceiving them; +yet with the air of a soldier, and sentinel-fashion, carrying a gun! + +He was at "present arms" when they got up opposite; and wondering, but +without saying aught, they passed him--their conductor, after a +momentary pause and a muttered word to him, leading on as before. + +Another ascent, this time short, but still almost precipitous, and this +climbing came to an end. + + + +CHAPTER FORTY. + +A FAITHFUL STEWARD. + +The spot where they had now made stop--final for the night--was still +far below the summit of the mountain. It was a sort of platform or +bench, formed by the crest of a projecting spur, the cliff rising sheer +at its back. Its level surface was only a few acres in extent, +supporting a thick growth of tall evergreen pines, the long-leaved +species indigenous to Mexico. Centrally there was a place clear of +timber, which ran up to the cliff's base, or rather to a building +contiguous to it. In front of this they halted, Rivas saying-- + +"Behold my humble abode, _caballeros_! Let me bid you welcome to it." + +There was light enough to let them see a massive pile of mason work +outlined against the cliff's _facade_, while too dim for them to +distinguish its features. They could make out, however, what appeared +to be a pair of windows with pointed arches, and between them a large +doorway, seeming more like the mouth of a cavern. Out of this came a +faint scintillation of light, and as they drew up to it, a candle could +be seen burning inside a sort of covered porch, resembling the lych-gate +of a country church. There were some stone benches outside, from one of +which a man started up and advanced toward them, as he did so putting +the formal question-- + +"_Quien es_?" + +"_Yo, Gregorio_!" was the answer given by Rivas. + +"_El Capitan_!" exclaimed the questioner, in a tone also telling of +pleased surprise. "And free again! I'm so glad, Don Ruperto! Praise +to the Lord for delivering you!" + +"Thanks, good Gregorio! And while you're about it, you may as well give +part of your praise to a lady, who had something to do with it--indeed, +two of them." + +"Ah! Senor Capitan, I think I know one of them anyhow, and in all +Mexico I can say--ay, swear it--" + +"True, true!" interrupted the Captain. "But stay your asseveration. +There's no time to talk about the Senoritas now. My friends and I are +in want of something to eat. We're as hungry as _coyotes_. What have +you got in the larder?" + +"Not much, I fear, your worship. And the cook's gone to bed, with +everybody else. But they'll only be too delighted to get up when they +hear it's your worship come back. Shall I go and rouse them, Senor?" + +"No, no. Let them sleep it out. Any cold thing will do for us. We're +as much fatigued as famished, and wish to be in bed ourselves as soon as +possible. So look out whatever eatables there are, and don't forget the +drinkables. I trust the cellar isn't as low as the larder?" + +"No, Senor. Of that I can speak with more confidence. Not a cork has +been drawn since you left us--I mean of the best wines. Only the common +Canario was drunk in your absence." + +"In that case, mayor-domo, we may sup satisfactorily, so far as the +liquids are concerned, should the solids prove deficient. Bring a +bottle of Burgundy, another of the Brown Madeira, and, let me see--yes, +one of old Pedro Ximenes. I suppose the brethren have used up all my +best cigars?" + +"Not one of them, Senor. The Havannahs have been under lock and key, +too. I gave out only _puros_." + +"What a faithful steward you've proved yourself, Gregorio! Well, along +with the wine, let us have a bundle of Imperadores. We haven't tasted +tobacco for days, and are all dying for a smoke." + +By this time they had entered the porch, and were passing on through a +long corridor, still more dimly illuminated. But there was light +issuing from a side-door, which stood open. By this Rivas made stop, +with word and gesture signifying to the others to pass on inside, which +they did. Not all of them, however; only Kearney and Rock. A different +disposition he meant making of the dwarf than giving him Burgundy and +Madeira to drink, with the smoking of "Emperor" cigars. Pointing to the +crooked semblance of humanity, at which Gregorio was gazing with a +puzzled air, he whispered to the latter-- + +"Take the beast back, and shut him up in one of the cells. You may give +him something to eat, but see to his being securely kept. Insignificant +as he looks, there's mischief in him, and he might take it into his head +to stray. You comprehend, Gregorio?" + +"I do, your worship. I'll take care to stow him safe." + +Saying which, the mayor-domo of the establishment, for such Gregorio +was, caught the hunchback by one of his ears--grand auricles they were-- +and led him away along the corridor, with the prison chain trailing +behind. + +Rivas did not stay till they were out of sight, but turning, stepped +inside the room into which he had ushered the other two. + +It was rather a large apartment, but plainly and sparsely furnished; a +deal table and half a dozen common chairs, with leathern backs and +bottoms, such as may be seen in most Mexican houses. It was better +supplied with arms than household effects; several guns standing in +corners, with swords hanging against the walls, and a variety of +accoutrements--all giving it more the appearance of a guard-house than +the reception-room of a gentleman's mansion. + +"Now _amigos_" said the Mexican, after rejoining his guests, on whose +faces he could not fail to note an odd inquiring expression, "I can at +last say to you, feel safe, if I can't assure you of a supper good as +I'd wish to give. Still, if I mistake not, 'twill be superior to our +prison fare. _Por Dios_! Having to put up with that was punishment +enough of itself, without being set to work in the sewers." + +"Ah," remarked Kearney, speaking for himself and the Texan, "had you +been one of us prisoners from Mier up to Mexico, the diet you complain +of would have seemed luxury for Lucullus." + +"Indeed! What did they give you to eat?" + +"Brown beans only half boiled, _tortillas_, usually cold; and sometimes, +for a whole stretch of twenty-four hours, nothing at all." + +"_Carramba_!" exclaimed the Mexican. "That was hard usage. But nothing +to surprise. Just as Santa Anna might be expected to treat his captive +enemies, whether of his own people, or as yourselves, foreigners. More +cruel tyrant never ruled country. But his reign, thank Heaven, will not +be long. I've reason for saying that, and better still for thinking +it." + +The little interlude of dialogue was brought to a close by the entrance +of the mayor-domo loaded with bottles and glasses. He had orders to +bring the wine first, the cigars along with it. + +Lumping all down upon the table, he left them to wait upon themselves, +while he went off to ransack the pantry soon to return with a +sufficiency of viands, and savoury enough to satisfy men who had just +come out of the Acordada. There was cold mutton, ham, and venison, +maize bread, and "guesas de Guatemala," with a variety of fruit to +follow. Verily a supper at which even a gourmand might not cavil; +though it was but the _debris_ of a dinner, which seemed to have been +partaken of by a goodly array of guests. + +Not long lingered they over it, before whom it was set a second time. +Overcome by the toil and struggle of days, and more the mental worry +attendant, even the wine freely quaffed failed to excite them afresh. +Rest and sleep they more needed and much desired; all glad when Gregorio +again showed his face at the door, saying-- + +"_Caballeros_, your sleeping rooms are ready." + + + +CHAPTER FORTY ONE. + +ANXIOUS HOURS. + +"See, Luisita! Yonder go soldiers!" + +"Where?" + +"Along the calzada of Nino Perdido--under the trees--by the thick +clump--they're galloping!" + +"_Santissima_, yes! I see them now. O Ysabel! if they overtake the +carriage! _Ay Dios_!" + +"_Ay Dios_, indeed! It's to be hoped they won't, though. And I have +less fear of it now than ever. It must have gone that way, or the +soldiers wouldn't be there; and as it couldn't have stopped at the +_garita_, it should now be a good distance on. Keep up your heart, +_amiga mia_, as I do mine. They'll soon be safe, if they're not yet." + +This exclamatory dialogue was carried on while the alarm bells were +still ringing, and the guns booming. The speakers were on the azotea of +Don Ignacio's house, up to which they had hastened soon as home--having +dismissed their escort below, and left orders for no visitors to be +admitted. + +In the _mirador_, with opera-glasses to their eyes, they had been +scanning the roads which led south and south-west from the city. Only +for a few minutes, as they had but just got back, and as the carriage +having already rounded the turning to Coyoacan, they saw but the +pursuing soldiers. Those were the Hussars, with Santander at their +head, though the ladies knew not that. + +Fortified by the hopeful speech of the Condesa, the other responded to +it with an added word of hope, and a prayer for the safe escape of those +they were concerned about. + +Then for a while both remained silent, with the lorgnettes to their +eyes, following the movements of the soldiers along the road. Soon +these were out of sight, but their whereabouts could be told by the +cloud of white dust which rose over the trees, gradually drifting +farther and farther off. + +At length it too disappeared, settling down; and as the bells ceased to +ring, and the cannon to be fired, the city, with all around it, seemed +restored to its wonted tranquillity. + +But not so the breasts of Luisa Valverde and Ysabel Almonte. Far from +tranquil they; instead, filled with anxiety, keen as ever. And now, as +much on their own account as for those they had been aiding to escape. +In their haste to effect this, they had taken no thought of what was to +come after. But it was now forced upon them. As they looked back on +what they had themselves done--the part they had been playing, with all +its details of action--apprehensions hitherto unfelt began to steal over +them, growing stronger the longer they dwelt upon them. + +But what would be the upshot of all? + +What if the carriage got overtaken with the fugitives in it, and beside +them those knives and pistols, to say nothing of the file? A +gentleman's cloak too, with _mango_ and _serape_! Odd assortment of +articles for ladies to take out on an airing! They had no fear of the +_cochero_ betraying them; but this paraphernalia surely would, if it +fell into the hands of the pursuers. They might expect investigation, +anyhow; but these things, if produced, would bring about an exposure +unavoidable. + +No wonder at their soon becoming seriously alarmed, henceforth nervously +agitated. And they had no one to take council with. Soon after their +coming home, Don Ignacio, seeing and hearing of what happened, had +sallied forth to make inquiries, and direct pursuit. Furious about his +fine carriage and horses carried off, he little dreamt that along with +them were his duelling pistols and blue broadcloth cloak. + +Nor would it do to tell him of those matters, unless they made up their +minds to confess all, and fling themselves on his affection more than +his mercy. Of course he was still in the dark about their doings-- +unsuspicious man--had not even been told who the _forzados_ were that +had taken away his equipage. + +Closeted alone, for some time the alarmed ladies could not think of what +they ought to do. They did not yield to despair, however; instead, kept +on scheming and considering how they might meet the worst--if the worst +came. + +But one way seemed plausible--even possible--that depending on Don +Ignacio. If they could prevail on him to tell a falsehood, all might be +well. Only to say the carriage had been made ready for a journey to his +_casa de campo_, whither he had intended to proceed that same evening, +taking his daughter and the Condesa along with him. That would explain +the presence of the weapons; no uncommon thing--rather the rule--for +carriage travellers to take such with them, even going but outside the +suburbs of the city. For good reason, there being footpads and robbers +everywhere. And the cloaks for protection against the night air! + +In this way they groped about, as drowning people clutch at sticks and +straws, still without being able to get rid of their apprehensions. +Even should Don Ignacio agree to the deception they thought of--he +would, no doubt, when made aware of their danger--it was questionable +whether it would serve them. For there was a file too--a small matter, +but a most conspicuous link in the chain of circumstantial evidence +against them. They in the carriage would have been using it, before +being taken--if they should be taken. Finally, the worst of all, the +relations known to exist between themselves and two of the men +attempting escape. + +A miserable time it was for them during the remainder of that afternoon +and evening; a struggle amid doubts, fears, and conjectures. Nor did +Don Ignacio's return home in any way relieve them. They were not yet +prepared to surrender up their secret even to him. The time had not +come for that. As the hours passed, things began to look better, and +the suspense easier to bear. No report from the pursuers, which there +would or should have been, were the pursued taken. + +Something better still, at length. Jose back home with the carriage and +horses, and nothing besides--no weapons nor spare wraps! All gone off, +the tell-tale file along with them. + +Pepita brought this intelligence in to the ladies, who longed to have a +private interview with the _cochero_. But he had first to deliver his +to Don Ignacio, who had sallied out into the stables to receive it. + +A strange tale it was, imparted to an angry listener, who, while +listening, looked upon his costly harness, patched and mended with +ropes, where it had been cut. His fine _frisones_ too, abused, possibly +injured for good, the ear of one of them well-nigh severed from the +head! Slow to wrath though he was, this was enough to make him +wrathful, without the further knowledge of his other losses, about which +Jose took care _not_ to enlighten him. + +At a later hour the circumspect _cochero_ told his tale to other ears in +terms somewhat different, and with incidents. His master, summoned to +the Palace, gave the opportunity so much desired by his young mistress +and the Condesa for speaking with him; and he was soon in their +presence, getting interrogated with a volubility which made sober reply +almost impossible. + +His questioners, however, after a time calming down, listened to his +narration in a detailed form, though not without repeated interruptions. +He told them about the slow driving of the carriage along the garden +wall of San Francisco, the putting on the disguises, and how cleverly +they had outwitted the guard at the _garita_. + +"Like Ruperto!" at this juncture exclaimed the Countess. + +Then, of their onward course along the _calzada_, horses in a gallop, +till stopped on the Coyoacan road, with the action taken there--quick as +it was varied and strange. + +Donna Luisa, in her turn, here interrupted in triumphant exclamation-- + +"Like Florencio!" + +In fine, when made known to them how the fugitives had mounted and +ridden off, both cried out together, in terms almost the same-- + +"Thanks to the Virgin, blessed Mother of God! We now know they are +safe." + +Their confidence was strengthened by further questioning, for the +trusted _cochero_ was able to tell them more. How his horses had been +caught, and brought back to him by two Hussars, one of whom he chanced +to have a speaking acquaintance with. From the soldier he had learnt +all about the pursuit, after it had passed beyond him; how they had +searched the _chapparal_, but fruitlessly; the latest reports being that +the _escapados_ had got into the Pedregal. + +That was enough for the Countess, who, springing to her feet and +clapping her hands, cried out-- + +"Joy, Luisita! They're safe, I'm sure. Ruperto knows the Pedregal, +every path through it, as well as we the walks of the Alameda. I shall +sleep this night better than the last, and you may do the same." + +So assured, Luisa Valverde, devout as was her wont, responded with a +phrase of thanksgiving, arms crossed over her bosom, eyes turned to the +picture of Santa Guadalupe on the wall. + +Jose stood waiting, not for any reward. Recompense for the service he +had done them--so modestly declaring it--was not in his thoughts at that +moment, though it might be after. But the Condesa was thinking of it +then. Sure to promise and contract, she said to him-- + +"Faithful fellow--courageous as faithful--take this; you've fairly +earned it." + +Whilst speaking, she drew the jewelled watch from her waist, and, +passing the chain over her head, held it out to him. + +"And this too!" added the Donna Luisa, plucking a diamond ring from one +of her fingers, and presenting it at the same time. + +"No!" protested the faithful servitor. "Neither the one nor the other. +Enough reward to me to know I've done your ladyship a service--if I +have." + +"But, good Jose," urged the Countess, "you must either take my watch or +the worth of it in gold _doblones_! That was the understanding, and I +shall insist on your adhering to it." + +"_Muy bein, Condesa_; I consent to that. But only on the condition that +the gentlemen get safe off. Till we're sure of that, I beg your +ladyship won't look upon me as a creditor." + +"If her ladyship should," here put in a third personage of the sex +feminine, who had just entered upon the scene, "if she should, I'll pay +the debt myself. I pay it now--there!" + +It was Pepita who thus delivered herself, as she did so bounding +forward, flinging her arms around his neck, and giving him a sonorous +kiss upon the cheek! Then, as she released her lips after the smack, +adding-- + +"I've given you that, _hombre_, for what? Why nothing more than doing +your duty. Ha, ha, ha!" + +The laughter neither disconcerted nor vexed him. It was not scornful, +while the kiss had been very sweet. Long-coveted, but hitherto +withheld, he looked upon it as an earnest of many others to follow, with +a reward he would more value than all the watches and rings in Mexico-- +the possession of Pepita herself. + + + +CHAPTER FORTY TWO. + +A HOLY BROTHERHOOD. + +"Where the deuce am I?" + +It was Florence Kearney who asked this question, interrogating himself; +time, the morning after their retreat up the mountain. He was lying on +a low pallet, or rather bench of mason work, with a palm mat spread over +it, his only coverlet the cloak he had brought with him from Don +Ignacio's carriage. The room was of smallest dimensions, some eight or +nine feet square, pierced by a single window, a mere pigeon-hole without +sash or glass. + +He was yet only half awake, and, as his words show, with but a confused +sense of his whereabouts. His brain was in a whirl from the excitement +through which he had been passing, so long sustained. Everything around +seemed weird and dream-like. + +Rubbing his eyes to make sure it was a reality, and raising his head +from the hard pillow, he took stock of what the room contained. An easy +task that. Only a ricketty chair, on which lay a pair of duelling +pistols--one of the pairs found under the carriage cushions--and his hat +hanging on its elbow. Not a thing more except a bottle, greasy around +the neck, from a tallow candle that had guttered and burnt out, standing +on the uncarpeted stone floor beside his own boots, just as he had drawn +them off. + +Why he had not noticed these surroundings on the night before was due to +extreme fatigue and want of sleep. Possibly, the Burgundy, mixed with +the Madeira and Old Pedro Ximenes, had something to do with it. In any +case he had dropped down upon the mat of palm, and became oblivious, +almost on the moment of his entering this strange sleeping chamber, to +which the mayor-domo had conducted him. + +"Queer crib it is," he continued to soliloquise, after making survey of +the room and its containings, "for a bedroom. I don't remember ever +having slept in so small a one, except aboard ship, or in a prison-cell. +How like the last it looks!" + +It did somewhat, though not altogether. There were points of +difference, as a niche in the wall, with a plaster cast on a plinth, +apparently the image of some saint, with carvings in the woodwork, +crosses, and other emblems of piety. + +"It must be an old convent or monastery," he thought, after noticing +these. "Here in Mexico they often have them in odd, out-of-the-way +places, I've heard. Out of the way this place surely is, considering +the climb we've had to reach it. Monks in it, too?" he added, recalling +the two men he had seen on the preceding night, and how they where +habited. "A strange sort they seem, with a _captain_ at their head--my +prison companion! Well, if it give us sanctuary, as he appears to think +it will, I shall be but too glad to join the holy brotherhood." + +He lay a little longer, his eyes running around the room, to note that +the rough lime-wash on its walls had not been renewed for years; green +moss had grown upon them, and there were seams at the corners, stains +showing were rainwater had run down. If a monastery, it was evidently +not one in the enjoyment of present prosperity, whatever it might have +been in the past. + +While still dreamily conjecturing about it, the door of his room was +gently pushed ajar, and so held by whoever had opened it. Turning his +head round, Kearney saw a man in long loose robes, with sandalled feet +and shaven crown, girdle of beads, crucifix, cowl, and scapular--in +short, the garb of the monk with all its insignia. + +"I have come to inquire how you have slept, my son," said the holy man, +on seeing that he was awake. "I hope that the pure atmosphere of this, +our mountain home--so different from that you've been so lately +breathing--will have proved conducive to your slumbers." + +"Indeed, yes," rejoined he inquired after, conscious of having slept +well. "I've had a good night's rest--the best allowed me for a long +time. But where--" + +While speaking, he had dropped his feet to the floor, and raised himself +erect on the side of the bed, thus bringing him face to face with the +friar. What caused him to leave the interrogatory unfinished was a +recognition. The countenance he saw was a familiar one, as might be +expected after having been so close to his own--within a few feet of +it--for days past. No disguise of dress, nor changed tonsure, could +hinder identification of the man who had partaken of his chain in the +Acordada; for he it was. + +"Oh! 