Part 45 (2/2)

”Bah! nothing of the kind,” rejoined Pepe; ”that devil of a royalist is not to be found. What I was thinking of is, that, since it is almost as clear as daylight, there's a good opportunity for your showing me that which you have so long promised.”

”What is it, camarado?”

”The trick of cards by which one may always win an _albur_ at monte.”

”Of course I cannot show you without having the cards.”

”But I have them, hombre--a brand-new pack too.”

”Ah! it is easier to do that trick with an old pack,” replied Pepe's comrade with a knowing shrug of the shoulders. ”However, since I have promised you, and, as you justly remark, there is no chance of finding this royalist colonel, I agree to your request.”

The two insurgents seated themselves on the turf--in a spot where the moon fell with a clear light--and Pepe Lobos, having drawn a pack of cards from his pocket, the lesson commenced. Between the ardour of the master and the docility of the pupil, the lesson was prolonged to such a time, that the Colonel, asleep between his two branches, could have dreamt all the dreams that might present themselves to his imagination before either of these worthies was likely to awaken him.

Not far distant two others of the searchers put in practice, as regards Don Rafael, a very similar courtesy.

”So, Suarez,” said the first of these two to the other, ”five hundred dollars, isn't it, that the Captain promises the man who may take this royalist colonel alive?”

”Yes,” replied Suarez, ”five hundred dollars, and a good round sum it is. But should one get an arm shot off, or a leg disabled, in capturing the _demonio_, will the Captain allow anything extra for that, do you think?”

”Ah! I can't say. I should fancy so.”

”Well, then, hear me, friend Suarez. I have no doubt it will be a good thing; and for you who are married and have a family to support, this five hundred dollars would be a windfall. I am single, and don't require it. I am therefore willing to surrender my chance to you, and you can look for the Colonel by yourself.”

Saying this, the soldier stretched himself along the gra.s.s, and disposed himself for a sleep.

”For the last two nights,” continued he, ”I haven't had a wink, and I can't keep my eyes open any longer. When you have captured the Colonel, come back and rouse me; but, whether you take him or no, mind you, good Suarez, come this way and wake me before daylight--else I may sleep too long.”

”Coward!” exclaimed Suarez, ”I shall keep on without you, and get the reward for myself.”

The answer to these remarks was a loud snore, for Suarez' comrade had fallen asleep on the instant.

Of the ten enemies of Don Rafael three had thus withdrawn themselves from the pursuit.

Two others, at no great distance off, held the following conversation.

”_Santissima_!” exclaimed one, looking up to the sky. ”Did you ever see a moon so ridiculously clear? This Royalist Colonel, if hidden about here, cannot fail to see us.”

”That would be unfortunate,” rejoined the second. ”If he should see us, he would be certain to make off.”

”Ah! hum!” muttered the first speaker, ”I'm not so sure about that: he's not one of the kind that cares about making off. Have you heard how he lifted Panchito Jolas out of his stirrups?”

”Yes; I have myself had some falls from a horse, but when I think of poor Jolas it makes my blood run cold. _Ave Maria_! did you not hear something?”

The two searchers stopped in their tracks, and stood listening: with far more fear in their hearts than could be in that of him for whom they were searching.

It was only a false alarm; but it had the effect of causing them to betray to one another the dread with which the fame of the Colonel had inspired them. The mask thus removed, mutual confidence became established between the two; and both were equally agreed upon the prudence of at once returning to the appointed rendezvous.

The other four pursuers continued to advance; but with such easy nonchalance that in two or three hours afterwards eight of the ten had returned to the glade, all equally unsuccessful in their search.

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