RZ~h LI E) RAR.Y OF THE UN IVLR51TY or ILLINOIS V.3 :^., I. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/freelancesromanc01reid THE FREE LANCES. THE FREE LANCES A ROMANCE OF THE MEXICAN VALLEY. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. III. LONDON : REMINGTON & CO., 134 NEW BOND STREET^ 1881. [All rights rese7-ved.'\ \ b % b r>3 CONTENTS. Chapter XLIII. page What are they 1 1 Chapter XLIV. The Abbot, 14 Chapter XLV. The Free Lances, 23 Chapter XLVI. St. Augustine of the Caves, 36 Chapter XLVII. Over the Cliff, 46 Chapter XLVIII. On down the Mountain, 62 Chapter XLIX. A Tale of Starvation, 75 Chapter L. An Encounter with Old Acquaintances, .... 87 Chapter LI. A Grumbling Guard, 99 viii Contents. Chapter LII. page A Danae's Shower, 109 Chapter LIII. A Series of Surprises, 121 Chapter LIV. Monks no more, 130 Chapter LY. « Only Empty Bottles," 144 Chapter LVI. A Day of Suspense, 157 Chapter LVII. Under Arrest, 169 Chapter LVIII. The Cochero Dogged, 177 Chapter LIX. Ready to Start, 187 Chapter LX. " Surrender r' 198 Chapter LXI. Conclusion, 209 THE FREE LANCES, Chapter XLIII. WHAT AEE THEY? HE repast finislied, tlie Holy Brethren, risino; from the table too;ether, for- sook the Kefectory. Some disap- peared into cloisters on the sides of the great hallway, others strolled out in front, and seating themselves on benches that were 3—1 THE FREE LANCES. 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 a]3art. Good manners secured them this. The others naturally sup- posed 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 saun- tered out by the great door, through which they had entered on the night before. The sun was now at meridian height, and his beams WHAT AEE THEY? fell clown 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 j)urely of the conventual style ; windows with pointed arches, the larger ones heavy mullioned, and a campanile upon the roof. This however, without bells, and par- tially broken down ; as w^as 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 THE FREE LANCES. 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 over-head, 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 plat- form on which the building stood with a still higher cliff behind. The point they had arrived ^at was a pro- minent 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. WHAT ARE THEY? 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, Oris, 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 haint 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' judging be that he'd say thar ain't nerry monk among 'em." THE FREE LANCES. " What then ? Eobbers ? '" "Thar, agin, Cap., I'm clean confuscated. From wliat we war told o' Mr. Eeeviis in the gaol, they oiighter be that. They sayed he war a captain o' saltadores, which means highwayman. 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 the Eio Grande, thar are scores o' Mexikin officers, who've did the same, from lootenants, up to kurnels — aye ginrals. Thar's Canales, who commanded the whole cavalry brigade — the " Chaperal fox " as we Texans call him — WHAT ARE THEY? an' thar ain't a wuss thief or cut-throat from Matamoras up to the mountains. An what air ole Santy hisself but a robber o' the meanest an' most dastardly sort ? So, taint any sign o' honesty their bearing military titles. When they've a war on in thai revolushionary way, they turn sogers, atween times takin' to the road." " Well, Oris, supjDosing 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. Taint 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 lo^^'aymen, they're the only ones about these diggins that kin gie us 8 THE FREE LANCES. 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 were carried further back ; to the point where he was first brought into contact with Eivas, 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 sus- picion 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 mil be awkward to get away WHAT ARE THEY? 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' belonging to a band o' robbers. But forced to jine 'em that 'ud be different. Besides, the thins; ain't the same in Mexico, as 'twud in Texas and the States. Hyar 'tisn't looked on as beein' so much o' a disgrace, s'long's they don't practize cruelty. An' I've heern Mexikins say, 'taint wuss, nor yet so bad, as the way some our oun poltishun 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 mth a smile, allowing the Texan to to continue ; which he did saying : " After all, I don't think they're robbers any more than monks ; if they be, they're 10 THE FEEE LANCES. wonderfully well-beliaved. A perliter set o' fellers or better kumj^'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 e'm, till we find they ain't worthy of being froze to ; then VvX must gie 'em the slip, somehow." " Ah ! if we can," said his fellow filibuster doubtingiy. " 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 ; thouo^i one, I trust, we shall be WHAT AEE THEY? 11 able to control without turning liighw^aymen. 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 V " 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 Mexi- can 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 12 THE FREE LANCES. 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 ws 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 V "That I can't tell eyther, Cap. I havn'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. Oris Eock niver was so tired o' a connexshun as wi' thet same. Wagh !" " I su^Dpose they've got him shut up some- where, and intend so keeping him — no doubt WHAT ARE THEY? 13 for good reasons. All ! 