'tis you, Don Ruperto!" exclaimed Kearney, suddenly changing tone. + +"The same, my son," rejoined the other, with an air of mock gravity. + +At which the young Irishman broke out into a loud guffaw, saying:-- + +"Well, you're the last man I should ever have supposed to be a monk!" + +He recalled some strong denunciations of the Holy Brethren he had heard +pass the lips of his late fellow-prisoner. + +"Ah! Senor Don Florencio, in this our world of Mexico we are called +upon to play many parts, and make out home in many places. Yesterday, +you knew me as a prisoner, like yourself in a loathsome gaol; to-day, +you see me in a monastery. And no common monk, but an Abbot, for know, +_amijo mio_, that I am the head of this establishment. But come! As +your host I am not now playing the part I should. You must be half +famished; besides, your toilet needs attending to. For the first, +breakfast will be ready by the time you have looked to the last. Here, +Gregorio!" this was a call to the mayor-domo outside, who instantly +after appeared at the door. "Conduct this gentleman to the lavatory, +and assist him in making his ablutions." Then again to Kearney: "If I +mistake not, you will find a clean shirt there, with some other changes +of raiment. And may I ask you to be expeditious? It has got to be +rather a late hour for breakfast, and the Holy Brethren will be getting +a little impatient for it. But, no doubt, your appetite will prompt +you. _Hasta Luega_!" + +With which salutation--the Mexican custom at parting for only a short +while--he passed out of the room, leaving his guest to be looked after +by Gregorio. + +Surrendering himself to the mayor-domo, Kearney was conducted to an +outer room, in which he found a washstand and dressing-table, with towel +and other toilet articles--all, however, of the commonest kind. Even +so, they were luxuries that had been long denied him--especially the +water, a constant stream of which ran into a stone basin from some pure +mountain spring. + +And, sure enough, the clean shirt was there, with a full suit of +clothes; velveteen jacket, _calzoneras calzoncillas_, scarf of China +crape--in short, the complete costume of a _ranchero_. A man of medium +size, they fitted him nicely; and arrayed in them he made a very +handsome appearance. + +"Now, your honour," said the individual in charge of him, "allow me to +show you the Refectory." + +Another turn along the main passage brought them to the door, from which +issued a buzz of voices. His host had prepared him to expect company, +and on stepping inside this door he saw it in the shape of some +twenty-five or thirty men, all in the garb of monks of the same order as +Rivas himself. + +The room was a large one, saloon shape, with a table standing centrally, +around which were benches and chairs. A cloth was spread upon it, with +a multifarious and somewhat heterogeneous array of ware--bottles and +glasses being conspicuous; for it was after eleven o'clock, and the meal +_almuerzo_, as much dinner as breakfast. The viands were being put upon +it; three or four Indian youths, not in convent dress, passing them +through a hatch that communicated with the kitchen, and from which also +came a most appetising odour. + +All this the young Irishman took in with a sweep of his eye, which +instantly after became fixed upon the friars who had faced towards him. +They were standing in two or three groups, the largest gathered round an +individual who towered above all of them by the head and shoulders. +Cris Rock it was, clean shaven, and looking quite respectable; indeed, +better dressed than Kearney had seen him since he left off his New +Orleans "store" clothes. The Colossus was evidently an object of great +interest to his new acquaintances; and, from the farcical look upon +their faces, it was clear they had been doing their best to "draw" him. +With what success Kearney could not tell; though, from the knowledge he +had of his old comrade's cleverness, he suspected not much. There was +just time for him to note the jovial air of the Brethren, so little in +keeping with the supposed gravity of the monastic character, when the +Abbot entering led him up to them, and gave him a general introduction. + +"_Hermanos_!" he said, "let me present another of my comrades in +misfortune, the Senor Don Florencio Kearney--an _Irlandes_--who claims +the hospitality of the convent." + +They all made bow, some pressing forward, and extending hands. + +But there was no time for dallying over salutations. By this several +dishes had been passed through the hatch, and were steaming upon the +table. So the Abbot took seat at its head, Kearney beside him; while +the Texan was bestowed at its foot, alongside one who seemed to act as +vice-chairman. + +If the table-cloth was not one of the finest damask, nor the ware +costliest china and cut glass, the repast was worthy of such. In all +the world there is no _cuisine_ superior to that of Mexico. By reason +of certain aboriginal viands, which figured on the table of that Aztec +sybarite, Montezuma, it beats the _cuisine_ of old Spain, on which that +of France is founded, and but an insipid imitation. + +The monks of this mountain retreat evidently knew how to live, course +after course being passed through the hatch in a variety which seemed as +if it would never end. There were pucheros, guisados, tomales, and half +a score of other dishes Kearney had never before heard of, much less +tasted. No wonder at their dinner of the preceding day having left such +_debris_ for supper. + +And the wines were in correspondence--in quality, profusion, everything. +To Kearney it recalled "Bolton Abbey in the olden time." Nor ever +could the monks of that ancient establishment on the Wharfe have drunk +better wines, or laughed louder while quaffing them, than they whose +hospitality he was receiving on the side of the Cerro Ajusco. + +Some strange speech, however, he heard passing around him, little in +consonance with what might be supposed to proceed from the lips of +religious men. But, possibly, just such as came from those of the +Tintern and Bolton Brethren when around the refectory table. Not all of +it, though. If the talk was worldly, it savoured little of wickedness-- +far less than that of the cowled fraternity of olden times, if +chronicles are to be trusted. And never in convent hall could have been +heard such toast as that with which the breakfast was brought to a +close, when Rivas, rising to his feet, goblet in hand, the others +standing up along with him, cried out-- + +"_Patria y Libertad_!" + +Country and Liberty! Strange sentiment in such a place, and to be +received with acclaim by such people! + + + +CHAPTER FORTY THREE. + +WHAT ARE THEY? + +The repast finished, the Holy Brethren, rising from the table together, +forsook the Refectory. Some disappeared into cloisters on the sides of +the great hallway, others strolled out in front, and seating themselves +on benches that were about, commenced rolling and smoking cigarittos. + +The Abbot, excusing himself to his stranger guests, on plea of pressing +business, was invisible for a time. So they were permitted to betake +themselves apart. Good manners secured them this. The others naturally +supposed they might want a word in private, so no one offered to intrude +upon them. + +Just what they did want, and had been anxiously longing for. They had +mutually to communicate; questions to be asked, and counsel taken +together. Each was burning to know what the other thought of the +company they had fallen into; the character of which was alike +perplexing to both. + +After getting hold of their hats they sauntered out by the great door, +through which they had entered on the night before. The sun was now at +meridian height, and his beams fell down upon the patch of open ground +in front of the monastery, for a monastery they supposed it must be. A +glance backward as they walked out from its walls showed its +architecture purely of the conventual style; windows with pointed +arches, the larger ones heavy mullioned, and a campanile upon the roof. +This, however, without bells, and partially broken down, as was much of +the outer mason work everywhere. Here and there were walls crumbling to +decay, others half-hidden under masses of creeping plants and +cryptogams; in short, the whole structure seemed more or less +dilapidated. + +Soon they entered under the shadow of the trees; long-leaved evergreen +pines loaded with parasites and epiphytes, among these several species +of orchids--rare phenomenon in the vegetable world, that would have +delighted the eye of a botanist. As they wished to get beyond earshot +of those left lounging by the porch, they continued on along a walk +which had once been gravelled, but was now overgrown with weeds and +grass. It formed a cool arcade, the thick foliage meeting overhead, and +screening it from the rays of the sun. Following it for about a hundred +yards or so, they again had the clear sky before them, and saw they were +on the brow of a steep slope--almost a precipice--which, after trending +a short distance right and left, took a turn back toward the mass of the +mountain. It was the boundary of the platform on which the building +stood, with a still higher cliff behind. + +The point they had arrived at was a prominent one, affording view of the +whole valley of Mexico, that lay spread out like a picture at their +feet. And such a picture! Nothing in all the panoramic world to +excel--if equal it. + +But as scenery was not in their thoughts, they gave it but a glance, +sitting down with faces turned towards one another. For there were +seats here also--several rustic chairs under shady trees--it being +evidently a favourite loitering place of the friars. + +"Well, Cris, old comrade," said Kearney, first to speak, "we've gone +through a good deal this day or two in the way of change. What do you +think of these new acquaintances of ours?" + +"Thar, Cap, ye put a puzzler." + +"Are they monks?" + +"Wal, them is a sort o' anymals I hain't had much dealin's wi'; niver +seed any till we kim inter Mexiko, 'ceptin' one or two as still hangs +round San Antone in Texas. But this chile knows little u' thar ways, +only from what he's heerin'; an' judgin' be that he'd say thar ain't +nerry monk among 'em." + +"What then? Robbers?" + +"Thar, agin, Cap, I'm clean confuscated. From what we war told o' Mr +Reevus in the gaol, they oughter be that. They sayed he war a captain +o' _saltadores_, which means highwaymen. An' yet it do 'pear kewrous +should be sich." + +"From what I know of him," rejoined Kearney, "what I learned yesterday, +it would be curious indeed--remarkably so. I've reason to believe him a +gentleman born, and that his title of captain comes from his having been +an officer in the army." + +"That mou't be, an' still wouldn't contrary his havin' turned to +t'other. Down by the Rio Grande, thar are scores o' Mexikin officers +who've did the same, from lootenants up to kurnels--ay, ginrals. Thar's +Canales, who commanded the whole cavalry brigade--the `Chaperal fox' as +we Texans call him--an' thar ain't a wuss thief or cut-throat from +Mantamoras up to the mountains. An' what air ole Santy hisself but a +robber o' the meanest an' most dastardly sort? So, 'tain't any sign o' +honesty their bearing military titles. When they've a war on in thar +revolushionary way, they turn sogers, atween times takin' to the road." + +"Well, Cris, supposing these to be on the road now, what ought we to do, +think you?" + +"Neery use thinkin', Cap, since thar's no choice left us. 'Tain't die +dog, or eet the hatchet; and this chile goes for chawin' the steel. +Whativer they be, we're bound to stick to 'em, an' oughter be glad o' +the chance, seein' we haint the shadder o' another. If tuk agin' we'd +be strung up or shot sure. Highwaymen or lowwaymen, they're the only +ones about these diggin's that kin gie us purtekshun, an' I reck'n we +may rely on them for that--so far's they're able." + +For a time Kearney was silent, though not thinking over what the Texan +had said, much of which had passed through his mind before. The train +of his reflections was carried further back, to the point where he was +first brought into contact with Rivas, by their legs getting linked +together. Then forward throughout the hours and incidents that came +after, recalling everything that had occurred, in act as in +conversation--mentally reviewing all, in an endeavour to solve the +problem that was puzzling them. + +Seeing him so occupied, and with a suspicion of how his thoughts were +working, the Texan forebore further speech, and awaited the result. + +"If we've fallen among banditti," Kearney at length said, "it will be +awkward to get away from them. They'll want us to take a hand at their +trade, and that wouldn't be nice." + +"Sartinly not, Cap; anything but agreeable to eyther o' us. It goes +agin the grit o' a honest man to think o' belongin' to a band o' +robbers. But forced to jine 'em, that 'ud be different. Besides, the +thing ain't the same in Mexico as 'twud be in Texas and the States. +Hyar 'tisn't looked on as beein' so much o' a disgrace, s'long's they +don't practice cruelty. An' I've heern Mexikins say 'tain't wuss, nor +yet so bad, as the way some our own poltishuns an' lawyers plunder the +people. I guess it be 'bout the same, when one gits used to it." + +To this quaint rigmarole of reasoning--not without reason in it, +however,--Kearney only replied with a smile, allowing the Texan to +continue; which he did, saying-- + +"After all, I don't think they're robbers any more than monks; if they +be, they're wonderfully well-behaved. A perliter set o' fellers or +better kump'ny this chile niver war in durin' the hull coorse of his +experience in Texas, or otherwhars. They ain't like to lead us into +anythin' very bad, in the way o' cruelty or killin'. So I say, let's +freeze to 'em, till we find they ain't worthy of being froze to; then we +must gie 'em the slip somehow." + +"Ah! if we can," said his fellow-filibuster doubtingly. "But that is +the thing for the far hereafter. The question is, what are we to do +now?" + +"No guess'n at all, Cap, as thar's no choosin' atween. We're boun' to +be robbers for a time, or whatsomever else these new 'quaintances o' +ours be themselves. Thet's sure as shootin'." + +"True," returned the other musingly. "There seems no help for it. It's +our fate, old comrade, though one, _I_ trust, we shall be able to +control without turning highwaymen. I don't think they are that. I +can't believe it." + +"Nor me neyther. One thing, howsomever, thet I hev obsarved air a +leetle queery, an' sort o' in thar favour." + +"What thing?" + +"Thar not hevin' any weemen among 'em. I war in the kitchen this +mornin' 'fore ye war up, and kedn't see sign o' a petticoat about, the +cookin' bein' all done by men sarvents. Thet, I've heern say, air the +way wi' monks; but not wi' the other sort. What do you make o't, Cap?" + +"I hardly know, Cris. Possibly the Mexican brigands, unlike those of +Italy, don't care to encumber themselves with a following of the fair +sex." + +"On t'other hand," pursued the Texan, "it seems to contrary their bein' +o' the religious sort, puttin' out sentries as they do. Thar wor that +one we passed last night, and this mornin' I seed two go out wi' guns, +one takin' each side, and soon arter two others comin' in as if they'd +been jest relieved from thar posts. Thar's a path as leads down from +both sides o' the building." + +"All very strange, indeed," said Kearney. "But no doubt we shall soon +get explanation of it. By the way," he added, changing tone with the +subject, "where is the dwarf? What have they done with him?" + +"That I can't tell eyther, Cap. I haven't seen stime o' the critter +since he war tuk away from us by that head man o' the sarvents, and I +don't wish ever to set eyes on the skunk again. Cris Rock niver was so +tired o' a connexshun as wi' thet same. Wagh!" + +"I suppose they've got him shut up somewhere, and intend so keeping +him--no doubt for good reasons. Ah! now we're likely to hear something +about the disposal of ourselves. Yonder comes the man who can tell us!" + +This, as the _soi-disant_ Abbot was seen approaching along the path. + + + +CHAPTER FORTY FOUR. + +THE ABBOT. + +"_Amigo_," said their host, as he rejoined them, speaking to Kearney, +who could alone understand him, "permit me to offer you a cigar--your +comrade also--with my apologies for having forgotten that you smoked. +Here are both Havannahs and Manillas, several brands of each. So choose +for yourself." + +The mayor-domo, who attended him, carrying a huge mahogany case, had +already placed it upon one of the rustic benches, and laid open the lid. + +"Thanks, holy father," responded Kearney, with a peculiar smile. "If +you have no objection, I'll stick to the Imperadoes. After smoking one +of them a man need have no difficulty as to choice." + +At which he took an "Emperor" out of the case. + +"I'm glad you like them," observed the generous donor, helping him to a +light. "They ought to be of good quality, considering what they cost, +and where they come from. But, Don Florencio, don't let the question of +expense hinder you smoking as many as you please. My outlay on them was +_nil_--they were a contribution to the monastery, though not exactly a +charitable one." + +He said this with a sort of inward laugh, as though some strange history +attached to the Imperadoes. + +"A forced contribution, then," thought the Irishman, the remark having +made a strange, and by no means pleasant impression upon him. + +The Texan had not yet touched the cigars, and when with a gesture the +invitation was extended to him, he hung back, muttering to Kearney-- + +"Tell him, Cap, I'd purfar a pipe ef he ked accomerdate me wi' thet 'ere +article." + +"What says the Senor Cristoforo?" asked the Abbot. + +"He'd prefer smoking a pipe, if you don't object, and there be such a +thing convenient." + +"Oh! _un pipa_. I shall see. Gregorio!" + +He called after the mayor-domo, who was returning toward the house. + +"Never mind, reverend Father," protested Kearney; "content yourself with +a cigar, Cris, and don't give trouble." + +"I'm sorry I spoke o' it," said the Texan. "I oughter be only too gled +to git a seegar, an' it may be he wudn't mind my chawin', stead o' +smokin' it! My stammuck feels starved for a bit o' bacca. What +wouldn't I gie jest now for a plug o' Jeemes's River!" + +"There, take one of the cigars and eat it if you like; I'm sure he'll +have no objection." + +Availing himself of the leave thus vicariously accorded the Texan picked +out one of the largest in the collection, and, biting off about a third, +commenced crunching it between his teeth, as though it was a piece of +sugar-stick. This to the no small amusement of the Mexican, who, +however, delicately refrained from making remark. + +Nor was Cris hindered from having a smoke as well as a "chew,"--the +mayor-domo soon after appearing with a pipe, a somewhat eccentric affair +he had fished out from the back regions of the establishment. + +Meanwhile their host had himself lit one of the "Emperors," and was +smoking away like a chimney. A somewhat comical sight at any time, or +in any place, is a monk with a cigar in his mouth. But that the Abbot +of the Cerro Ajusco was no anchorite they were already aware, and saw +nothing in it to surprise them. + +Seating himself beside Kearney, with face turned towards the valley, he +put the question-- + +"What do you think of that landscape, Don Florencio?" + +"Magnificent! I can't recall having looked upon lovelier, or one with +greater variety of scenic detail. It has all the elements of the +sublime and beautiful." + +The young Irishman was back in his college classics with his countryman +Burke. + +"Make use of this," said the Abbot, offering a small telescope which he +drew out. "'Twill give you a better view of things." + +Taking the glass and adjusting it to his sight, Kearney commenced making +survey of the valley, now bringing one portion of it within the field of +telescopic vision, then another. + +"Can you see the Pedregal?" asked the Abbot. "It's close in to the +mountain's foot. You'll recognise it by its sombre grey colour." + +"Certainly I see it," answered the other, after depressing the +telescope. "And the thicket we came through on its further side--quite +distinctly." + +"Look to the right of that, then you'll observe a large house, standing +in the middle of the maguey fields. Have you caught it?" + +"Yes; why do you ask?" + +"Because that house has an interest for me--a very special one. Whom do +you suppose it belongs to; or I should rather say did, and ought to +belong to?" + +"How should I know, holy father?" asked Kearney, thinking it somewhat +strange his being so interrogated. "True," responded the Abbot; "how +could you, my son? But I'll tell you. That _magueyal_ is mine by +right, though by wrong 'tis now the property of our late host, the +Governor of the Acordada. His reward at the last confiscation for +basely betraying his country and our cause." + +"What cause?" inquired the young Irishman, laying aside the glass, and +showing more interest in what he heard than that he had been looking at. +Country and cause! These were not the words likely to be on the lips +of either monk or highwayman. + +And that the man who had spoken to him was neither one nor other he had +fuller proof in what was now further said. + +"A cause, Senor Irlandes, for which I, Ruperto Rivas, am ready to lay +down life, if the sacrifice be called for, and so most--I may say all-- +of those you've just met at _almuerzo_. You heard it proclaimed in the +toast, `Patria y Libertad!'" + +"Yes. And a grand noble sentiment it is. One I was gratified to hear." + +"And surprised as well. Is not that so, _amigo_?" + +"Well, to be frank with you, holy father, I confess to something of the +sort." + +"Not strange you should, my son. No doubt you're greatly perplexed at +what you've seen and heard since you came up here, with much before. +But the time has come to relieve you; so light another cigar and +listen." + + + +CHAPTER FORTY FIVE. + +THE FREE LANCES. + +"Try a Manilla this time," said the Mexican, as Kearney was reaching out +to take a cigar from the case. "Most people believe that the best can +only come from Cuba. A mistake, that. There are some made in the +Philippine Islands equal--in my opinion, superior--to any Havannahs. I +speak of a very choice article, which don't ever get into the hands of +the dealers, and's only known to the initiated. Some of our _ricos_ +import them by way of Acapulco. Those are a fair sample." + +The young Irishman made trial of the weed thus warmly recommended; to +discover what contradicted all his preconceived ideas in the smoking +line. He had always heard it said that the choicest cigars are +Havannahs; but, after a few whiffs from that Manilla, which had never +seen a cigar shop, he was willing to give up the "Imperadores." His +host, lighting one of the same, thus proceeded: "_Pues, caballero_; to +give you the promised explanation. That the monks of my community are +of an order neither very devout nor austere, you've already observed, no +doubt, and may have a suspicion they're not monks at all. Soldiers, +every man; most having seen service, and many who have done gallant +deeds. When I speak of them as soldiers, you will understand it in its +true sense, Senor. With one or two exceptions, all have held +commissions in our army, and with a like limitation, I may say all are +gentlemen. The last revolution, which has again cursed our country by +restoring its chronic tyrant, Santa Anna, of course threw them out; the +majority, as myself, being proscribed, with a price set upon their +heads." + +"Then you're not robbers?" + +This was said without thought, the words involuntarily escaping +Kearney's lips. But the counterfeit abbot, so far from feeling offence +at them, broke out into a laugh, good-humouredly rejoining-- + +"Robbers, _amigo mio_! who told you we were that?" + +The Irishman felt abashed, seeing he had committed himself. + +"Don Ruperto," he exclaimed, hastening to make the best of his blunder, +"I owe you every apology. It arose from some talk I heard passing +around in the prison. Be assured, I neither did nor could believe it." + +"Thank you, Senor!" returned the Mexican. "Your apologies are +appreciated. And," he added, putting on a peculiar smile, "in a way +superfluous. I believe we do enjoy that repute among our enemies; and, +to confess the truth, not without some reason." + +Kearney pricked up his ears, perplexity, with just a shade of trouble, +again appearing upon his face. He said nothing, however, allowing the +other to proceed. + +"_Carramba_, yes!" continued the proscript. "'Tis quite true we do a +little in the plundering line--now and then. We need doing it, Don +Florencio. But for that, I mightn't have been able to set so good