Part 34 (2/2)
”_Ay, Dios_! Just that, Senor Took everything I had, except the rags I wear; and to theht well have made the?” 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 e about aht be kept
But if he found no money, an article turned up, which no little surprised himself and his comrade--a stiletto!
”_Caspita_!” he exclai 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!”
”Halfin his claiht, _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 worshi+p They only thought of trying inthere behind where you've found it, luckily they overlooked it”
”Oh, indeed!” doubtingly rejoined the corporal; ”and pray how did you becoer 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 worshi+p, it isn't likely For all, I came honestly by the article It's an heirloorandfather, and's descended through several generations
For know, Senor, my ancestors were not deforallant soldiers, as yourself Indeed, one of therandfather; but this dagger didn't co left in the ly 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 ”Hoill you have the gale _albur_, or two out of three?”
”Well, as we've only the one stake, and no end of tiaht--come on! I have the cards spread--_sota y caballo_ Hoeet the Queen's face looks in the ood 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 theht and shadow, a suite of cards turned face up between the 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, ht be daer of their also becoa on behind, he would possibly have preferred it so
The unseen spectator, though silent, was not inactive, but the reverse
Fro hiiven all his thoughts to how he ht escape out of it It needed none to tell hihtthe bullets of their carbines sent after hiot off in that ould be the upshot? The hunchback would be certain to recognise hiue 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 ht reach theh the _cochero's_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 ithin 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 re for an opportunity, when glittering golden things, like a Danae's shower, caainst 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 the hold of the halter, with as little noise as possible, he hoisted himself up to the crest of the cliff