Part 46 (2/2)
It consisted merely of a s.h.i.+rt and cotton drawers--while each of them carried in hand a large parcel. Although the night had been dry throughout, the garments of both pedestrians appeared saturated with water!
Without the slightest suspicion that Don Rafael was in the tree, or that any other human being was near, the two men were nevertheless moving with cautious steps. Now they looked to the right, and then to the left, with quick earnest glances--as if they were either searching for something, or in dread that an enemy might be concealed in the bushes.
”These droll fellows,” said the Colonel to himself, ”are either searching for some one, or fear that some one is searching for them-- which of the two?”
He watched them, listening attentively.
The same reason which had induced Don Rafael to select this part of the wood as a hiding-place--that is the impenetrability of the thicket that surrounded it--seemed to have influenced in like manner the two thinly-clad pedestrians.
”We had better stop here,” said one to the other, as both came to a halt, ”at least until we can put on our clothes again.”
”Agreed,” was the response; ”but we must make our stay as short as possible: we should by this time have been far along the road to Huaj.a.pam.”
Each at the same moment untied the parcel which he carried, and which consisted of his upper garments that had been kept dry. Then stripping off their wet s.h.i.+rts and drawers, they commenced dressing themselves in their proper habiliments.
”So, amigo!” said the first speaker, pointing to a small packet which the other had been carrying, ”that, you tell me, is worth its weight in gold?”
”Yes; and you shall soon find that you have nothing to regret in helping me to escape, and sharing with me the douceur we shall receive on presenting it. If we are only lucky enough to get away from this neighbourhood--I have no doubt they will pursue us.”
”We may be certain of that, _compadre_; but don't be uneasy about their finding us. If we should fall into the hands of any of those who are besieging Del Valle, trust me for getting clear of them. As they are my comrades, and don't know yet that I have run away, I shall be able to mislead them. I can tell them, that I have been sent along with you, to receive the ransom of one of our prisoners.”
”What if they should carry us back to Arroyo's camp?”
”Why, in that case we shall both be hanged. What matters it, a little sooner or later--it is the common lot?” philosophically added Juan el Zapote--for it was he, in company with the messenger whom he had aided in making his escape. ”Never mind, _compadrito_,” he continued in a more cheering tone, ”I shall do my best to get _you_ clear of the sc.r.a.pe anyhow.”
”_Santa Virgen_!” mentally e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the Colonel. ”This droll fellow, who thinks it is the lot of all men to be hanged sooner or later, appears to be so sure of the fact, that it would not expose him to much more risk to conduct me also to a safer harbour.”
And in making this reflection, Don Rafael caught hold of the llianas by which he had climbed up; and at the risk of leaving some of his garments behind him, sprang out from between the branches, and dropped down between the two pedestrians with a suddenness that stupefied them.
The man who was to pay so dear for the precious packet sent him by Gertrudis, was now face to face with the messenger who bore it; and yet neither of them knew the other!
”Hus.h.!.+” said the Colonel, taking the initiative, ”you have nothing to fear. I promise you my protection; but first lay down your arms!”
Zapote had drawn his long dagger, and stood ready to use it against the first enemy who came near, with that indifference peculiar to one who believed in the rope or garotte as the necessary termination of his life. But Don Rafael had at the same instant caught hold of his arm, which he held with a grasp, that proved he could also become as terrible an antagonist as he might be a powerful protector.
”Who are you?” simultaneously inquired the two fugitives.
”Ah! it might be indiscreet in me to tell you that,” replied Don Rafael.
”I am a young man who has just sprung down from the tree above you, as you may see by my hat still sticking up there among the branches.”
Without letting go his hold of Zapote the Colonel raised himself on his toes; and, stretching his arm upwards, proceeded to disengage the insurgent's hat from among the branches.
”So, amigos!” continued he as soon as he had recovered his hat. ”You are fleeing from the guerilleros of Arroyo? Well--so am I: that is enough for you to know at present. You are two and I only one; but let me plainly tell you, that if you do not make common cause with me, I shall be under the necessity of killing you both. Now you may choose-- Yes or no!”
”_Carrambo_!” exclaimed Zapote, not ill pleased with the frank, off-hand manner of the stranger, ”what a capital trader you would make with your roundabout way of coming to terms! Well, cavallero! what can we do for you?”
”Pa.s.s me off with these fellows of Arroyo: as you are intending to do your comrade here. Say that I am charged with the ransom of a prisoner at the hacienda Del Valle, and thus obtain for me permission to pa.s.s the lines. If you do this, I promise you a recompense. And since you are both about to share the bounty of some one between you--”
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