a +breakfast before you; nor wines of such quality, nor yet these +delectable cigars. If you look to the right down there, you'll see the +_pueblo_ of San Augustin, and just outside its suburbs, a large yellow +house. From that came our last supply of drinkable and smokeable +materials, including those here, mahogany and everything. A forced +contribution, as I've hinted at. But, Senor, I should be sorry to have +you think we levy blackmail indiscriminately. He from whom they were +taken is one of our bitterest enemies; equally an enemy of our country. +'Twas all in the way of reprisal; fair, as you'll admit, when you come +to comprehend the circumstances." + +"I comprehend them now," returned the listener, relieved, "quite; and I +trust you'll accept my apology." + +"_Sans arriere pensee_," responded the Mexican, who could speak French, +if not English, "I do frankly, freely. No reproach to you for supposing +us robbers. I believe many others do, among whom we make appearance. +Southward, however, in the State of Oaxaca, we are better known as `the +Free Lances'; a title not so appropriate, either, since our weapons are +only at the disposal of the Republic--our lives as well." + +"But," questioned Kearney, "may I ask why you are habited as I now see +you?" + +"For a good reason, _amigo_. It adds to our security, giving all sorts +of opportunities. Throughout Mexico, the cowl of the monk is the best +passport a man could be provided with. Wearing it, we go about among +the mountain villages without suspicion, the people believing that this +old monastery, so long abandoned as to have been forgotten, has again +become the dwelling-place of a religious order. Of course we don't +allow any of the rustics to approach it. Luckily, they are not curious +enough to care for that, against the toil of climbing up here. If they +attempt it, we have sentinels to stay them. For ourselves, we have +learned to play the part of the holy friar, so that there would be +difficulty in detecting the counterfeit. As it chances, we have with us +one or two who once wore the cowl. These perverts have taught us all +the tricks and passwords current among the fraternity. Hitherto they +have availed us, and I trust will, till the time arrives for our casting +off our cassock, and putting on the soldier's coat. That day is not +distant, Don Florencio; nearer than I expected, from what my comrades +have told me since we came up. The State of Oaxaca is disaffected; as, +indeed, the whole southern side of Acapulco, and a _grito_ is +anticipated ere long--possibly within a month. Alvarez, who controls in +that quarter, will be the man to raise it; and the old Pinto chief will +expect to be joined by the `Free Lances.' Nor will he be disappointed. +We are all burning to be at it. So, caballero, you see how it is with +us. And now," he added, changing tone and looking his listener +earnestly in the face, "I have a question to put to yourself." + +"What?" asked the Irishman, seeing that he hesitated putting it. + +"Will you be one of us?" + +It was now Kearney's turn to hesitate about the answer he ought to make. +A proposition fraught with such consequences required consideration. +To what would he be committing himself if he consented? And what if he +should refuse? Besides, under the circumstances, was he free to refuse? +That of itself was a question, a delicate one. He and his comrade, +Cris Rock, owed their escape to this strange man, whatever he might be; +and to separate from him now, even under full permission, would savour +of ingratitude. Still more, after listening to what was further said. +For, noting his embarrassment, and deeming it natural enough, the +Mexican hastened to relieve him. + +"If my proposal be not to your liking, Senor Irlandes, say so; and +without fear of offence. All the same, you may rest assured of our +protection while you remain with us; and I shall do what I can to get +you safe out of the country. At all events, I won't send you back to +the Acordada gaol, and the tender care of its governor. So you can +speak frankly, without reserve. Are you willing to be one of us?" + +"I am!" was the answer, given without further hesitation. + +Why should he have either hesitated or said nay? In the heart of a +hostile country, an escaped prisoner, his life, as he felt sure, +forfeited should he be retaken. Joining Rivas and his Free Lances might +be his sole chance of saving it. Even had they been banditti, he could +not have done better then. + +"Yes, Don Ruperto," he added; "if you deem me worthy of belonging to +your brotherhood, be it so. I accept your invitation." + +"And your comrade, Don Cristoforo. Will he be of the same mind, think +you?" + +"Sure to be. I take it I can answer for him. But you shall hear for +yourself. Rock!" + +He called to the Texan, who, not understanding their dialogue, had +sauntered apart, chewing away at the Imperador. + +"Wal, Cap; what's up now?" he asked on rejoining them. + +"They're no robbers, Cris," said Kearney, speaking freely in their own +tongue. + +"Gled to hear it. I didn't think they war--noways. Nor monks neyther, +I guess?" + +"Nor monks." + +"What then, Cap?" + +"The same as yourself. Patriots who have been fighting for their +country, and got defeated. That's why they are here--in hiding." + +"Yes, Cap; I see it all, clar as coon's track on a mud bar. Enemies o' +ole Santy, who've got beat it thar last risin'." + +"Just so. But they expect another rising soon, and wish us to join +them. I've agreed, and said so. What say you?" + +"Lordy, Cap; what a questun to be axed, an' by yurself! Sure this chile +air boun' to stick to ye, whatsomever ye do. Ef they'd been brigants, I +shed 'a put my conscience in my pocket, and goe'd in wi' 'em all the +same; s'long you're agreed. Nor I wudn't 'a minded turning monk for a +spell. But men who intend foughtin' for freedom? Haleluyah! Cris Rock +air all thar! Ye may tell him so." + +"He consents," said Kearney, reporting to the Mexican; "and willingly as +myself. Indeed, Don Ruperto, we ought both to regard it as a grace--an +honour--to be so associated, and we shall do the best we can to show +ourselves worthy of it." + +"_Mil gracias, Senor_! The grace and honour are all given to us. Two +such _valientes_, as I know you to be, will be no slight acquisition to +our strength. And now, may I ask you to assume the garb which, as you +see, is our present uniform? That by way of precaution for the time. +You'll find suitable raiment inside. I've given Gregorio orders to get +it ready. So you see, _Camarades_, I've been counting upon you." + +"Gehosofat!" exclaimed the Texan, when told of the dress he was expected +to put on. "What wi' New Orleens store close, an' prison duds, an' the +like, this chile hev had a goodish wheen o' changes since he stripped +off his ole huntin' shirt. An' now a-goin' in for a monk! Wal; tho' I +mayn't be the most sanctified, I reck'n I'll be the tallest in thar +mon'stery." + + + +CHAPTER FORTY SIX. + +SAINT AUGUSTINE OF THE CAVES. + +One of the pleasantest villages in the valley of Mexico is San Augustin +de las Cuevas--_Tlalpam_ by Aztec designation--both names due to some +remarkable caverns in the immediate neighbourhood. It is some ten or +twelve miles from the capital, on the southern or Acapulco road, just +where this, forsaking the valley level, begins to ascend the Sierra, +passing over which by Cruz del Marques, it continues on through the +_tierras calentes_ of Cuernavaca and Guerrero to the famed port of the +Pacific. + +San Augustin is a _pueblo_, endowed with certain municipal privileges. +It boasts of an _alcalde-mayor_ with other corporate officers, and a +staff of alguezils, or policemen. + +The heads of departments are mostly men of pure Spanish race--"gente de +razon," as they proudly proclaim themselves--though many are in reality +of mixed blood, Mestizos. Of this are the better class of shopkeepers, +few in number, the _gente de razon_ at best forming a scarce discernible +element in the population, which is mainly made up of the brown +aborigines. + +At a certain season of the year, however, paler complexions show in the +ascendant. This during carnival time--"_Las Pascuas_." Then the +streets of San Augustin are crowded with gay promenaders; while +carriages and men on horseback may be seen in continuous stream passing +to and fro between it and the capital. In Las Pascuas week, one day +with another, half Mexico is there engaged in a gambling orgie, as +Londoners at Epsom during the Derby. More like Homburg and Monaco, +though; since the betting at Tlalpam is not upon the swiftness of +horses, but done with dice and cards. The national game, "monte," there +finds fullest illustration, grand marquees being erected for its play-- +real temples erected to the goddess Fortuna. Inside these may be seen +crowds of the strangest composition, in every sense heterogeneous; +military officers, generals and colonels, down to the lowest grade, even +sergeants and corporals, sitting at the same table and staking on the +same cards; members of Congress, Senators, Cabinet Ministers, and, upon +occasions, the Chief of the State, jostling the ragged _lepero_, and not +unfrequently standing elbow to elbow with the footpad and salteador!-- +Something stranger still, ladies compose part of this miscellaneous +assemblage; dames of high birth and proud bearing, but in this carnival +of cupidity not disdaining to "punt" on the _sota_ or _cavallo_, while +brushing skirts with bare-armed, barefooted rustic damsels, and +_poblanas_, more elaborately robed, but with scantier reputation. + +After all, it is only Baden on the other side of the Atlantic; and it +may be said in favour of San Augustin, the fury lasts for only a few +days, instead of a whole season. Then the _monte_ banks disappear, with +their dealers and croupiers; the great tents are taken down; the +gamesters, gentle and simple, scatter off, most going back to the city; +and the little _pueblo_ Tlalpam, resuming its wonted tranquillity, is +scarce thought of till Carnival comes again. + +In its normal condition, though some might deem it rather dull, it is +nevertheless one of the pleasantest residential villages in the Valley. +Picturesquely situated at the foot of the southern Sierras, which form a +bold mountain background, it has on the other side water scenery in the +curious Laguna de Xochimilco, while the grim Pedregal also approaches +it, giving variety to its surroundings. + +Besides its fixed population there is one that may be termed floating or +intermittent; people who come and go. These are certain "ricos," who +chiefly affect its suburbs, where they have handsome houses--_casas de +campo_. Not in hundreds, as at San Anjel and Tacubaya, Tlalpam being at +a greater and more inconvenient distance from the capital. Still there +are several around it of first-class, belonging to _familias +principales_, though occupied by them only at intervals, and for a few +days or weeks at a time. + +One of these, owned by Don Ignacio Valverde, was a favourite place of +residence with him; a tranquil retreat of which he was accustomed to +avail himself whenever he could get away from his ministerial duties. +Just such an interregnum had arisen some time after the stirring +incidents we have recorded, and he went to stay at his San Augustin +house with his daughter, the Condesa Almonte going with them as their +guest. Since their last appearance before the reader, all three had +passed through scenes of trial. An investigation had been gone into +regarding the Calle de Plateros affair--private, however, before Santa +Anna himself, the world not being made the wiser for it. Its results +were all in their favour, thanks to the stern, stubborn fidelity of +Jose, who lied like a very varlet. Such a circumstantial story told he, +no one could suspect him of complicity in the escape of the _forsados_; +far less that his mistress, or the Condesa Almonte had to do with it. + +Don Ignacio, too, had done his share to hinder discovery of the truth. +For, in the end, it was found necessary to take him into the secret, the +missing cloak and pistols, with several mysterious incidents, calling +for explanation. But in making a clean breast of it, his daughter had +felt no fear of being betrayed by him. He was not the father to deal +harshly with his child; besides, it was something more--a real danger. +In addition, she knew how he was affected towards the man she had aided +to escape--that he held Don Florencio in highest esteem; looked upon him +as a dear friend, and in a certain tacit way had long ago signified +approval of him for a son-in-law. All these thoughts passed through +Luisa Valverde's mind while approaching her father, and steeling herself +to make confession of that secret she might otherwise have kept from +him. + +The result was not disappointing. Don Ignacio consented to the +deception, and they were saved. Whatever the suspicions of Santa Anna +and his adjutant, both were baffled about that affair, at least for the +time. + +Alike had they been frustrated in their pursuit of the _escapados_. +Despite the most zealous search through the Pedregal and elsewhere, +these could not be found, nor even a trace of them. Still, they were +not given up. Every town and village in the valley, in the mountains +around, and the country outside were visited by soldiers or spies--every +spot likely to harbour the fugitives. Pickets were placed everywhere +and patrols despatched, riding the roads by night as by day, all proving +abortive. + +After a time, however, this vigorous action became relaxed. Not that +they who had dictated were less desirous of continuing it; but because a +matter of more importance than mere personal spite or vengeance was soon +likely to declare itself, and threaten their own safety. Talk was +beginning to be heard, though only in whispers, and at a far distance +from the capital, of a new _pronunciamento_ in preparation. And in +making counter-preparations, the Dictator had now enough to occupy all +his energies; not knowing the day or the hour he might again hear the +cry he so dreaded, "Patria y Libertad." + +Meanwhile the people had ceased to speak of the stirring episode which +had occurred in the Calle de Plateros; thought strange only from the odd +circumstances attendant, and the fact of two of the fugitives being +_Tejanos_. The city of Mexico has its daily newspapers, and on the +morning after a full account of it appeared in _El Diario_ and _El +Monitor_. For all it was but the topic of a week; in ten days no more +heard of it; in a month quite forgotten, save by those whom it specially +concerned. So varied are the events, so frequent the changes, so +strange the Cosas de Mexico! + + + +CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN. + +OVER THE CLIFF. + +For some time after their arrival at the old monastery, neither Kearney +nor Cris Rock saw aught of their late "fourth fellow" prisoner--the +hunchback. They cared not to inquire after him; the Texan repeating +himself by saying,--"This chile don't want ever to sit eyes on his ugly +pictur agin." They supposed that he was still there, however, somewhere +about the building. + +And so was he, with a chain attached to his leg, the same he had shared +with Rock, its severed end now padlocked to a ring bolt; and the +apartment he occupied had as much of the prison aspect as any cell in +the Acordada. No doubt, in days gone by, many a refractory brother had +pined and done penance therein for breach of monastic discipline. + +Why the mis-shapen creature was so kept needs little explanation; for +the same reason as prompted to bringing him thither. Helpless as he +might appear, he was not harmless; and Don Ruperto knew that to restore +him to liberty would be to risk losing his own, with something more. +Though safely bestowed, however, no severity was shown him. He had his +meals regularly, and a bed to sleep on, if but a pallet, quite as good +as he had been accustomed to. Moreover, after some time had elapsed, he +was relieved from this close confinement during the hours of the day. A +clever actor, and having a tongue that could "wheedle with the devil," +he had wheedled with the mayor-domo to granting him certain indulgences; +among them being allowed to spend part of his time in the kitchen and +scullery. Not in idleness, however, but occupied with work for which he +had proved himself well qualified. It was found that he had once been +"boots" in a _posado_, which fitted him for usefulness in many ways. + +In the _cocina_ of the old convent his temper was sorely tried, the +other "mozos" making cruel sport of him. But he bore it with a meekness +very different to what he had shown while in the Acordada. + +Thus acquitting himself, Gregorio, who had him in special charge, began +to regard him as a useful if not ornamental addition to his domestic +staff of the establishment. Notwithstanding, the precaution was still +continued of locking him at night and re-attaching the chain to his +ankle. This last was more disagreeable than aught else he had to +endure. He could bear the jibes of his fellow-scullions, but that +fetter sorely vexed him; as night after night he was accustomed to say +to the mayor-domo as he was turning the key in its clasp. + +"It's so uncomfortable, Senor Don Gregorio," was his constantly +recurring formula. "Keeps me from sleeping and's very troublesome when +I want to turn over, as I often do on account of the pains in my poor +humped shoulders. Now, why need you put it on? Surely you're not +afraid of me trying to get away? Ha, ha! that would be turning one's +back upon best friends. _Cascaras_! I fare too well here to think of +changing quarters. Above all, going into the Acordada; where I'd have +to go sure, if I were to show my face in the city again. Oh no, Senor! +you don't catch me leaving this snug crib, so long's you allow me to +board and bed in it. Only I'd like you to let me off from that nasty +thing. It's cold too; interferes with my comfort generally. Do, good +Don Gregorio! For this one night try me without it. And if you're not +satisfied with the result, then put it on ever after, and I won't +complain, I promise you." + +In somewhat similar forms he had made appeals for many nights in +succession, but without melting the heart of the "Good Don Gregorio." + +At length, however, it proved effectual. Among various other avocations +he had been a _Zapartero_, of the class cobbler, and on a certain day +did service to the mayor-domo by mending his shoes. For which he +received payment in the permission to pass that night without being +discommoded by the chain. + +"It's so very kind of you, Don Gregorio!" he said, when made aware of +the grace to be given to him. "I ought to sleep sound this night, +anyhow. But whether I do or not, I shall pray for you before going to +bed all the same. _Buenas noches_!" + +It was twilight outside, but almost total darkness within the cell, as +the mayor-domo turned to go out of it. Otherwise he might have seen on +the dwarfs features an expression calculated to make him repent his act +of kindness, and instantly undo it. Could he have divined the thoughts +at that moment passing through Zorillo's mind, the clasp would have +quickly closed around the latter's leg, despite all gratitude due to him +for the patching of the shoes. + +"If I can get out," he commenced in mental soliloquy, as the footfall of +the mayor-domo died away in the distant corridor, "out and away from +them, my fortune's made; all sorts of good things in store for me. From +this time forth I needn't fear to present myself at the door of the +Acordada; walk right into it. No danger of Don Pedro keeping me there +now. Instead, I should be sent out again with a free pardon and a full +purse. _Chingara_, talk of a cat in the cupboard, here are a score of +them--half a hundred! And when I let them out--aha!" + +He paused; then rising to his feet, moved across to the door, and laid +his ear against it to listen. He heard sounds, but they were sounds of +merriment--the counterfeit monks at their evening meal--and did not +concern him. + +"What a bit of luck it may turn out, after all, my getting coupled to +that great brute and brought here! That is, if all goes well, and I can +give them the slip. First, to make sure about the possibility of +getting out of this hole. _Carrai_! I may be counting my chickens in +the eggs." + +Leaving the door, he glided across to the window, and set himself square +against it, as if to measure its breadth by that of his own body. It +was but a slit, unglazed, a single iron bar, placed vertically, dividing +the aperture into two. Without removing this he could not possibly pass +through. But he had the means to remove it; that file, already known to +the reader, which he had contrived to get possession of, and for days +kept secret in his cell. First, however, he must see whether it was +worth while using it; for during all the time of his being there he had +never been allowed an opportunity to approach the window and look out. + +Leaning forward into the recess, he thrust his head between the bar and +jamb, so far out as to give him a view of the ground below. This was +solid rock, the crest of a steep slope, from which the wall rose as +above a buttress. But there was a ledge, some ten or twelve feet under +the sill, narrow, but wide enough to afford footing, which led off to +more level ground. How was he to reach it? + +He knew, or he would not have acted as he now did. For without spending +another second in the survey, he drew back from the window, plunged his +hand under his bed mat, drew forth the file, and commenced rasping away +at the bar. Not noisily or in any excited haste. Even if the obstacle +were removed, the time had not come for his attempt to pass out. He +would wait for an hour after midnight, when all had gone to their beds. + +Eaten with rust, the iron was easily sawed through, a clean cut being +made near its lower end. Then, laying aside the file, and grasping the +bar, he wrenched it out of the solderings. If diminutive in body, his +arms were sinewy and strong as those of a coal-heaver. + +This task accomplished, he turned to his pallet and taking up the old +blanket allowed him for a covering, began to tear it into strips. He +meant to make a rope of it to lower himself down outside. But finding +it quite rotten, and doubting whether it would bear his weight, he +desisted and sat for a time considering. Not long till he bethought +himself of something more suitable for his purpose--the chain. + +"Bah!" he exclaimed, tossing aside the rags he had commenced splicing +together, "why didn't I think of that? Well, it's not too late yet. +Good three yards--long enough. And the stupid has left the key behind, +which fits both ends. So, Mr Chain, considering the world of worry and +trouble you've been to me, it's time, and only fair, you should do me a +good turn by way of recompense. After you've done it, I'll forgive +you." + +While muttering this quaint apostrophe, he commenced groping about over +the floor--not for the chain, but the key, which he knew Gregorio had +left, after releasing his leg from the clasp. The mayor-domo had either +forgotten, or did not think it was worth while taking it away. + +Having found it, he felt his way to the ring bolt, and unlocking the +clasp at that end, returned to the window, taking the chain with him. +Having made one end fast around the stump of the bar, he lowered the +other down outside, cautiously, without a tinkle of its links. And now +again looking out and below, he was delighted to see that it reached +within a foot or two of the ledge. All this done, he once more sat down +on the side of the bed, to await the hour of midnight. + +But he was not long quiescent, when a thought occurring caused him to +resume action. + +"Why