Part 46 (1/2)

”That was nothing. He sat down in the capital; we hugged the guns at Callao and looked at him. When he got tired he took himself off, and we returned to our quarters.”

”Nothing very exciting in that.”

”You are right, my boy. Your judgment is marvellous. But we had a day of excitement shortly before I came on this trip. You should have been there. Lima went stark mad! The guns at Callao thundered for hours; the capital was decked with flags; the people cheered till they were hoa.r.s.e; there was a very delirium of joy. It was the greeting of Peru to her saviour--her second saviour, that is.”

”Why can't you speak plainly? Do you mean Bolivar has come?”

”Your second question, Juan, shows there was little need for the first.

Yes, Bolivar, the protector or emperor, or whatever name the new master of Peru cares to be known by. The hero of South America has arrived; let the Spaniards tremble!”

”For any sake give your tongue a rest. What has Santa Cruz done?”

”What has Santa Cruz done? A very great deal, my boy, I a.s.sure you.

He has lost his whole army--men and horses, guns and ammunition, wagons and stores. What do you think of that, young man? You will be compelled to swallow Bolivar after all.”

”Let us change the subject. Tell me about yourself.”

”Ah,” said he, ”that is indeed a great subject! Your discernment is worthy of praise. I can talk on that topic for hours without tiring.

Where shall I begin?”

”Where is the jailer?”

”Why?”

”That I may ask him to send me back to the hospital.”

”Juan, you are a fraud! But hark! that is the bell calling us to dinner. Blessed sound! Come with me to the banquet.”

CHAPTER XXIII.

AN OPEN-AIR PRISON.

There were fifteen or sixteen Patriot officers of all ranks in the prison, and I found most of them jolly fellows. We lived all together in two large rooms, one of which was used as a bedroom. In addition, we were allowed at certain hours to walk up and down a long corridor, so that we got a fair amount of exercise.

Alzura and a few of the other youngsters spent much time in planning methods of escape, and they were glad of any suggestions I could offer.

As a rule, our arrangements ended in talk. The viceroy put his trust rather in keen-eyed sentries than in locks, bolts, and strong walls.

An armed man stood on either side of the door leading to the corridor, which was itself guarded by a chain of soldiers. At the yard-door, through which we were not permitted to pa.s.s, an officer with several men always stood on duty.

Three or four times every week, in the middle of the night, an inspecting officer would summon us to get up and answer our names.

This was a great nuisance, as it disturbed our sleep, but fortunately it did not take long. We slept on the floor fully dressed and wrapped in our ponchos, so there was no delay in making our toilets.

We were given sufficient food--of a sort; but we had no amus.e.m.e.nts of any kind, and absolutely nothing to do. Our sole occupation was walking round and round the room like caged bears, and chatting about the war.

Most of us voted Alzura a bore in this respect, but I think on the whole he did us good. His was the first voice heard in the morning, and the last at night. He was equally ready to talk with ensign or general, and on any subject under the sun. He would jest or laugh, or, I really believe, weep with you at a moment's notice. He would instruct the artillery officer in the management of guns, advise the cavalryman how to ride, and show the general the best way to order a battle. Alzura was a genius, and most of us were only now beginning to find it out.

When the talk turned to the best way of escaping, he was delightful.