not try it now?" he mentally interrogated. "They're all in the +Refectory, having a fine time of it, drinking their famous wines. Some +grand occasion, I heard one of the _mozos_ say. There mightn't be a +better chance for me than this very minute--maybe not so good. +_Carramba_! I'll risk it now." + +Quickly at the words he glided back to the window, climbed up into it, +and squeezing out through the aperture, let himself down on the chain, +link by link, as a monkey making descent of a _lliana_ in the forests of +the _tierra caliente_. + +Soon as he found himself safe landed he let go the chain, and after a +minute or so spent in silent reconnaissance of the ledge, commenced +moving off along it. + +Right he was in choosing that early hour, for the way he must needs take +led out into the open ground, in front of the building, where at a later +one a watch would have been stationed. There was none there now, and +without stop or challenge he passed on and down. + +Though they had never allowed him to go outside the building, he +perfectly remembered the path by which he and the others had reached it, +on that memorable night after their escape from the chain-gang. He +recalled the two steep slopes, one above the other, with a narrow shelf +between, on which they encountered the sentinel, who had hailed, "_Quien +viva_?" + +Sure to be one there now, and to such hail what answer could he make? + +On this he reflected while descending the upper slope. The darkness due +to the overshadowing trees made it necessary for him to go slowly, so +giving him time. But it did not hinder his keeping to the path. With +his long arms like the tentacles of an octopus he was able to direct his +course, now and then using them to grasp overhanging branches, or the +parasites dependent therefrom. Withal he went cautiously, and so +silently, that the sentinel--for sure enough one was there--heard no +noise to warn him of an enemy behind. In his monkish garb, he was +standing on the outer edge of the shelf rock, his face turned to the +valley, which was just beginning to show silvery white under the rays of +a rising moon. Perhaps, like Don Ruperto, he was gazing on some spot, a +house endeared to him as the home of his childhood; but from which, as +the leader of the Free Lances, he had been bereft by the last +confiscation. Possibly he was indulging in the hope of its being soon +restored to him, but least of all dreaming of danger behind. + +It was there, notwithstanding--in fiendish shape and close proximity. A +creature squatted like a toad, human withal, saying to himself-- + +"What wouldn't I give for a knife with a blade six inches long!" + +Then, with a sudden change of thought, seeing the chance to do without +the knife, making a dash forward, with the ape-like arms extended, and +pushing the sentinel over! + +The cry that came from the latter, on feeling the impulse from behind, +was stifled as he went whirling to the bottom of the cliff. + + + +CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT. + +ON DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. + +"Dead!" muttered the inhuman wretch, as he stood upon the spot late +occupied by his victim, looking down over the cliff. "Dead he must be; +unless a man can fall two hundred feet and still live; which isn't +likely. That clears the way, I take it; and unless I have the ill luck +to meet some one coming up--a straggler--it'll be all right. As sound +ascends, I ought to hear them before they could _see_ me. I shall keep +my ears open." + +Saying which he _commenced_ the descent of the _second_ slope, +proceeding in the same cautious way as before. + +The path was but a ledge, which, after running fifty yards in a direct +line, made an abrupt double back in the opposite direction, all the +while obliquing downwards. Another similar zig-zag, with a like length +of declivity traversed, and he found himself at the cliff's base, among +shadowy, thick standing trees. He remembered the place, and that before +reaching it on their way up they had followed the trend of the cliff for +more than a quarter of a mile. So, taking this for his guide, he kept +on along the back track. + +Not far, before seeing that which brought him to a stop. If he had +entertained any doubt about the sentinel being dead, it would have been +resolved now. There lay the man's body among the loose rocks, not only +lifeless, but shapeless. A break in the continuity of the timber let +the moonlight through, giving the murderer a full view of him he had +murdered. + +The sentinel had fallen upon his back, and lay with his face upward, his +crushed body doubled over a boulder; the blood was welling from his +mouth and nostrils, and the open eyes glared ghastly in the white, weird +light. It was a sight to inspire fear in the mind of an ordinary +individual, even in that of a murderer. But it had no effect on this +strange _lusus_ of humanity, whose courage was equal to his cruelty. +Instead of giving the body a wide berth, and scared-like stealing past, +he walked boldly up to it, saying in apostrophe-- + +"So you're there! Well, you need not blame me, but your luck. If I +hadn't pushed you over, you'd have shot me like a dog, or brained me +with the butt of your gun. Aha! I was too much for you, Mr Monk or +soldier, whichever you were, for you're neither now. + +"Just possible," he continued, changing the form of his monologue, "he +may have a purse; the which I'm sure to stand in need of before this +time to-morrow. If without money, his weapons may be of use to me." + +With a nimbleness which bespoke him no novice at trying pockets, he soon +touched the bottom of all those on the body, to find them empty. + +"Bah!" he ejaculated, drawing back with a disappointed air, "I might +have known there was nothing in them. Whatever cash they've had up +there has been spent long ago, and their wine will soon be out too. His +gun I don't care for; besides, I see it's broken;--yes, the stock +snapped clean off. But this stiletto, it's worth taking with me. Even +if I shouldn't need it as a weapon, it looks like a thing Mr Pawnbroker +would appreciate." + +Snatching the dagger--a silver-hilted one--from the corpse of its +ill-starred owner, he secreted it inside his tattered rag of a coat, and +without delay proceeded on. + +Soon after he came to a point where the path, forsaking the cliff, +turned to the left, down the slope of the mountain. He knew that would +take him into the Pedregal, where he did not desire to go. Besides his +doubts of being able to find the way through the lava field, there was +no particular need for his attempting so difficult a track. All he +wanted was to get back to the city by the most direct route, and as soon +as possible into the presence of a man of whom during late days he had +been thinking much. For from this man he expected much, in return for a +tale he could tell him. It must be told direct, and for this reason all +caution was required. He might fall into hands that would not only +hinder him from relating it in the right quarter, but prevent his +telling it at all. + +Just where the path diverged to the left, going down to the Pedregal, a +mass of rocks rose bare above the tops of the trees. Clambering to its +summit he obtained a view of what lay below; the whole valley bathed in +bright moonlight, green meadows, fields of maize, and maguey, great +sheets of water with haze hanging over them, white and gauzy as a bridal +veil. The city itself was distinguishable at a long distance, and in +places nearer specklings of white telling of some _pueblita_, or single +spots where stood a _rancho_ or _hacienda_. Closer still, almost under +his feet, a clump of those mottlings was more conspicuous; which he +recognised as the _pueblo_ of San Augustin. A narrow ribbon-like strip +of greyish white passing through it, and on to the city, he knew to be +the Great Southern or Acapulco Road, which enters the capital by the +_garita_ of San Antonio de Abad. This route he decided on taking. + +Having made note of the necessary bearings, he slipped back down the +side of the rock, and looked about for a path leading to the right. + +Not long till he discovered one, a mere trace made by wild animals +through the underwood--sufficiently practicable for him, as he could +work his way through any tangle of thicket. Sprawling along it, and +rapidly, despite all obstructions, he at length came out on the Acapulco +Road, a wide causeway, with the moon full upon it. + +The track was easy and clear even now, too clear to satisfy him. He +would have preferred a darker night San Augustin had to be passed +through, and he knew that in it were both _serenos_ and _alguazils_. +Besides, he had heard the _moxos_ at the monastery speak of troops +stationed there, and patrols at all hours along the roads around. If +taken up by these he might still hope to reach his intended destination; +but neither in the time he desired, nor the way he wished. He must +approach the man with whom he meant seeking an interview, not as a +prisoner but voluntarily. And he must see this man soon, to make things +effectual, as the reward he was dreaming of sure. + +Urged by these reflections, he made no further delay; but taking to the +dusty road, moved in all haste along it. In one way the moon was in his +favour. The causeway was not straight, for it was still a deep descent +towards the valley, and carried by zig-zags; so that at each angle he +was enabled to scan the stretch ahead, and see that it was clear, before +exposing himself upon it. Then he would advance rapidly on the next +turning-point, stop again, and reconnoitre. + +Thus alternately making traverses and pauses, he at length reached the +outskirts of the _pueblo_, unchallenged and unobserved. But the problem +was how to pass through it; all the more difficult at that early hour. +He had heard the church clock tolling the hours as he came down the +mountain, and he knew it had not struck ten. A beautiful night, the +villagers would be all abroad; and how was he to appear in the street +without attracting notice--he above all men? His deformity of itself +would betray him. An expression of blackest bitterness came over his +features as he thus reflected. But it was not a time to indulge in +sentimentalities. San Augustin must be got through somehow, if he could +not find a way around it. + +For this last he had been looking some time, both to the right and left. +To his joy, just as he caught sight of the first houses--villa +residences they were, far straggling along the road--a lane running in +behind them seemed to promise what he was in search of. From its +direction it should enable him to turn the village, without the +necessity of passing through the _plaza_, or at all entering upon the +streets. Without more ado he dodged into the lane. + +It proved the very sort of way he was wishing for; dark from being +overshadowed with trees. A high park-like wall extended along one side +of it, within which were the trees, their great boughs drooping down +over. + +Keeping close in to the wall he glided on, and had got some distance +from the main road, when he saw that which brought him to a sudden +stop--a man approaching from the opposite direction. In the dim light, +the figure was as yet barely discernible, but there was a certain +something in its gait--the confidential swagger of the policeman--which +caught the practised eye of Zorillo, involuntarily drawing from him the +muttered speech-- + +"_Maltida sea_! An alguazil!" + +Whether the man was this or not, he must be avoided; and, luckily for +the dwarf, the means of shunning him were at hand, easy as convenient. +It was but to raise his long arms above his head, lay hold of one of the +overhanging branches, and draw himself up to the top of the wall; which +he did upon the instant. It was a structure of _adobes_, with a coping +quite a yard in width, and laid flat along this, he was altogether +invisible to one passing below. + +The man, alguazil or not, neither saw him nor suspected his being there, +but walked tranquilly on. + +When he was well beyond earshot the dwarf, deeming himself safe, was +about to drop back into the lane, when a murmur of voices prompted him +to keep his perch. They were feminine, sweet as the sound of rippling +brooks, and gradually becoming more distinct; which told him that those +from whom they proceeded were approaching the spot. He had already +observed that the enclosure was a grand ornamental garden with walks, +fountains, and flowers; a large house on its farther side. + +Presently the speakers appeared--two young ladies sauntering side by +side along one of the walks, the soft moonlight streaming down upon +them. As it fell full upon their faces, now turned toward the wall, the +dwarf started at a recognition, inwardly exclaiming-- + +"_Santissima_! The senoritas of the carriage!" + + + +CHAPTER FORTY NINE. + +A TALE OF STARVATION. + +It was the garden of Don Ignacio's _casa de campo_; the ladies, his +daughter and the Condesa. The lovely night, with balm in the air and a +bright moon shining through the sky, had drawn them out, and they +strolled through the grounds, keeping step, as it were, to that +matchless melody, the song of the _czenzontle_. But note of no +nightingale was in their thoughts, which were engrossed by graver +themes. + +"'Tis so strange our never hearing from them, and not a word of them. +What do you make of it, Ysabel? Is it a bad sign?" + +The question was asked by the Dona Luisa. + +"That we haven't heard from them is--in a way," responded the Countess. +"Yet that may be explained, too. The probability is, from the roads +being all watched and guarded, as we know they are, they'd be cautious +about communicating with us. If they've sent a messenger--which I hope +they haven't--he must have been intercepted and made prisoner. And +then, the message; that might compromise us. But I know Ruperto will be +careful. Not to have heard of them is all for the best--the very best. +It should almost assure us that they're still free, and safe somewhere. +Had they been recaptured, we'd have known before this. All Mexico would +be talking about it." + +"True," assented Don Ignacio's daughter, with a feeling of relief. +"They cannot have been retaken. But I wonder where they are now." + +"So I myself, Luisita. I hope, however, not at that old monastery of +which Ruperto gave me a description in one of his letters. It's +somewhere up in the mountains. But with the country all around so +occupied by troops it would seem an unsafe place. I trust they've got +over the Sierra, and down to Acapulco. If they have, we needn't feel so +very anxious about them." + +"Why not, Ysabel?" + +"Why not? Ah! that's a question you haven't yet come to understand. +But never mind the reason now. You'll know it in good time; and when +you do, I've no fear but you'll be satisfied; your father too." + +Don Ignacio's daughter was both puzzled and surprised at the strange +words. But she knew the Countess had strange ways; and, though a bosom +friend, was not without some secrets she kept to herself. This was one +of them, no doubt, and she forebore pressing for an explanation. + +What the Condesa hinted at was that disaffection in the south, the +expected _pronunciamento_, which, if successful, would not only depose +the Dictator, but of course also his Cabinet Ministers, her friend's +father among them. With some knowledge of coming events, she declined +imparting this to the Dona Luisa through delicacy. Right was she, also, +in her surmise as to the messenger; none had been intercepted, none +having been sent out, just for the reason surmised by her. + +They had made a turn or two of the grounds, thus conversing, when both +came to a sudden stop, simultaneously uttering exclamations of alarm, +"_Santissima_!" and "_Madre de Dios_!" + +"What can it be?" gasped Dona Luisa. "Is it a man?" + +No wonder she should so doubtingly interrogate, since her question +referred to that strange creature on the top of the wall, seeming more +ape than human being. + +That he was human, however, was to be proved by his being gifted with +the power of speech, put forth on the instant after. Before the +Countess could make answer to the question (of course overheard by him), +he interposed, saying-- + +"Pray, don't be alarmed, your ladyships, at a poor miserable creature +like me. I know that my body is anything but shapely; but my soul-- +that, I trust, is different. But, Senoritas, surely you remember me?" + +While speaking, he had raised himself into an upright attitude, and the +moonlight falling upon him showed his shape in all its grotesqueness of +outline. This, with his words, at once recalled their having seen him +before. Yes; it was the _enano_, whom the big Texan had swung up to the +box of their carriage. + +Astonishment hindering reply to his interrogatory, he continued-- + +"Well, your ladyships, I'm sorry you don't recognise me; the more from +my being one of your best friends, or, at all events, the friend of your +friends." + +"Of whom do you speak, sir?" asked the Countess, first to recover +composure, the Dona Luisa echoing the interrogatory. Both were alike +anxious for the answer, better than half divining. + +"Two worthy gentlemen, who, like my poor self, had the misfortune to get +shut up in the Acordada; more than that, set to work in the filthy +sewers. Thanks to the luck of your ladyship's carriage coming past at a +convenient time we all escaped; and so far have been successful in +eluding the search that's been made for us." + +"You have succeeded--all?" both asked in a breath their eagerness +throwing aside reserve. + +"Oh yes; as I've said, so far. But it's been hard times with us in our +hiding-place; so hard, indeed, we might well have wished ourselves back +in the prison." + +"How so, sir? Tell us all! You needn't fear to speak out; we'll not +betray you." + +"_Por Dios_! I'm not afraid of your ladyships doing that. Why should +I, since I'm here on account of your own friends, and on an errand of +mercy?" + +"An errand of mercy?" + +"Yes. And one of necessity as well. Ah! that far more." + +"Go on, sir! Please tell us what it is!" + +"Well, Senoritas, I've been deputed on a foraging expedition. For we're +in a terrible strait--all four of us. You may remember there were +four." + +"We do. But, how in a terrible strait?" + +"How? Why, for want of food; starving. Up in the mountains, where +we've been hiding for now nearly a month, all we've had to live upon was +wild fruits and roots; often eating them raw, too. We daren't any of us +venture down, as the roads all round have been beset by spies and +soldiers. It's only in sheer desperation I've stolen through them; the +Senor Don Ruperto sending me to San Augustin in the hope I might be able +to pick up some provisions. I was just slipping the village the back +way, when an alguazil coming along made it necessary for me to climb up +here and hide myself. The unlucky part of it all is, that even if I get +safe in, I haven't the wherewith to buy the eatables, and must beg them. +That I fear won't be easy; people are so hard-hearted." + +For a time his surprised listeners stood silent, giving way to sad +reflections. Florencio and Ruperto starving! + +"May I hope," continued the lying wretch, "your ladyships will let me +look upon this accidental encounter as a God-send, and that you will +give me something to buy--" + +"Oh, sir," interrupted the Countess, "we will give you that. Luisa, +have you any money in your purse? I haven't in mine--nothing to +signify." + +"Nor I either--how unfortunate! We must--" + +"Never mind money, your ladyships; money's worth will do quite as well. +A _reloja_, rings, anything in the way of jewellery. I chance to know a +place in the village where I can convert them into cash." + +"Here, take this!" cried the Countess, handing him her watch, the same +which had been hypothecated to Jose, but redeemed by a money payment. + +"And this!" said the Dona Luisa, also holding out a watch, both of which +he speedily took possession of. + +"'Tis very generous of your ladyships," he said, stowing them away among +his rags; "the proceeds of these ought to support us for a long time, +even allowing for the reduced rate I'll have to accept from the +pawnbroker. Afterwards we must do the best we can." + +As he spoke, his little sparkling eyes were avariciously bent upon +certain other objects he saw scintillating in the moonlight--bracelets, +rings upon their fingers and in their ears. The hint was hardly needed. +Enough for them the thought that more help might be required by those +dear to them, and at a time when they could not extend it. + +In less than five minutes after both had divested themselves of every +article in the way of gold or gems adorning them. They even plucked the +pendants from their ears, thrusting all indiscriminately into the +outstretched hands of the hunchback. + +"_Gracias!--mil gracias_!" he ejaculated, crowding everything into his +pocket. "But your ladyships will scarce care to accept thanks from me. +'Twill be more to your satisfaction to know that your generosity will be +the saving of valuable lives, two of them, if I mistake not, very dear +to you. Oh! won't the Senores Don Ruperto and Don Florencio be +delighted at the tale I shall take back--the Virgin seeing me safe! Not +for the provisions I may carry, but how I obtained the means of +purchasing them. But as time's pressing, Senorita, I won't say a word +more, only _Adios_!" + +Without waiting for permission to depart, or rejoinder of any kind, he +slipped down from the wall, and disappeared on its other side. + +It was an abrupt leave-taking, which alike surprised and disappointed +them. For they had many questions to ask, and intended asking him--many +anxieties they wished set at rest. + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY. + +AN ENCOUNTER WITH OLD ACQUAINTANCES. + +Passing out of the San Augustin towards the city, the great National +Road, as already said, touches upon the Pedregal, the lava rocks here +and there rising cliff-like over it. On the other side are level +meadows stretching to the shore of the Laguna de Xochimilco; this last +overgrown with a lush aquatic vegetation called the _cinta_, at a +distance appearing more pastureland than lake. Excellent pasturage is +afforded on the strip between; that end of it adjacent to the _pueblo_ +being apportioned among several of the rich proprietors of villas, who +turn their household stock upon it, as milch kine, and horses kept for +the saddle or carriage. + +Just about the time when the hunchback was abruptly bidding "Adios" to +the ladies, a man might have been seen moving along this part of the +road at some half-mile distance from the skirts of the village, with +face turned cityward. But that he had no intention of journeying so far +was evident both by his gait and the character of his dress. He was +going at a slow walk, now and then loitering, as if time was of little +consequence. Moreover, he was in his shirt sleeves, and without the +universal _serape_, which often serves for both cloak and coat. +Otherwise his garb was the ordinary stable wear of a Mexican gentleman's +servant; wide velveteen trousers open along the outer seams, and fended +with leather at breech and bottoms. "Batos" and a black glaze hat +completed his habiliments, with a scarf of China crape, the _chammora_, +around his waist. Scanning the face shadowed by the broad rim of his +_sombrero_, it was seen to be that of Jose, Don Ignacio's groom; while +his errand along that road could be guessed, by seeing what he carried +over his arm--a couple of slip halters. The horses, for whom they were +intended, were to be seen standing at a gate, a little further, having +browsed their fill; a pair of greys, recognisable as the famous +_frisones_; all the easier now from one of them showing a split ear. +They had been turned out to cool their hoofs on the soft meadow sward, +and he was on his way to take them back to their stable. + +Along the other side of the road, for a stretch of some distance, +extended the Pedregal, forming a low ridge with a precipitous face +towards the causeway. As the _cochero_ got up to where his pets were +expecting him, he saw a _coyote_ standing upon the crest cliff, just +opposite the horses, in an attitude and with an air as if it had been +holding conversation with them. Solely for frolic's sake, he made a +rush towards it, giving a swoop and swinging the halters around his +head. Of course, the affrighted animal turned tail, and retreated; +instantly disappearing from his sight. The little spurt had carried him +in under the shadow of the rocks; and as he faced round to recross the +moonlit causeway, he saw coming along it that which, by some mysterious +instinct, prompted him to keep his place. After all, no mystery about +it; for in the diminutive, crab-like form seen approaching, he +recognised the dwarf-hunchback who had shared the box seat with him on +that day never to be forgotten. + +Nothing had been heard of the creature since, so far as Jose knew; and +therefore it might be supposed his appearance would have been welcome, +promising some news of those with whom he had been last seen. But so +far from the _cochero_ stepping out into the road to receive him, he but +drew closer to the cliff, where an embayment in black shadow promised +him perfect concealment. + +Soon after Zorillo came shuffling along through the dust, keeping close +to the shaded side of the road. Having cleared the skirts of the +village, however, he was less careful now. Not likely there would be +any one abroad at that hour--for it had gone ten--but if so, there was +the Pedregal alongside, to which he could retreat. Evidently he had not +seen Jose as when first seen himself he was turning a corner, and the +other had been for some time in shadow. + +When nearly opposite the meadow gate he also made a stop, with a start, +at perceiving the two horses' heads stretched over it, one with a cleft +ear! His start came through recognition of them. + +"Oho!" he exclaimed, "you there, too, my noble _frisones? Caspita_! +this is meeting one's old acquaintances all in a heap! It now only +needs to encounter _cochero_, and the party will be complete! Well, I +may live in hope to see him too, sometime; and won't there be a +reckoning when we're all together again?" + +He was about to pass on, when a clattering of hoofs was heard behind, in +the direction of the _pueblo_, as if horsemen were issuing out of it. +Shortly after, a dark clump was seen rounding the corner, and coming on +along the white ribband of road. The sabres clanking against +stirrup-irons proclaimed it a cavalry troop. + +Like a tarantula retreating to its tree-cave, the dwarf darted in under +the cliff, there crouching down--so close to Jose that the latter could +have almost touched him with the tips of his fingers. He had no desire +to do so, no thought of it; but the very opposite. His wish was to +avoid an encounter; and good reason for it, as he was soon after made +aware. Fortunately for him, the hunchback neither saw nor had a +suspicion of his proximity. With face turned to the road, he was +altogether occupied with the party approaching. + +The Hussars turned out--an escort of some eight or ten files, with two +officers at its head; these riding side by side, and a little in +advance. They were chatting gaily and rather vociferously; the voice of +him who spoke loudest being well-known to Jose. For Colonel Santander, +whether welcome or not, was a frequent visitor at the _casa de campo_ of +Don Ignacio Valverde. And the dwarf now remembered it too, as he did so +abandoning all attempt at concealment, and gliding out into the middle +of the road. + +"_Carajo_!" simultaneously shouted the two officers, as their horses +reared up, snorting at the strange shape so suddenly presented before +them. "What the _Demonio_ is it, if not Satan himself?" added +Santander. + +"No, _Senor Coronet_," returned Zorillo. "Not the devil; only a poor +creature whom God has cursed by making him in a shape that isn't +altogether fashionable. But just for that reason I trust being recalled +to your Excellency's remembrance--am I not?" + +"Ah! You were in the Acordada?" + +"_Si, Senor Coronet_." + +"And 'twas you I saw coupled to the Tejano?" + +"The same, Senor. In that prosecuted by a like ill, no doubt, the devil +all the time directing it." + +"But where have you been since, sirrah?" + +"Ah! _Excellenza_! that's just it; the very thing I want to tell you. +I was on my way to the city in hopes of obtaining an interview with you. +What a bit of fortune you passing here: 'twill save me a journey I was +ill able to make; for I'm quite worn out, and weak, from being starved +up there in the mountains." + +"Oh! you've been up there?" + +"Yes, Senor Coronel, in hiding with the others. But not like them +voluntarily. They took me along with them, whether I would or no, and +have kept me ever since--till this night, when an opportunity offered +for giving them the slip. It isn't all of four hours since I parted +company with them. But if your Excellency wishes to hear the whole +story, perhaps you'd like it better in private. If I mistake not, some +of it should only reach your own ears." + +Santander had been already thinking of this, and turning to the officer +by his side, he said-- + +"Take the men on, Ramirez. Halt at a hundred yards or so, and wait for +me." + +In obedience to the order the escort moved on, stopping as directed, the +dialogue between Santander and the dwarf meanwhile continuing. It was +more of a monologue, the latter giving a detailed relation of all that +had occurred to him since the time of their escape from the chain-gang, +with comments and suggestions added. + +After hearing all, Santander rose in his stirrups, his features showing +triumph, such as Satan might feel at a world of souls just delivered to +him. + +"The game is mine at last!" he muttered to himself, "every trick of it. +They're in a trap now; and when they go out of it, 'twill be to the +_garrota_." + +For a moment he sat silent, apparently considering what was his best +course to pursue. Then, seemingly having decided, he called out-- + +"Ramirez! Send a couple of men to me--the corporal and another." + +These, detached from the escort, came trotting back along the road. + +"Here, _cabo_! Take charge of this curious specimen. Keep him here, +and see that you hold him safe till you have my orders for releasing +him. Don't stray from this spot as you value your own neck--not an +inch." + +Saying which he put spurs to his horse, and rejoined his escort. Then +commanding, "Forward! at the double quick!" they started off at full +gallop towards the city. + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY ONE. + +A GRUMBLING GUARD. + +Part of the dialogue between Santander and the hunchback was overheard +by Jose--enough of it to give him the trembles. Among its revelations +was nought relating to himself, or his connivance at the escape of the +prisoners. For all, he could see that he was now in as much danger as +they who were in hiding. The Colonel of Hussars had gone on to the +city, perhaps to complete some duty already engaging him, but as likely +to obtain a stronger force. And as his words told, he would return +again; and no doubt make direct for the old monastery, the dwarf guiding +him. + +The first thought of the faithful _cochero_ was not about himself, nor +his horses. These might stay in the meadow all night, as they were now +likely to do. The lives of men were at stake--his own among the +number--and his sole purpose now was to get home, report what he had +heard to his young mistress and the Condesa; then hasten up the mountain +to warn the imperilled ones. As good luck would have it, he knew the +place they were in. Son of a _carbonero_, when a boy he had helped his +father in the charcoal-burning business; was familiar with the mountain +forests, and their paths, and had more than once been at the abandoned +monastery. He could easily find the way to it. But the difficulty was +to get back to his master's house--even stir from the spot on which he +stood. Soon as receiving their orders the two Hussars had dismounted, +and tied up their horses, one on each side of the rocky embayment; they +themselves, with their curious charge, occupying the space between. It +was not possible to pass without being seen by them, and as surely +seized. + +So long as he kept his place he might feel comparatively safe. The cove +was of a three-cornered shape, with luckily a deep dark cleft at its +inner angle, into which he had already squeezed himself. While the moon +remained low, and the cliff made shadow, there was little likelihood of +their seeing him, unless they came close up. Still, the situation was +aught but pleasant, and ere long became irksome in the extreme; the +conversation to which he was compelled to listen making it so. + +The two _Husares_ did not seem, to be in the best of temper; the +corporal more especially showing signs of dissatisfaction. Groping +about for a stone to seat himself on, he grumbled out-- + +"_Maddita_! What a bore, having to stay here till they get back. +Heaven knows when that will be. Like enough not before morning. I +thought we were going to pass the night in San Augustin, and had hopes +of a chat with that _muchachita_ at the house where the colonel visits." + +"Pepita, you mean--lady's maid to the Dona Luisa Valverde?" + +"Of course I mean her, the pretty dear; and have reason to think she is +a bit sweet upon me." + +Josh's heart was on fire--his blood boiling. It was with difficulty he +restrained himself from springing out upon the soldier and clutching him +by the throat. He succeeded, however, in keeping his place, if not his +temper; for it would have been sheer madness to show himself there and +then. What came after quite tranquillised him. + +"Well, _cabo_" returned he of the rank and file, seemingly without fear +of speaking plain to the non-commissioned officer, "I should be sorry to +dash your hopes; but as a friend I can't help saying I don't think you +have much chance in that quarter. She's a step higher, that same +Pepita; holds her head far above any of us common soldiers--" + +"Common soldiers! I'm a corporal; you forget that, _hombre_. But why +do you think my chances are so poor?" + +"Because I've heard say there's a man about the establishment to whom +she's already given what heart she may have had to give--that they're +engaged. The fellow's groom or _cochero_, or something of the sort." + +Jose breathed easier now, noways provoked at having been spoken of as a +"fellow." + +"Bah!" contemptuously exclaimed the corporal. "What care I for that +horse-cleaner and carriage-washer for a rival! I've cut out scores of +such before now, and will do the same with him. Lie down there, you +devil's imp!" he added, turning savagely upon the dwarf, and venting his +spleen by giving the creature a kick. "Down, or I'll break every bone +in your body." + +"Mercy, master!" expostulated the hunchback. "Don't be so cruel to a +fellow-creature." + +"Fellow-creature! That's good, ha, ha, ha!" And the brute broke out +into a hoarse laugh, till the rocks echoed his fiendish cachinnation. + +"Well, your worship," rejoined he thus inhumanly mocked, with an air of +assumed meekness; "whatever I am, it pains me to think I should be the +cause of keeping you here. But why should you stay, may I ask? You +don't suppose I'm going to run away? If I were with you as a prisoner-- +but I am not. I sought an interview with your Colonel of my own free +will. Surely you saw that!" + +"True enough, he did," interposed the soldier. + +"And what if he did?" growled the corporal. + +"Only, Senor, to show that I have no intention to part company with you, +nor wish neither. _Por Dios_! don't let me hinder you from having that +chat with the _muchachita_. It's but a step back to the _pueblo_, and +like as not she'll be on the lookout for you, spite of what your comrade +says. Maybe he has an eye to the pretty dear himself, and that's why he +wishes to discourage you." + +As this rigmarole was delivered in the most comical manner, it put the +soldiers in a better humour, both breaking out into laughter. + +Of course the corporal had no thought of availing himself of the +permission so accorded. Their orders were strict to stay in that spot, +and stay they must. The question was, how were they to spend the time. +A smoke to begin with; and they drew out their cigarritos, with flint, +steel, and tinder. + +Soon as the red coal appeared beneath their noses, said the _cabo_ to +his comrade-- + +"By the way, Perico, have you your cards with you?" + +"Did you ever know me to be without them?" + +"How lucky! I quite forgot mine." + +"That's because your mind was bent upon Pepita. I saw you giving your +moustache an extra twist this evening." + +"Oh! bother Pepita. Let's have an _albur_ of monte." + +"How about light?" + +"The moon's clear enough, if it wasn't we could manage with our cigars. +Many's the game I've played that way." + +"All right! But the stakes? I haven't a _cuartilla_--nay, not so much +as a _claco_." + +"_Carramba_! Nor I either. I spent the last on a drink just before we +got into the saddle. It's bad; but we can bet upon the credit system, +and use cartridges for counters." + +"Ah, stay!" + +At which he turned his eyes upon the dwarf with a look of peculiar +significance, cupidity the prevailing expression. + +The latter saw it with a heaviness of heart, and a shuddering throughout +his frame. All the time apprehensive about the plunder with which his +pockets were crammed, he instinctively anticipated what was coming. + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY TWO. + +A DANAE'S SHOWER. + +"Now, I shouldn't wonder," continued the corporal, shifting upon his +seat, and facing fully round to the dwarf. "I shouldn't at all wonder +but that this diminutive gentleman has some spare cash upon him; and +maybe he'll oblige us by a little loan, considering the occasion. What +say you, _Senor Enano_?" + +"I haven't any," was the ready answer. "And sorry to say it too--that I +am." + +"It don't look much like he has," observed Perico, with a glance at the +hunchback's tattered habiliments. + +"Looks are not always to be relied on," persisted the corporal. "Who'd +ever suspect a pearl inside an ugly oyster-shell?" + +"I haven't, indeed, _Senor Cabo_," once more protested the dwarf with +earnest emphasis. "If I had, you'd be welcome to the loan you speak of. +No man likes a game of _monte_ better than myself. Alas! so far from +being in funds, I'm too like your worships--without a _claco_. I've +been stripped of everything; and, if you knew my story, you'd pity me, +I'm sure." + +"What story?" demanded the _cabo_, becoming curious. + +"Why, that I've been robbed of all the money I had. It wasn't much, to +be sure, only two _pesetas_ and a _real_, but still that was better than +empty pockets. It happened about half an hour ago. I was on my way to +San Augustin, thinking I'd there get some supper, with a night's +lodging; when not far from this, two men--footpads I suppose they were-- +rushed out from the roadside, and made straight at me. One took the +right, the other left. But I've good long arms, as you see, pretty +strong too; and so I was able to keep them off for a while. Several +times they caught hold of my wrists; but I succeeded in jerking them +free again. I believe I could have wrestled them both, but that one +getting angry, pulled out a long-bladed knife, and threatened to cut my +throat with it. _Por dios_! I had to surrender then, seeing he was in +earnest." + +While giving this somewhat prolix account of an altogether imaginary +adventure, he had started to his feet, and accompanied his speech with a +series of pantomimic gestures; dancing and flinging his arms about, as +he professed to have done while defending himself against the footpads. +The grotesqueness of the performance, though seen only in the dim +light--for he kept under the shadow--set his listeners to laughing. +Little dreamt they why he was treating them to the spectacle, or how +cleverly he was outwitting them. + +But there was a third spectator of the scene, unknown to all of them, +who was aware of it. The _cochero_ could not at first tell what were +the things striking him in the pit of the stomach, as if he was being +pelted with pebbles! But he could see they came from the hands of the +hunchback, flung behind in his repeated contortions and gesticulations. + +Moreover, that they glistened while passing through the air, and looked +whitish where they lay, after falling at his own feet. + +"Well; what did they do to you then?" asked the corporal, when he and +his comrade had finished their guffaw. "Stripped you clean, as you've +said?" + +"_Ay, Dios_! Just that, Senor. Took everything I had, except the rags +I wear; and to them I might well have made them welcome." + +"Now, are you sure they took everything?" questioned the other, still +suspicious. The earnestness of the dwarfs affirmation made him so. + +"Of course, Senor. Quite sure. I'll swear to it, if you like." + +"Oh, there's no need for the formality of an oath. Simpler to search +you! and more satisfactory. Draw up here in front of me!" + +The hunchback obeyed with an air of confident alacrity. He had no +reluctance to being searched now, knowing his pockets were empty. Of +which the searcher satisfied himself by groping about among the rags, +and sounding every receptacle where coin might be kept. + +But if he found no money, an article turned up, which no little +surprised himself and his comrade--a stiletto! + +"_Caspita_!" he exclaimed, as his hand touched something hard in the +waistband of the dwarfs breeches, stuck behind his back. "What have we +here? As I live, a dagger!" drawing it out and holding it to the light. +"Silver-hilted, too! Yes; it's silver, sure; and blade beautifully +chased--worth a _doblone_, at the very least!" + +"Half mine," interrupted Perico, putting in his claim. + +"All right, _camardo_. We'll settle that by-and-by. Now, you limb of +Satan!" he continued to the hunchback, "you told us the footpads had +stripped you clean. How do you explain this?" + +"Easily enough, your worship. They only thought of trying in my +pockets, and the stiletto being there behind where you've found it, +luckily they overlooked it." + +"Oh, indeed!" doubtingly rejoined the corporal; "and pray how did you +become possessed of it, _Senor Enano_? A dagger worth a _doblone_ isn't +a likely thing for such as you to be owner of--that is, in an honest +way." + +"I admit, your worship, it isn't likely. For all, I came honestly by +the article. It's an heirloom in our family; belonged to my +great-great-grandfather, and's descended through several generations. +For know, Senor, my ancestors were not deformed like poor me. Some of +them were gallant soldiers, as yourself. Indeed, one of them rose to +the rank of sergeant--that was my mother's grandfather; but this dagger +didn't come down from him, being left in the main line." + +"Well," laughingly returned the corporal, after listening to the quaint +chapter of explanations, "the future herald of our family won't have to +trace it beyond yourself. You're now under our protection, and have no +need to warlike weapons. So we, your protectors, will take the liberty +of appropriating the historical toy. Get out the cards, Perico! Let us +see whether it is to be yours or mine." + +"_May bueno_!" responded Perico. "How will you have the game? A single +_albur_, or two out of three?" + +"Well, as we've only the one stake, and no end of time for winning and +losing it, we'd better make it the long game." + +"All right--come on! I have the cards spread--_sota y caballo_. How +sweet the Queen's face looks in the moonlight! Ah! she's smiling at me, +I know, as good as to say--`Worthy Perico, that silver-handled weapon, +your corporal tells you is worth all of an _onza_, will ere long be +thine.'" + +"Well, lay on the Queen if you like. I'll go the Jack, with all his +grinning. Now shuffle, and deal off." + +By this the two had seated themselves, _vis-a-vis_, just outside the +verge where met moonlight and shadow, a suite of cards turned face up +between them, the dealing pack in the hands of Perico. The hunchback, +on his knees, with neck craned out, was a spectator; but one whose +thoughts were not with his eyes. Instead, dwelling upon the valuables +he had so cunningly chucked back, making the mental calculation as to +how much they might be damaged by breakage, but caring less for that +than the danger of their also becoming stakes in that game of _monte_. +Could he have known what was going on behind, he would possibly have +preferred it so. + +The unseen spectator, though silent, was not inactive, but the reverse. +From the moment of seeing himself shut up--as it were, in a pen--he had +given all his thoughts to how he might escape out of it. It needed none +to tell him there was no chance front-wards by the road. A rush he +might make past the two soldiers, risking seizure, and surely having the +bullets of their carbines sent after him. But even though he got off in +that way, what would be the upshot? The hunchback would be certain to +recognise him, remembering all. Knowing, too, that his dialogue with +the Hussar colonel must have been overheard, he would hasten the very +event which he, Jose, was now all anxious to provide against. The word +of warning meant for those now so much needing it might reach them too +late. + +All these thoughts had passed through the _cochero's_ mind before the +card-playing commenced. More, too, for he had carefully inspected the +cliff overhead, so far as the light would allow, aided by groping. To +his joy, he had discovered that there was a possibility of scaling it. +A sharp pinnacle of rock was within reach of the swing of his halters; +and skilled in the use of the _laso_, over this he had succeeded in +flinging the head-stall of one, hooking it fast. It but remained to +swarm up the rope, and he was watching for an opportunity, when +glittering golden things, like a Danae's shower, came raining against +his ribs, to fall at his feet. + +He saw no reason for these being left to lie there, but a good one +against it; so, stooping cautiously forward, he gathered up all, stowing +them away in his pockets. Then turning and taking hold of the halter, +with as little noise as possible, he hoisted himself up to the crest of +the cliff. + +The soldiers engrossed with their game, and the dwarf, though but a +spectator, having also become interested in it--none of the three either +saw or heard him. And the last he heard of them as he stole silently +away was the corporal delightedly calling out-- + +"_Sota en la puerta, mozo_! The dagger's mine, darling Perico!" + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY THREE. + +A SERIES OF SURPRISES. + +The _cochero_ had but a confused idea of what he was carrying away with +him. By the feel, watches, with chains and bracelets; besides some +smaller articles wrapped in bits of paper. The uncertainty of his +getting safe up the cliff hindered him from giving them even the most +cursory examination, nor did he think of doing this till at sufficient +distance from the card-playing party to feel sure he was beyond danger +of pursuit. Then the temptation to have a look at the things, which had +so strangely and unexpectedly come into his possession, became +irresistible; and sitting down upon a ledge of rock, he drew them out +into the light of the moon. Two watches were there, both gold, and one +with a jewelled case. + +"_Carrai_!" he exclaimed, as his eyes fell upon the latter, and became +fixed in a stare of blank amazement, "can it be! It is--the Condesa's +watch--the very one she would have given me! But how came the hunchback +to have it? Surely he must have stolen it. The other, too, with all +these things!" + +He looked at the second watch, but as it had never been in his hands +before, he was unable to identify it. Still, it resembled one he had +seen his mistress wearing, and most likely was the same. + +The bracelets, chains, necklets, and brooches would be theirs, too; as +also the rings and other bijouterie, which the dwarf had found time to +do up in paper. + +"Stolen them?" continued the _cochero_ interrogatively, as he ran his +eyes over the varied assortment. + +"How could he? The watches he might, but the other things? Why bless +me, here are two pairs of ear-rings--and these grand pendants--I'm sure +I saw them in the ears of the Condesa this very day. He couldn't have +taken them without her knowing it. _Santo Dios_! How ever has he come +by them?" + +As he thus questioned and reflected, a feeling of apprehension began to +creep over him. A little before leaving the house to go after his +horses he had observed his young mistress and the Condesa going into the +ornamental grounds. And they went alone; Don Ignacio having repaired to +a private apartment, where he was accustomed to shut himself up for the +examination of State papers, what if the ladies _were_ still in the +grounds, in some secluded spot, lying dead, where all these adornments +had been stripped from their persons! + +This horrible tableau did the faithful servant in imagination conjure +up. He could not help it. Nor was the thing so very improbable. He +had some earlier acquaintance with the desperate character of the dwarf, +which later experience confirmed. Besides, there was the state of the +country--thieves and robbers all round--men who made light of murder! + +With a heaviness of heart--a painful fear that there had been murder--he +stayed not to further examine the trinkets; but gathering all up again, +and thrusting them back into his pocket, hurried on home. + +And when home he went not to his own quarters in the coachyard, but +straight into the _patio_--the private court of the house. There he +encountered Pepita; soon as he set eyes on her, asking-- + +"Where are the _Senoritas_?" + +"What's that to you?" saucily retorted the maid. + +"Nothing, if I only knew they were safe." + +"Safe! Why what's the man thinking--talking about? Have you lost your +senses, _hombre_?" + +"No, Pepita. But the ladies have lost something. Look here!" + +He had plunged both his hands into his pockets, and drawn them out again +full of things that scintillated in the moonlight--watches and jewellery +of different kinds, as she saw. With a woman's curiosity, gliding +swiftly forward to examine them, she recognised every article at a +glance, amazement overspreading her countenance, as it lately had his. + +"_Ay de mi_!" she exclaimed, no longer in jesting tone. "What does it +all mean, Jose?" + +"Just what I want to know myself, and why I am asking after the +Senoritas. But where are they?" + +"In the garden, or the grounds somewhere. They strolled out about an +hour ago, and haven't been in since." + +"Pray God, they're still alive! Come with me, Pepita. Let us look for +them. I have terrible fears." + +So appealed to, the girl gave ready assent; and side by side they +hastened towards the rear of the house, behind which were the ornamental +grounds extending backwards. But they had not far to go before hearing +sounds that set their minds at rest, removing all anxiety--the voices of +the ladies themselves. They were not only alive, but laughing! + +To Jose and Pepita this seemed strange as anything else--a perfect +mystery. Merry after parting with all those pretty things; costly, +too--worth hundreds of _doblones_! Withal, they were so; their +lightness of heart due to the knowledge thus gained, that their own +lovers were still living and safe; and something of merriment, added by +that odd encounter with the _enano_, of which they were yet conversing. + +If their behaviour mystified their servants, not less were they +themselves puzzled when Jose presented himself before them with hands +held out, saying: + +"I ask your pardon for intruding, but don't these belong to your +ladyships?" + +They saw their watches and other effects obtained from them by "false +pretences," as they were now to learn. + +The revelation that succeeded put an end to their joyous humour; their +hearts that had been light for a moment were now becoming heavier than +ever. The treachery of the hunchback and his intentions were manifest. +He meant to guide Santander and his soldiers to the old monastery, where +they would take the _patriotas_ by surprise. + +"What is to be done, Ysabel?" despairingly asked the Donna Luisa. "How +can we give them warning?" + +To which the _cochero_, not the Countess, made answer, saying: + +"I can do that, _Senorita_." + +His confident tone reassured them; more still his making known the +design he had already conceived, and his ability to execute it. He was +acquainted with the old convent and the paths leading to it--every inch +of them. + +It needed not their united appeal to urge him to immediate departure. +He was off the instant after, and long before the clock of Talpam had +struck the midnight hour, well up the mountain road, with eyes looking +to the right, in the direction of the Cerro Ajusco. + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR. + +MONKS NO MORE. + +The surmise which had influenced Zorillo to leaving the convent cell +earlier than he intended was a correct one. The goings on in the +Refectory were, at the time, of an unusual kind--a grand occasion, as he +had worded it. There were some fifty men in it; but not one of them now +effecting either the garb or the behaviour of the monk. Soldiers all; +or at least in warlike guise; a few wearing regular though undress +uniforms, but the majority habited as "guerilleros," in the picturesque +costumes of their country. They were booted, and belted, swords by +their sides, with pistols in holsters hanging against the walls, and +spurs ready for buckling on. Standing in corners were stacks of +carbines, and lances freshly pennoned, with their blades bright from +being recently sharpened--a panoply which spoke of fighting ere long +expected to take place. + +It may be asked where were their horses, since all the arms and +accoutrements seen around were those of cavalry? But horses they had, +though not there. Each knew where to lay hands on his own, far or near, +stalled in the stable of some sequestered _rancho_, or, it might be, +mountain cavern. They were not yet assembled to hearken to the call of +"Boot and Saddle." That they would hear at a later hour, and in a +different place. + +The occasion of their being in such guise and together was because it +was to be the last night of their sojourn in the monastery. And they +were making it a merry one; the Refectory table was being loaded with +the best that was left to them in meals and drinks. Upon it were what +bottles remained of those famous wines from the bins of the rich +_haciendado_--his forced contribution--and they were fast getting +emptied. From the way the _convives_ were quaffing, it was not likely +that any of the Burgundy, Madeira, or Pedro Ximenes would be left +behind--not even a "heel-tap." + +It had got to be midnight, and they were still in the midst of the +revelry, when Rivas, who headed the table, rose to his feet, in that +formal manner which tells of speech to be made or toast proclaimed. + +"_Camaradas_!" he said, as soon as the buzz of conversation had ended, +"as you're aware, we part from this place to-night; and some of you know +whither we are going and for what purpose. But not all; therefore I +deem it my duty to tell you. You saw a courier who came up early this +morning--bringing good news, I'm glad to say. This despatch I hold in +my hand is from an old friend, General Alvarez, who, though he may not +boast _sangre-azul_ in his veins, is as brave a soldier and pure a +patriot as any in the land. You know that. He tells me his _Pintos_ +are ready for a rising, and only wait for us--the `Free Lances'--with +some others he has summoned to join him in giving the _grito_. By his +messenger I have sent answer that we, too, are ready, and will respond +to his summons. You all approve of that, I take it?" + +"All!" was the exclaim in chorus, without a dissenting voice. + +"Moreover," proceeded the speaker, "I've told the General we'll be on +the march to-morrow morning, and can meet him at a place he has +mentioned the day after. His plan is to attack the town of Oaxaca; and, +if we succeed in taking it, then we move direct on the capital. Now +_camarados_, I've nothing more to say; only that you're to scatter after +your horses, and lose no time in mustering again--the old rendezvous, +this side La Guarda." + +So ended the speech of the Free Lances' leader; but despite the +suggestions of immediate departure, the circle around the table did not +instantly break up. + +The bottles were not all empty as yet, nor the revellers satisfied to +leave them till they should be so. Besides, there was no particular +need of haste for another hour or two. So they stuck to the table, +smoking, drinking, and toasting many things, as persons, among the +latter their lately joined allies--the _Irlandes_ and _Tejano_, about +whose proved valour on other fields, of which they had heard, the Free +Lances were enthusiastically eloquent. + +Kearney, speaking in their own tongue, made appropriate response; while +Rock, when told he had been toasted, delivered himself in characteristic +strain, saying:-- + +"Feller-citizens,--For since I tuk up yur cause, I reck'n you'll gi'e me +leave to call ye so--it air a glad thing to this chile to think he'll +soon hev a bit o' fightin'. An' 'specially as it's to be agin ole +Santy, the durned skunk. By the jumpin' Geehosofat! if Cris Rock iver +gits longside him agin, as he war on't San Jacinty, there wan't be no +more meercy for the cussed tyrant, same as, like a set of fools, we +Texans showed him thar an' then. Tell them what I sayed, Cap." + +With which abrupt wind-up he dropped back upon his seat, gulping down a +tumblerful of best Madeira, as though it were table-beer. + +Kearney did tell them, translating his comrade's speech faithfully as +the _patois_ would permit; which heightened their enthusiasm, many of +them starting to their feet, rushing round the table, and, Mexican +fashion, enfolding the _Tejano_ in friendly embrace. + +The hugging at an end, there was yet another toast to follow, the same +which always wound up the festivals of the "Free Lances," whatever the +occasion. Their leader, as often before, now again pronounced it-- + +"_Patria y Libertad_". + +And never before did it have more enthusiastic reception, the cheer that +rang through the old convent, louder than any laughter of monks who may +have ever made it their home. + +Ere it had ceased reverberating, the door of the Refectory was suddenly +pushed open, and a man rushed into the room, as he entered, crying out-- + +"_Traicion_!" + +"Treason!" echoed fifty voices as one, all again starting to their feet, +and turning faces towards the alarmist. The major-domo it was, who, as +the other _mozos_, was half equipped for a journey. + +"What mean you, Gregorio?" demanded his master. + +"There's one can tell you better than I, Don Ruperto." + +"Who? Where is he?" + +"Outside, Senor. A messenger who has just come up--he's from San +Augustin." + +"But how has he passed our sentry." + +"Ah! _capitano_; I'd rather he told you himself." + +Mysterious speech on the part of the major-domo, which heightened the +apprehension of those hearing it. "Call him hither!" commanded Rivas. + +No calling was needed; the person spoken of being in the environ close +by; and Gregorio, again opening the door, drew him inside. + +"The _cochero_!" mentally exclaimed Rivas, Kearney, and the Texan, soon +as setting eyes on him. + +The _cochero_ it was, Jose, though they knew not his name, nor anything +more of him than what they had learned in that note of the Condesa's, +saying that he could be trusted, and their brief association with him +afterwards--which gave them proof that he could. + +As he presented himself inside the room he seemed panting for breath, +and really was. He had only just arrived up the steep climb, and +exchanged hardly half a dozen words with the major-domo, who had met him +at the outside entrance. + +Announced as a messenger, neither the Captain of the Free Lances nor +Florence Kearney needed telling who sent him. A sweet intuition told +them that. Rivas but asked-- + +"How have you found the way up here?" + +"_Por Dios_! Senor, I've been here before--many's the time. I was born +among these mountains--am well acquainted with all the paths everywhere +around." + +"But the sentry below. How did you get past him? You haven't the +countersign!" + +"He wouldn't have heard it if I had, Senor. _Pobre_! he'll never hear +countersign again--nor anything else." + +"Why? Explain yourself!" + +"_Esta muerto_! He lies at the bottom of the cliff, his body crushed--" + +"Who has done it? Who's betrayed us?" interrupted a volley of voices. + +"The hunchback, Zorillo," answered Jose, to the astonishment of all. +For in the dialogue between the dwarf and Santander, he had heard enough +to anticipate the ghastly spectacle awaiting him on his way up the +mountain. + +Cries of anger and vengeance were simultaneously sent up; all showing +eager to rush from the room. They but waited for a word more. + +Rivas, however, suspecting that the messenger meant that word for +himself, claimed their indulgence, and led him outside, inviting Kearney +to accompany them. + +Though covering much ground, and relating to many incidents, the +_cochero's_ story was quickly told. Not in the exact order of +occurrence, but as questioned by his impatient listeners. He ran +rapidly over all that happened since their parting at the corner of the +Coyoacan road, the latter events most interesting them. Surprised were +they to hear that Don Ignacio and his daughter for some time had been +staying at San Augustin--the Condesa with them. Had they but known that +before, in all probability things would not have been as now. Possibly +they might have been worse; though, even as they stood, there was enough +danger impending over all. As for themselves, both Mexican and +Irishman, less recked of it, as they thought of how they were being +warned, and by whom. That of itself was recompense for all their +perils. + +Meanwhile those left inside the room were chafing to learn the +particulars of the treason, though they were not all there now. Some +had sallied out, and gone down the cliff to bring up the body of their +murdered comrade; others, the major-domo conducting, back to the place +where the hunchback should be, but was not. There to find confirmation +of what had been said. The cell untenanted; the window bar filed +through and broken; the file lying by it, and the chain hanging down +outside. + +Intelligible to them now was the tale of treason, without their hearing +it told. + +When once more they assembled in the Refectory, it was with chastened, +saddened hearts. For they had come from digging a grave, and lowering +into it a corpse. Again gathered around the table, _they_ drank the +stirrup-cup, as was their wont, but never so joylessly, or with such +stint. + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE. + +"ONLY EMPTY BOTTLES." + +About the time the Free Lances were burying their comrade in the +cemetery of the convent the gate of San Antonio de Abad was opened to +permit the passage of a squadron of Hussars going outward from the city. +There were nigh 200 of them, in formation "by fours"--the wide causeway +allowing ample room for even ten abreast. + +At their head rode Colonel Santander, with Major Ramirez by his side, +other officers in their places distributed along the line. + +Soon as they had cleared the _garita_, a word to the bugler, with a note +or two from his trumpet quick succeeding, set them into a gallop; the +white dusty road and clear moonlight making the fastest pace easily +attainable. And he who commanded was in haste, his destination being +that old monastery, of which he had only lately heard, but enough to +make him most eager to reach it before morning. His hopes were high; at +last he was likely to make a _coup_--that capture so much desired, so +long delayed! + +For nearly an hour bridles were let loose, and spurs repeatedly plied. +On along the _calzada_ swept the squadron, over the bridge Churubusco, +and past the _hacienda_ of San Antonio de Abad, which gives its name to +the city gate on that side. Thenceforward the Pedregal impinges on the +road, and the Hussars still going at a gallop along its edge, another +bugle-call brought them to a halt. + +That, however, had naught to do with their halting, which came from +their commander having reached the spot where he had left the hunchback +in charge of the two soldiers. + +He need not hail them to assure himself they were still there. The +trampling of horses on the hard causeway, heard afar off, had long ago +forewarned the corporal of what was coming; and he was out on the road +to receive them, standing in an attitude of attention. + +The parley was brief, and quick the action which accompanied it. + +"Into your saddle, _cabo_!" commanded the colonel. "Take that curiosity +up behind you, and bring it along." + +In an instant the corporal was mounted, the "curiosity" hoisted up to +his croup by Perico, who then sprang to the back of his own horse. Once +more the bugle gave tongue, and away they went again. + +The cavalcade made no stop in San Augustin. There was no object for +halting it there, and delay was the thing its commander most desired to +avoid. As they went clattering through the _pueblo_, its people were +a-bed, seemingly asleep. But not all. Two at least were awake, and +heard that unusual noise--listened to it with a trembling in their +frames and fear in their hearts. Two ladies they were, inside a house +beyond the village, on the road running south. Too well they knew what +it meant, and whither the galloping cohort was bound. And themselves +unseen, they saw who was at the head; though they needed not seeing him +to know. But peering through the _jalousies_, the moonlight revealed to +them the face of Don Carlos Santander, in the glimpse they got of it, +showing spitefully triumphant. + +He could not see them, though his eyes interrogated the windows while he +was riding past. They had taken care to extinguish the light in their +room. + +"_Virgin Santissima_! Mother of God!" exclaimed one of the ladies, +Luisa Valverde, as she dropped on her knees in prayer, "Send that +they've got safe off ere this!" + +"Make your mind easy, _amiga_!" counselled the Condesa Almonte in less +precatory tone. "I'm good as sure they have. Jose cannot fail to have +reached and given them warning. That will be enough." + +A mile or so beyond San Augustin the southern road becomes too steep for +horses to go at a gallop, without risk of breaking their wind. So there +the Hussars had to change to a slower pace--a walk in fact. There were +other reasons for coming to this. The sound of their hoof-strokes +ascending would be heard far up the mountain, might reach the ears of +those in the monastery, and so thwart the surprise intended for them. + +While toiling more leisurely up the steep, any one chancing to look in +the hunchback's face would there have observed an expression +indescribable. Sadness pervaded it, with an air of perplexity, as +though he had met with some misfortune he could not quite comprehend. + +And so had he. Before leaving the spot where the stiletto was taken +from him, he had sought an opportunity to step back into that shady +niche in the cliff where he had lost his treasures. The _monte_ +players, unsuspicious of his object, made no objection. But instead of +there finding what he had expected, he saw only a pair of horse-halters: +one lying coiled upon the ground, the head-stall of the other caught +over the rock above, the rope end dangling down! + +An inexplicable phenomenon, which, however, he had kept to himself, and +ever since been cudgelling his brains to account for. + +But soon after he had something else to think of: the time having +arrived when he was called upon to give proof of his capability as a +guide. Heretofore it had been all plain road riding; but now they had +reached a point spoken of by himself where the _calzada_ must be +forsaken. The horses, too, left behind; everything but their weapons; +the path beyond being barely practicable for men afoot. + +Dismounting all, at a command--this time not given by the bugle--and +leaving a sufficient detail to look after the animals, they commenced +the ascent, their guide, seemingly more quadruped than biped, in the +lead. Strung out in single file--no other formation being possible--as +they wound their way up the zig-zag with the moonlight here and there, +giving back the glint of their armour, it was as some great serpent--a +monster of the antediluvian ages--crawling towards its prey. Silently +as serpent too; not a word spoken, nor exclamation uttered along their +line. For, although it might be another hour before they could reach +their destination, less than a second would suffice for their voices to +get there, even though but muttered. + +One spot their guide passed with something like a shudder. It was where +he had appropriated the dagger taken from a dead body. His shuddering +was not due to that, but to fear from a far different cause. The body +was no longer there. Those who dwelt above must have been down and +borne it away. They would now be on the alert, and at any moment he +might hear the cracking of carbines--a volley; perhaps feel the avenging +bullet. What if they should roll rocks down and crush him and the party +behind? In any case there could be no surprisal now; and he would +gladly have seen those he was guiding give up the thought of it and turn +back. Santander was himself irresolute, and would willingly have done +so. But Ramirez, a man of more mettle, at the point of his sword +commanded the hunchback to keep on, and the cowardly colonel dare not +revoke the order without eternally disgracing himself. + +They had no danger to encounter, though they knew not that. Neither +vidette nor sentinel was stationed there now; and, without challenge or +obstruction, they reached the platform on which the building stood, the +soldiers taking to right and left till they swarmed around it as bees. +But they found no honey inside their hive. + +There was a summons to surrender, which received no response. Repeated +louder, and a carbine fired, the result was the same. Silence inside, +there could be no one within. + +Nor was there. When the Hussar colonel, with a dozen of his men, at +length screwed up courage to make a burst into the doorway, and on to +the Refectory, they saw but the evidence of late occupancy in the +fragments of a supper, with some dozens of wine bottles "down among the +dead men," empty as the building itself. + +Disappointed as were the soldiers at finding them so, but still more +their commanding officer at his hated enemies having again got away from +him. His soul was brimful of chagrin, nor did it allay the feeling to +learn how, when a path was pointed out to him leading down the other +side, they must have made off. And along such a path pursuit was idle. +No one could say where it led--like enough to a trap. + +He was not the only one of the party who felt disappointed at the +failure of the expedition. Its guide had reason to be chagrined, too, +in his own way of thinking, much more than the leader himself. For not +only had he lost the goods obtained under false pretences, but the hope +of reward for his volunteered services. + +Still the dwarf was not so down in the mouth. He had another arrow in +his quiver--kept in reserve for reasons of his own--a shaft from which +he expected more profit than all yet spent. And as the Hussar colonel +was swearing and raging around, he saw his opportunity to discharge it. + +With half a dozen whispered words he tranquillised the latter; after +which there was a brief conference between the two, its effect upon +Santander showing itself in his countenance, that became all agleam, lit +up with a satisfied but malignant joy. + +When, in an hour after, they were again in their saddles riding in +return for the city, a snatch of dialogue between Santander and Ramirez +gave indication of what so gratified the colonel of the Hussars. + +"Well, Major," he said, "we've done road enough for this day. You'll be +wanting rest by the time you get to quarters." + +"That's true enough, Colonel. Twice to San Augustin and back, with the +additional mileage up the mountains--twenty leagues I take it--to say +nothing of the climbing." + +"All of twenty leagues it will be when we've done with it. But our ride +won't be over then. If I'm not mistaken, we'll be back this way before +we lay side on a bed. There's another nest not far off will claim a +visit from us, one we're not likely to find so empty. I'd rob it now if +I had my way; but for certain reasons, mustn't without permit from +headquarters; the which I'm sure of getting! _Carajo_! if the cock +birds have escaped, I'll take care the hens don't." + +And as if to make sure of it, he dug the spurs deep into the flanks of +his now jaded charger, again commanding the "quick gallop." + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY SIX. + +A DAY OF SUSPENSE. + +Dawn was just beginning to show over the eastern _Cordilleras_, its +aurora giving a rose tint to the snowy cone of Popocatepec, as the +Hussars passed back through San Augustin. The bells of the _paroquia_ +had commenced tolling matins, and many people abroad in the streets, +hurrying toward the church, saw them--interrogating one another as to +where they had been, and on what errand bound. + +But before entering the _pueblo_ they had to pass under the same eyes +that observed them going outward on the other side; these more keenly +and anxiously scrutinising them now, noting every file as it came in +sight, every individual horseman, till the last was revealed; then +lighting up with joyous sparkle, while they, thus observing, breathed +freely. + +For the soldiers had come as they went, not a man added to their number, +if none missing, but certainly no prisoners brought back! + +"They've got safe off," triumphantly exclaimed the Countess, when the +rearmost files had forged past, "as I told you they would. I knew there +was no fear after they had been warned." + +That they had been warned both were by this aware, their messenger +having meanwhile returned and reported to that effect. He had met the +Hussars on their way up, but crouching among some bushes, he had been +unobserved by them; and, soon as they were well out of the way, slipped +out again and made all haste home. + +He had brought back something more than a mere verbal message--a +_billetita_ for each of the two who had commissioned him. + +The notes were alike, in that both had been hastily scribbled, and in +brief but warm expression of thanks for the service done to the writers. +Beyond this, however, they were quite different. It was the first +epistle Florence Kearney had ever indited to Luisa Valverde, and ran in +fervid strain. He felt he could so address her. With love long in +doubt that it was even reciprocated, but sure of its being so now, he +spoke frankly as passionately. Whatever his future, she had his heart, +and wholly. If he lived, he would seek her again at the peril of a +thousand lives; if it should be his fate to die, her name would be the +last word on his lips. + +"_Virgen Santissima_! Keep him safe!" was her prayer, as she finished +devouring the sweet words; then, refolding the sheet on which they were +written, secreted it away in the bosom of her dress--a treasure more +esteemed than aught that had ever lain there. + +The communication received by the Condesa was less effusive, and more to +the point of what, under present circumstances, concerned the writer, +as, indeed, all of them. Don Ruperto wrote with the confidence of a +lover who had never known doubt. A man of rare qualities, he was true +to friendship as to his country's cause, and would not be false to love. +And he had no fear of her. His _liens_ with Ysabel Almonte were such +as to preclude all thought of her affections ever changing. He knew +that she was his--heart, soul, everything. For had she not given him +every earnest of it, befriended him through weal and through woe? Nor +had he need to assure her that her love was reciprocated, or his fealty +still unfaltering; for their faith, as their reliance, was mutual. His +letter, therefore, was less that of a lover to his mistress than one +between man and man, written to a fellow-conspirator, most of it in +figurative phrase, even some of it in cypher! + +No surprise to her all that; she understood the reason. Nor was there +any enigma in the signs and words of double signification; without +difficulty she interpreted them all. + +They told her of the anticipated rising, with the attempt to be made on +Oaxaca, the hopes of its having a success, and, if so, what would come +after. But also of something before this--where he, the writer, and his +Free Lances would be on the following night, so that if need arose she +could communicate with him. If she had apprehension of danger to him, +he was not without thought of the same threatening herself and her +friend too. + +Neither were they now; instead, filled with such apprehension. In view +of what had occurred on the preceding evening, and throughout the night, +how could they be other? The dwarf must know more than he had revealed +in that dialogue overheard by Jose. In short, he seemed aware of +everything--the _cochero's_ complicity as their own. The free surrender +of their watches and jewellery for the support of the escaped prisoners +were of itself enough to incriminate them. Surely there would be +another investigation, more rigorous than before, and likely to have a +different ending. + +With this in contemplation, their souls full of fear, neither went that +morning to matins. Nor did they essay to take sleep or rest. Instead, +wandered about the house from room to room, and out into the grounds, +seemingly distraught. + +They had the place all to themselves; no one to take counsel with, none +to comfort them; Don Ignacio, at an early hour, having been called off +to his duties in the city. But they were not destined to spend the +whole of that day without seeing a visitor. As the clocks of San +Augustin were striking 8 p.m. one presented himself at the gate in the +guise of an officer of Hussars, Don Carlos Santander. Nor was he alone, +but with an escort accompanying. They were seated in the verandah of +the inner court, but saw him through the _saguan_, the door of which was +open, saw him enter at the outer gate, and without dismounting come on +towards them, several files of his men following. He had been +accustomed to visit them there, and they to receive his visits, however +reluctantly, reasons of many kinds compelling them. But never had he +presented himself as now. It was an act of ill-manners his entering +unannounced, another riding into the enclosure with soldiers behind him; +but the rudeness was complete when he came on into the _patio_ still in +the saddle, his men too, and pulled up directly in front of them, +without waiting for word of invitation. The stiff, formal bow, the +expression upon his swarthy features, severe, but with ill-concealed +exultation in it, proclaimed his visit of no complimentary kind. + +By this both were on their feet, looking offended, even angry, at the +same time alarmed. And yet little surprised, for it was only +confirmation of the fear that had been all day oppressing them--its very +fulfilment. But that they believed it this they would have shown their +resentment by retiring and leaving him there. As it was, they knew that +would be idle, and so stayed to hear what he had to say. It was-- + +"_Senoritas_, I see you're wondering at my thus presenting myself. Not +strange you should. Nor could any one more regret the disagreeable +errand I've come upon than I. It grieves me sorely, I assure you." + +"What is it, Colonel Santander?" demanded the Countess, with +_sang-froid_ partially restored. + +"I hate to declare it, Condesa," he rejoined, "still more to execute it. +But, compelled by the rigorous necessities of a soldier's duty, I +must." + +"Well, sir; must what?" + +"Make you a prisoner; and, I am sorry to add, also the Dona Luisa." + +"Oh, that's it!" exclaimed the Countess, with a scornful inclination of +the head. "Well, sir, I don't wonder at your disliking the duty, as you +say you do. It seems more that of a policeman than a soldier." + +The retort struck home, still further humiliating him in the eyes of the +woman he loved, Luisa Valverde. But he now knew she loved not him, and +had made up his mind to humble her in a way hitherto untried. Stung by +the innuendo, and dropping his clumsy pretence at politeness, he +spitefully rejoined-- + +"Thank you, Condesa Almonte for your amiable observation. It does +something to compensate me for having to do policeman's duty. And now +let it be done. Please to consider yourself under arrest; and you also, +Senorita Valverde." + +Up to this time the last named lady had not said a word, the distress +she was in restraining her. But as mistress there, she saw it was her +turn to speak, which she did, saying-- + +"If we are your prisoners, Colonel Santander, I hope you will not take +us away from here till my father comes home. As you may be aware, he's +in the city." + +"I am aware of that, Dona Luisa, and glad to say my orders enable me to +comply with your wishes, and that you remain here till Don Ignacio +returns. I'm enjoined to see to your safe keeping--a very absurd +requirement, but one which often falls to the lot of the soldier as well +as the _policeman_." + +Neither the significant words nor the forced laugh that accompanied them +had any effect on her for whom they were intended. With disdain in her +eyes, such as a captive queen might show for the common soldier who +stood guard over her, the Condesa had already turned her back upon the +speaker and was walking away. With like proud air, but less confident +and scornful, Luisa Valverde followed. Both were allowed to pass +inside, leaving the Hussar colonel to take such measures for their +keeping as he might think fit. + +His first step was to order in the remainder of his escort and +distribute them around the house, so that in ten minutes after the _casa +de campo_ of Don Ignacio Valverde bore resemblance to a barrack, with +sentinels at every entrance and corner! + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN. + +UNDER ARREST. + +Scarce necessary to say that Luisa Valverde and Ysabel Almonte were at +length really alarmed--fully alive to a sense of their danger. + +It was no more a question of the safety of their lovers, but their own. +And the prospect was dark, indeed. Santander had said nothing of the +reason for arresting them; nor had they cared to inquire. They divined +it; no longer doubting that it was owing to revelations made by the +hunchback. + +Sure now that this diminutive wretch not only himself knew their secret, +but had made it known in higher quarters, there seemed no hope for them; +instead, ruin staring them in the face. The indignity to their persons +they were already experiencing would be followed by social disgrace, and +confiscation of property. + +"Oh, Ysabelita! what will they do to us?" was the Dona Luisa's anxious +interrogatory, soon as they had got well inside their room. "Do you +think they'll put us in a prison?" + +"Possibly they will. I wish there was nothing worse awaiting us." + +"Worse! Do you mean they'd inflict punishment on us--that is, corporal +punishment? Surely they daren't?" + +"Daren't! Santa Anna dare anything--at least, neither shame nor mercy +will restrain him. No more this other man, his minion, whom you know +better than I. But it isn't punishment of that kind I'm thinking of." + +"What then, Ysabel? The loss of our property? It'll be all taken from +us, I suppose." + +"In all likelihood it will," rejoined the Condesa, with as much +unconcern as though her estates, value far more than a million, were not +worth a thought. + +"Oh! my father! This new misfortune, and all owing to me. 'Twill kill +him!" + +"No, no, Luisita! Don't fear that. He will survive it, if aught +survives of our country's liberty. And it will, all of it, be restored +again. 'Tis something else I was thinking of." + +Again the other asked "What?" her countenance showing increased anxiety. + +"What we as women have more to fear than aught else. From the loss of +lands, houses, riches of any sort, one may recover--from the loss of +that, never!" + +Enigmatic as were the words, Luisa Valverde needed no explanation of +them, nor pressed for it. She comprehended all now, and signified her +apprehension by exclaiming, with a shudder, "_Virgen Santissima_!" + +"The prison they will take us to," pursued the Countess, "is a place-- +that in the Plaza Grande. We shall be immured there, and at the mercy +of that man, that monster! O God!--O Mother of God, protect me!" + +At which she dropped down upon a couch despairingly, with face buried in +her hands. + +It was a rare thing for the Condesa Almonte to be so moved--rather, to +show despondence--and her friend was affected accordingly. For there +was another man at whose mercy she herself would be--one like a monster, +and as she well knew equally unmerciful--he who at that moment was under +the same roof with them--in her father's house, for the time its master. + +"But, Ysabel," she said, hoping against hope, "surely they will not dare +to--" + +She left the word unspoken, knowing it was not needed to make her +meaning understood. + +"Not dare!" echoed the Countess, recovering nerve and again rising to +her feet. "As I've said, he'll dare anything--will Don Antonio Lopez De +Santa Anna. Besides, what has _he_ to fear? Nothing. He can show good +cause for our imprisonment, else he would never have had us arrested. +Enough to satisfy any clamour of the people. And how would any one ever +know of what might be done to us inside the Palacio? Ah, _Luisita +querida_, if its walls could speak they might tell tales sad enough to +make angels weep. We wouldn't be the first who have been subjected to +insult--ay, infamy--by _El excellentissimo. Valga me Dios_!" she cried +out in conclusion, stamping her foot on the floor, while the flash of +her eyes told of some fixed determination. "If it be so, that Palace +prison will have another secret to keep, or a tale to tell, sad and +tragic as any that has preceded. I, Ysabel Almonte, shall die in it +rather than come out dishonoured." + +"I, too!" echoed Luisa Valverde, if in less excited manner, inspired by +a like heroic resolve. + +While his fair prisoners were thus exchanging thought and speech, +Santander, in the _sala grande_ outside, was doing his best to pass the +time pleasantly. An effort it was costing him, however, and one far +from successful. His last lingering hope of being beloved by Luisa +Valverde was gone--completely destroyed by what had late come to his +knowledge--and henceforth his love for her could only be as that of +Tarquin for Lucretia. Nor would he have any Collatinus to fear--no +rival, martial or otherwise--since his master, Santa Anna, had long +since given up his designs on Don Ignacio's daughter, exclusively +bending himself to his scheme of conquest--now revenge--over the +Condesa. But though relieved in this regard, and likely to have his own +way, Carlos Santander was anything but a happy man after making that +arrest; instead, almost as miserable as either of those he had arrested. + +Still keeping up a pretence of gallantry, he could not command their +company in the drawing-room where he had installed himself; nor, under +the circumstances, would it have been desirable. He was not alone, +however; Major Ramirez and the other officers of his escort being there +with him; and, as in like cases, they were enjoying themselves. However +considerate for the feelings of the ladies, they made free enough with +the house itself, its domestics, larder, and _cocina_, and, above all, +the cellar. Its binns were inquired into, the best wine ordered to be +brought from them, as though they who gave the order were the guests of +an hotel and Don Ignacio's drawing-room a drinking saloon. + +Outside in the courtyard, and further off by the coach-house, similar +scenes were transpiring. Never had that quiet _casa de campo_ known so +much noise. For the soldiers had got among them--it was the house of a +_rebel_, and therefore devoted to ruin. + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT. + +THE COCHERO DOGGED. + +Just after the ladies had been proclaimed under arrest, but before the +sentinels were posted around the house, a man might have been seen +outside their line, making all haste away from it. He had need, his +capture being also contemplated. Jose it was, who, from a place of +concealment, had not only seen what passed, but heard the conversation +between Santander and the Senoritas. The words spoken by his young +mistress, and the rejoinder received, were all he waited for. Giving +him his cue for departure, they also gave him hopes of something more +than the saving of his own life. That the last was endangered he knew +now--forfeited, indeed, should he fall into the hands of those who had +invaded the place. So, instead of returning to the stable-yard, from +which he had issued on hearing the _fracas_ in front, he retreated +rearwards, first through the ornamental grounds, then over the wall upon +which the hunchback had perched himself on the preceding night. Jose, +however, did not stay on it for more than a second's time. Soon as +mounting to its summit, he slid down on the other side, and ran along +the lane in the direction of the main road. + +Before reaching this, however, a reflection caused him to slacken pace, +and then come to a stop. It was still daylight, and there would be a +guard stationed by the front gate, sure to see him along the road. The +ground on the opposite side of the lane was a patch of rocky scrub--in +short, a _chapparal_--into which in an instant after he plunged, and +when well under cover again made stop, this time dropping down on his +hands and knees. The attitude gave him a better opportunity of +listening; and listen he did--all ears. + +To hear voices all around the house, loudest in the direction of the +stable-yard. In tones not of triumph, but telling of disappointment. +For in truth it was so; the shouts of the soldiers searching for his +very self, and swearing because he could not be found. He had reason to +congratulate himself in having got outside the enclosure. It was now +being quartered everywhere, gardens, grounds, and all. + +For the time he felt comparatively safe; but he dared not return to the +lane. And less show himself on the open road; as scouting parties were +sure of being sent out after him. There was no alternative, therefore, +but stay where he was till the darkness came down. Luckily, he would +not have long to wait for it. The sun had set, and twilight in the +Mexican valley is but a brief interval between day and night. In a few +minutes after commencement it is over. + +Short as it was, it gave him time to consider his future course of +action, though that required little consideration. It had been already +traced out for him, partly by the Condesa, in an interview he held with +her but an hour before and partly by instructions he had received when +up at the old convent direct from the lips of Don Ruperto. Therefore, +hurried as was his retreat, he was not making it as one who went blindly +and without definite aim. He had this, with a point to be reached, +which, could he only arrive at, not only might his own safety be +secured, but that of those he was equally anxious about, now more +imperilled than himself. + +With a full comprehension of their danger, and the hope of being able to +avert it, soon as the twilight deepened to darkness he forsook his +temporary place of concealment, and, returning to the lane, glided +noiselessly along it towards the main road. Coming out upon this, he +turned to the left, and without looking behind, hurried up the hill as +fast as his limbs could carry him. + +Perhaps better for him had he looked behind; and yet in the end it might +have been worse. Whether or no, he was followed by a man--if it were a +man--and, if a thing, not his own shadow. A grotesque creature, +seemingly all arms and legs, moved after, keeping pace with him, no +matter how rapidly he progressed. Not overtaking him; though it looked +as if able to do so, but did not wish. Just so it was--the stalker +being Zorillo. + +The stalk had risen rather accidentally. The hunchback--now in a manner +attached to the party of Hussars--had been himself loitering near the +end of the lane, and saw the _cochero_ as he came out on the road. He +knew the latter was being sought for, and by no one more zealously than +himself. Besides cupidity, he was prompted by burning revenge. The +disappearance of his ill-gotten treasure was no longer a mystery to him. +The abandoned halters, with the horses for which they had been +intended, told him all. Only the _cochero_ could have carried the +things off. + +And now, seeing the latter as he stole away in retreat, his first +impulse was to raise the hue and cry, and set the soldiers after. But +other reflections, quick succeeding, restrained him. They might not be +in time to secure a capture. In the darkness there was every chance of +the _mertizo_ eluding them. A tract of forest was not far off, and he +would be into it before they could come up. Besides, the hunchback had +also conjectured that the failure of their over-night expedition was due +to Jose. He must have overheard that conversation with the colonel of +Hussars, and carried it direct to those whom it so seriously concerned, +thus saving them from the surprise intended. In all likelihood he was +now on his way to another interview with them. + +If so, and if he, Zorillo, could but spot the place, and bring back +report of it to Santander, it would give him a new claim for services, +and some compensation for the loss he had sustained through the now +hated _cochero_. + +Soon as resolved he lost not a moment in making after, keeping just such +distance between as to hinder Jose from observing him. He had the +advantage in being behind, as it was all uphill, and from below he could +see the other by the better light above, while himself in obscurity. +But he also availed himself of the turnings of the road, and the scrub +that grew alongside it, through which he now and then made way. His +long legs gave a wonderful power of speed, and he could have come up +with the _mertizo_ at any moment. He knew that, but knew also it would +likely cost him his life. For the _cochero_ must be aware of what he +had done--enough to deserve death at his hands. He might well dread an +encounter, and was careful to avoid it. Indeed, but for his belief that +he was an overmatch for the other in speed, he would not have ventured +after him. + +For nearly five miles up the mountain road the stalk was continued. +Then he, whose footsteps were so persistently dogged, was seen to turn +into a side path, which led along a ravine still upward. But the +change, of course, did not throw off the sleuth-hound skulking on his +track, the latter also entering the gorge, and gliding on after. + +There it was darker, from the shadow of the overhanging cliffs; and for +a time the hunchback lost sight of him he was following. Still, he kept +on, groping his way, and at length was rewarded by seeing a light--a +great blaze. It came from a bivouac fire, which threw its red glare on +the rocks around, embracing within its circle the forms of men and +horses. Armed men they were, and horses caparisoned for war, as could +be told by the glint of weapons and accoutrement given back to the +fire's blaze. + +There appeared to be over a hundred of them; but the hunchback did not +approach near enough to make estimate of their number. Enough for him +to know who they were; and this knowledge he obtained by seeing a man of +gigantic size standing by the side of the fire--the "big _Tejano_!" He +saw, too, that the _cochero_ had got upon the ground, his arrival +creating an excitement. But he stayed to see no more: his purpose was +fulfilled; and turning back down the ravine, he again got out to the +road, where he put on his best speed in return for Tlalpam. + + + +CHAPTER FIFTY NINE. + +READY TO START. + +As in all Mexican country houses of the class mansion, that of Don +Ignacio Valverde was a quadrangular structure enclosing an inner +courtyard--the _patio_. The latter a wide open area, flagged, in its +centre a playing fountain, with orange trees and other ornamental +evergreens growing in great boxes around it. Along three sides ran a +verandah gallery, raised a step or two above the pavement, with a +baluster and railing between. Upon this opened the doors of the +different chambers, as they would into the hallway of an English house. +Being one-storeyed, even the sleeping apartments were entered direct +from it. + +That into which the ladies had retired was the _cuarto de camara_ of Don +Luisa herself. No sentry had been stationed at its door; this being +unnecessary, in view of one posted at the _patio_. But through a +casement window, which opened into the garden at the back, they could +see such precaution had been taken. A soldier out there, with carbine +thrown lightly over his left arm, was doing his beat backwards and +forwards. + +As they had no thought of attempting escape, they might have laughed at +this had they been in a mood for merriment. But they were sad, even to +utter prostration. + +Only for a time, however; then something of hope seemed to reanimate the +Condesa, and communicate itself to her companion. It was after a report +brought in by Pepita; for the lady's maid was allowed to attend upon +them, coming and going freely. + +"He's got away--safe!" were her words, spoken in a cautious but cheering +tone, as for the second time she came into the room. + +"Are you sure, Pepita?" + +It was the Countess who put the question. + +"Quite sure, your ladyship. I've been all around the place, to the +stable, grounds, everywhere, and couldn't hear or see anything of him. +Oh! he's gone, and so glad I am. They'd have made him prisoner too. +Thanks to the Blessed Virgin, they haven't." + +The thanksgiving was for Jose, and however fervent on Pepita's part, it +was as fervently responded to by the others, the Condesa seeming more +especially pleased at the intelligence. + +She better understood its importance, for, but the hour before, she had +given him conditional instructions, and hoped he might be now in the act +of carrying them out. + +Upheld by this hope, which the Dona Luisa, when told of it, shared with +her, they less irksomely passed the hours. + +But at length, alas! it, too, was near being given up, as the night grew +later, nearing midnight. Then the little _mertiza_ came in charged with +new intelligence; not so startling, since they anticipated it. The +_Dueno_ had got home, and, as themselves, was under arrest. Astounded +by what he had learned on return, and angrily protesting, the soldiers +had rudely seized hold of him, even refusing him permission to speak +with his daughter. + +She had harboured a belief that all might be well on the coming home of +her father. The last plank was shattered now. From the chair of the +cabinet minister Don Ignacio Valverde would step direct into the cell of +a prison! Nothing uncommon in the political history of Mexico--only one +of its "cosas." + +On their feet they were now, and had come close to the door, which was +held slightly open by Pepita. There they stood listening to what was +going on outside. The sounds of revelry lately proceeding from the +_sala grande_ were no more heard. Instead, calls and words of command +in the courtyard, with a bustle of preparation. Through the +trellis-work they could see a carriage with horses attached, +distinguishable as their own. It was the same which had just brought +Don Ignacio from the city. But the heads of the _frisones_ were turned +outward, as if it was intended to take them back. Men on horseback were +moving around it; soldiers, as could be seen by their armour gleaming in +the moonlight. + +Those regarding their movements were not left long in suspense as to +their meaning. One of the soldiers on foot, whose sleeve chevrons +proclaimed him a corporal, stepped up into the corridor, and advancing +along it, halted in front of their door. Seeing it open, with faces +inside, he made a sort of military salute, in a gruff voice saying: + +"_Senoritas_! Carriage ready. I've orders to conduct you to it without +delay." + +There was something offensive in the man's manner. He spoke with a +thick tongue, and was evidently half intoxicated. But his air showed +him in earnest. + +"You'll allow us a little time--to put on our cloaks?" + +The request came from the Condesa, who for a certain reason was wishful +to retard their departure as long as might be possible. + +"_Carrai-i_!" drawled out the _cabo_, the same who had won the dagger +from darling Perico. "I'd allow such beautiful _doncellas_ as you any +time--all night--if 'twere only left to me. For myself, I'd far rather +stick to these snug quarters, and the company of this pretty +_muchacha_." + +At which, leaning forward, with a brutish leer, he attempted to snatch a +kiss from Pepita. + +The girl shrunk back, but not till she had rebuked him with an angry +retort and a slap across the cheek. It stung him to losing temper, and +without further ceremony he said spitefully-- + +"Come, come, I'll have no more dilly-dallying: _nos vamos_!" + +There was no alternative but to obey; his attitude told them he would +insist upon it, and instantly. Time for cloaking had been a pretence on +their part. They were expecting the summons, and the wraps were close +at hand. Flinging them around their shoulders, and drawing the hoods +over their heads, they issued out upon the corridor, and turned along +it--the soldier preceding, with the air of one who conducted criminals +to execution. + +A short flight of steps led down to the pavement of the court. On +reaching these, they paused and looked below. There was still a +bustling about the carriage, as if some one had just been handed into +it. Several of the soldiers were on foot around it, but the majority +were in their saddles; and of these three or four could be distinguished +as officers by the greater profusion of gold lace on their jackets and +dolmans--for they were all Hussars. One who glittered more than any, +seeing them at the head of the stair, gave his horse a prick with the +spur, and rode up. Colonel Santander it was, like all the rest somewhat +excited by drink; but still not so far gone as to forget gallantry, or +rather the pretence of it. + +"Ladies," he said, with a bow and air of maudlin humility, "I have to +apologise for requiring you to start out on a journey at such a late +hour. Duty is often an ungracious master. Luckily, your drive is not +to be a very extended one--only to the city; and you'll have company in +the carriage. The Dona Luisa will find her father at home." + +Neither vouchsafed rejoinder--not a word--scarce giving him the grace of +a look. Which a little nettling him, his smooth tone changed to +asperity, as addressing himself to the soldier, he gave the abrupt +order: + +"_Cabo_! take them on to the carriage." + +On they were taken; as they approached it, perceiving a face inside, +pale as the moonbeams that played upon it. It was a very picture of +dejection; for never had Don Ignacio Valverde experienced misery such as +he felt now. + +"'Tis you, father!" said his daughter, springing up, throwing her arms +around him, and showering kisses where tears already trickled. "You a +prisoner, too!" + +"Ay, _nina mia_. But sit down. Don't be alarmed! It will all come +right. Heaven will have mercy on us, if men do not. Sit down, Luisa!" + +She sat down mechanically, the Countess by her side; and the door was +banged to behind them. Meanwhile, Pepita, who insisted on accompanying +her mistress, had been handed up to the box by a _cochero_ strange to +her; one of the soldiers, pressed into the service for the occasion, a +_quondam_ "jarvey," who understood the handling of horses as every +Mexican does. + +All were now ready for the road; the dismounted Hussars had vaulted into +their saddles, the "march" was commanded, and the driver had drawn his +whip to lay it on his horses, when the animals jibbed, rearing up, and +snorting in affright! + +No wonder, with such an object suddenly coming under their eyes. An +oddly-shaped creature that came scrambling in through the _saguan_, and +made stop beneath their very noses. A human being withal; who, soon as +entering, called out, in a clear voice,--"Where is the Colonel?" + + + +CHAPTER SIXTY. + +"SURRENDER!" + +If the carriage horses were startled by the apparition, no less so were +the Hussars formed round. Equally frightened these, though not from the +same cause. The hunchback--for it was he--had become a familiar sight +to them; but not agitated as he appeared to be now. He was panting for +breath, barely able to gasp out the interrogation, "Adone 'stael +Coronel?" + +His distraught air and the tone told of some threatening danger. + +"Here!" called out Santander, springing his horse a length or two +forward, "What is it, sirrah?" + +"The enemy, S'nor Colonel," responded the dwarf, sliding close in to the +stirrup. + +"Enemy! What enemy?" + +"Them we missed catching--Don Ruperto, the Irlandes, the big Tejano." + +"Ha!--They!--Where?" + +"Close by, S'nor. I saw them round a great camp-fire up in the +mountains. They're not there now. I came on to tell you. I ran as +fast as ever I was able, but they've been following. I could hear the +tramp of their horses behind all the way. They must be near at hand +now. Hark!" + +"Patria y Libertad!" + +The cry came from without, in the tone of a charging shibboleth, other +voices adding, "Mueran los tyrannos!" + +Instantaneously succeeded by the cracking of carbines, with shouts, and +the clash of steel against steel--the sounds of a hand-to-hand fight, +which the stamping and snorting of horses proclaimed between cavalry. + +Never was conflict of shorter duration; over almost before they in the +courtyard could realise its having commenced. The confused sounds of +the _melee_ lasted barely a minute when a loud huzza, drowning the +hoof-strokes of the retreating horses, told that victory had declared +itself for one side or the other. They who listened were not long in +doubt as to which sent up that triumphant cheer. Through the front +gate, standing open, burst a mass of mounted men, some carrying lances +couched for the thrust, others with drawn sabres, many of their blades +dripping blood. On came they into the courtyard, still vociferating: +"Mueran los tyrannos!" while he at their head, soon as showing himself, +called out in a commanding voice, "Rendite?" + +By this a change had taken place in the tableau of figures beside the +carriage. The Hussars having reined back, had gathered in a ruck around +their colonel, irresolute how to act. Equally unresolved he to order +them. That cry, "Country and Liberty," had struck terror to his heart; +and now seeing those it came from, recognising the three who rode +foremost--as in the clear moonlight he could--the blood of the craven +ran cold. They were the men he had subjected to insult, direct +degradation; and he need look for no mercy at their hands. With a spark +of manhood, even such as despair sometimes inspires, he would have shown +fight. Major Ramirez would, and did; for at the first alarm he had +galloped out to the gate and there met death. + +Not so Santander, who, although he had taken his sword out of its +scabbard, made no attempt to use it, but sat shivering in his saddle, as +if the weapon was about to drop from his hand. + +On the instant after a blade more firmly held, and better wielded, +flashed before his eyes; he who held it, as he sprung his horse up, +crying out: + +"Carlos Santander! your hour has come! Scoundrel! _This time_ I intend +killing you." + +Even the insulting threat stung him not to resistance. Never shone +moonlight on more of a poltroon, the glitter and grandeur of his warlike +dress in striking contrast with his cowardly mien. + +"Miserable wretch!" cried Kearney--for it was he who confronted him--"I +don't want to kill you in cold blood Heaven forbid my doing murder. +Defend yourself." + +"He defend hisself!" scornfully exclaimed a voice--that of Cris Rock. +"He dassen't as much as do that. He hasn't the steel shirt on now." + +Yet another voice at this moment made itself heard, as a figure, +feminine, became added to the group. Luisa Valverde it was, who, +rushing out of the carriage and across the courtyard, cried out-- + +"Spare his life, Don Florencio. He's not worthy of your sword." + +"You're right thar, young lady," endorsed the Texan, answering for +Kearney. "That he ain't--an' bare worth the bit o' lead that's inside +o' this ole pistol. For all, I'll make him a present o' 't--thar, dang +ye." + +The last words were accompanied by a flash and a crack, causing +Santander's horse to shy and rear up. When the fore hoofs of the animal +returned to the flags, they but missed coming down upon the body of its +rider, now lying lifeless along them. + +"That's gin him his quieetus, I reckin," observed Rock, as he glanced +down at the dead man, whose face upturned had the full moonlight upon +it, showing handsome features, that withal were forbidding in life, but +now more so in the ghastly pallor of death. + +No one stayed to gaze upon them, least of all the Texan, who had yet +another life to take, as he deemed in the strict execution of duty and +satisfaction of justice. For it too was forfeit by the basest betrayal. +The soldiers were out of their saddles now, prisoners all; having +surrendered without striking a blow. But crouching away in a shadowy +corner was that thing of deformity, who, from his diminutive size, might +well have escaped observation. He did not, however. The Texan had his +eyes on him all the while, having caught a glimpse of him as they were +riding in at the gate. And in those eyes now gleamed a light of a +vengeance not to be allayed save by a life sacrificed. If Santander on +seeing Kearney believed his hour was come, so did the dwarf as he saw +Cris Rock striding towards him. Caught by the collar, and dragged out +into the light, he knew death was near now. + +In vain his protestations and piteous appeals. Spite of all, he had to +die. And a death so unlike that usually meted out to criminals, as he +himself to the commonality of men. No weapon was employed in putting an +end to him: neither gun nor pistol, sword nor knife. Letting go hold of +his collar, the Texan grasped him around the ankles, and with a brandish +raising him aloft, brought his head down upon the pavement. There was a +crash as the breaking of a cocoa-nut shell by a hammer; and when Rock +let go, the mass of mis-shapen humanity dropped in a dollop upon the +flags, arms and legs limp and motionless, in the last not even the power +left for a spasmodic kick. + +"Ye know, Cap," said the Texan, justifying himself to Kearney, "I'd be +the last man to do a cruel thing. But to rid the world o' sech varmint +as them, 'cording to my way o' thinking, air the purest hewmanity." + +A doctrine which the young Irishman was not disposed to dispute just at +that time, being otherwise and better occupied, holding soft hands in +his, words exchanging with sweet lips, not unaccompanied by kisses. +Near at hand Don Ruperto was doing the same, his _vis-a-vis_ being the +Condesa. + +But these moments of bliss were brief--had need be. The raid of the +Free Lances down to San Augustin was a thing of risk, only to have been +attempted by lovers who believed their loved ones were in deadly danger. +In another hour or less, the Hussars who had escaped would report +themselves at San Angel and Chapultepec--then there would be a rush of +thousands in the direction of Tlalpam. + +So there was in reality--soldiers of all arms, "horse, foot, and +dragoons." But on arrival there they found the house of Don Ignacio +Valverde untenanted; even the domestics had gone out of it; the +carriage, too, which has played such an important part in our tale, +along with the noble _frisones_. The horses had not been taken out of +it, nor any change made in the company it carried off. Only in the +driver, the direction, and _cortege_. Jose again held the reins, +heading his horses up the mountain road, instead of towards Mexico; +while, in place of Colonel Santander's Hussars, the Free Lances of +Captain Ruperto Rivas now formed a more friendly escort. + + + +CHAPTER SIXTY ONE. + +CONCLUSION. + +About a month after in San Augustin a small two-masted vessel--a +goleta--might have been observed standing on tacks off the coast of +Oaxaca, as if working against the land wind to make to the mouth of Rio +Tecoyama--a stream which runs into the Pacific near the south-western +corner of that State. Only sharp eyes could have seen the schooner; for +it was night, and the night was a very dark one. There were eyes +sharply on the lookout for her, however, anxiously scanning the horizon +to leeward, some of them through glasses. On an elevated spot among the +mangroves, by the river's mouth, a party was assembled, in all about a +score individuals. They were mostly men, though not exclusively; three +female figures being distinguishable, as forming part of the group. Two +of them had the air, and wore the dress, of ladies, somewhat torn and +travel-stained; the third was in the guise of a maid-servant attending +them. They were the Condesa Almonte the Don Luisa Valverde, and her +ever faithful Pepita. + +Among the men were six with whom the reader has acquaintance. Don +Ignacio, Kearney, Rock, Rivas, Jose, and he who had been major-domo in +the old monastery, baptismally named Gregorio. Most of the others, +undescribed, had also spent some time in the establishment with the +monks while playing the part of Free Lances. They were, in fact, a +remnant of the band--now broken up and dispersed. + +But why! When last seen it looked as though their day of triumph had +come, or was at all events near. So would it have been but for a +betrayal, through which the _pronunciamento_ had miscarried, or rather +did not come off. The Dictator, well informed about it--further warned +by what occurred at San Augustin--had poured troops over the Sierras +into Oaxaca in force sufficient to awe the leaders of the intended +insurrection. It was but by the breadth of a hair that his late Cabinet +Minister, and those who accompanied him, were able to escape to the +sequestered spot where we find them on the shore of the South Sea. To +Alvarez, chief of the Pintos, or "spotted Indians," were they indebted +for safe conduct thither; he himself having adroitly kept clear of all +compromise consequent on that grito unraised. Furthermore, he had +promised to provide them with a vessel in which they might escape out of +the country; and it was for this they were now on the lookout. + +When Ruperto Rivas, gazing through that same telescope he had given +Florence Kearney to make survey of the valley of Mexico, cried out, "La +goleta!" every eye around him brightened, every heart beat joyously. + +Still more rejoiced were they when, after an hour's tacking against the +land breeze, the goleta got inside the estuary of the stream, and +working up, brought to by the edge of the mangroves. + +Unencumbered with heavy baggage, they were all soon aboard, and in three +days after debarked at the port of Panama. Thence crossing the Isthmus +to Chagres, another sea-going craft carried them on to the city, where +they need no longer live in fear of Mexico's despot. + +Back to his old quarters in New Orleans had Don Ignacio repaired; again +under the ban of proscription, his estates sequestrated as before. So, +too, those of the Condesa Almonte. + +But not for all time, believed they. They lived in hope of a +restoration. + +Nor were they disappointed; for it came. The _pronunciamento_ delayed +was at length proclaimed, and carried to a successful issue. Once again +throughout the land of Anahuac had arisen a "grito," its battle cry +"Patria y Libertad!" so earnestly and loudly shouted as to drive the +Dictator from his mock throne; sending him, as several times before, to +seek safety in a foreign land. + +Nor were the "Free Lances" unrepresented in this revolutionary struggle; +instead, they played an important part in it. Ere it broke out, they +who had fled the country re-entered it over the Texan border, and +rejoining their brethren, became once more ranged under the leadership +of Captain Ruperto Rivas, with Florence Kearney as his lieutenant, and +Cris Rock a sort of attache to the band, but a valuable adjunct to its +fighting force. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + +Swords returned to their scabbards, bugles no longer sounding war +signals, it remains out to speak of an episode of more peaceful and +pleasanter nature, which occurred at a later period, and not _so very +long_ after. The place was inside the Grand Cathedral of Mexico, at +whose altar, surrounded by a throng of the land's elite, bells ringing, +and organ music vibrating on the air, stood three couples, waiting to be +wedded. + +And wedded they were! Don Ruperto Rivas to the Condesa Almonte, +Florence Kearney to the Dona Luisa Valverde, and--Jose to Pepita. + +Happy they, and happy also one who was but a witness of the ceremony, +having a better view of it than most of the spectators, from being the +head and shoulders taller than any. Need we say this towering personage +was the big Tejano? Cris looked on delightedly, proud of his comrade +and _protege_, with the beautiful bride he had won and was wedding. For +all it failed to shake his own faith in single blessedness. In his eyes +there was no bride so beautiful as the "Land of the Lone Star," no wife +so dear as its wild "purairas." And to them after a time he returned, +oft around the camp-fire entertaining his companions of the chase with +an account of his adventures in the Mexican valley--how he had there +figured in the various roles of jail-bird, scavenger, friar, and last of +all as one of the Free Lances. + +THE END. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Free Lances, by Mayne Reid + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FREE LANCES *** + +***** This file should be named 27996.txt or 27996.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/9/9/27996/ + +Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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