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 ap- proaching along the path. Chapter XLIV. THE ABBOT. MIGO,' said tlieir liost, as he re- joined them, speaking to Kearney who could alone understand him, '^ Permit me to offer you a cigar — your com- rade also — with my apologies for having forgotten that you smoked. Here are both Havannas and Manillas, several brands of each. So choose for yourself." The mavor-domo, who attended him, carry- THE ABBOT. 15 ing a liiige maliogany 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 consider- ing 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 IG THE FREE LANCES. 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 V asked the Abbot. '' He'd prefer smoking a pipe, if you don't object, and there be such a thing convenient." '•' Oh ! ten pipa. I shall see. Gregorio !" He called after the mayor-domo, who was returning toward the house. " Never mind, reverend Father," protested THE ABBOT. 17 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' smoking' it ! My stammuck feels starved for a bit o' bacca. What wouldn't I gie jest now for a plug o' Jeemes's Eiver ! " " 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 vicari- ously accorded, the Texan picked out one of the largest in the collection and, biting off about a third, commenced crunching it be- tween his teeth, as though it was a piece of sugar-stick. This to the no small amusement of the Mexican, who, however, delicately re- frained from making remark. Nor was Oris hindered from having a smoke as well as a " chew," — The mayor-domo soon 3—2 18 THE FREE LANCES. 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 Serro 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 ques- tion : — " What do you think of that landscape, Don Florencio ?" " Magnificent ! I can't recall having looked upon lovlier, or one mth greater variety of scenic detail. It has all the ele- ments of the subHme and beautiful." THE ABBOT. 19 The young Irishman was back in his college classics with his countryman Burke. " Make use of this," said the Abbot, offering a small telescope w^hich 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'U observe a large house, standing in the middle 20 THE FREE LANCES. of the magiiey fields. Have you cauglit itr " 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 V " 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 Irish- man, laying aside the glass, and showing more interest in what he heard than that he had THE ABBOT. 21 been looking at. Country and cause ! These were not the words likely to be on the lips of either monk or hio'hwa^Tnan. 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, Euperto Pdvas, 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 ahnuerzo. 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 f" " 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 22 THE FEEE LANCES. seen and heard since you came up here, with much before. But the time has come to re- lieve you. So light another cigar and listen.*' Chaptee XL v. THE FEEE LANCES. KY 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 Phillippine 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 24 THE FREE LANCES. only known to the initiated. Some of our O'lcos import them by way of Acapulco. Those are a fair sample." The young Irishman made trial of the weed thus w^armly recommended ; to discover w^hat 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 : " Fues, cahallero ; to give you the promised explanation. That the monks of my com- munity are of an order neither very devout or 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 THE FEEE LAXCES. 25 deeds. When I speak of them as soldiers, you will understand it in its true sense, Sehor. With one or two exceptions all have held commissions in our army, and with a like limitation, I may say are all 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 sqt upon their heads." '' Then you're not robbers ?" This was said without thought, the words involuntarily escaping Kearneys lips. But the counterfeit abbot, so far from feehng oflfence at them, broke out into a laugh, good- humouredly rejoining — " Eobbers, amigo mio ! Who told you we were that T The Irishman felt abashed, seeing he had committed himself. 26 THE FREE LANCES. " Don Euperto," 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 Mexi- can. " 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. " Carramha, yes !" continued the proscript. '^ 'Tis quite true we do a little in the plunder- ing 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 THE FREE LANCES. 27 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 smokable materials, including those here, mahogany and every- thing. A forced contribution, as I've hinted at. But, senor, I should be sorry to have you think we levy black-mail indiscriminately. He from w^hom they wxre taken is one of our bitterest enemies ; equally an enemy of our country. 'Twas aU in the w^ay of re23risal ; fair, as you'U admit, when you come to com- prehend the circumstances." " I comprehend them now," returned the listener, relieved, " quite ; and I trust you will accept my apology." " Sails arriere pensee,^' responded the Mexi- can, who could speak French if not English, 28 THE FREE LANCES. "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 Eepublic — our lives as well." " But," questioned Kearney, " may I ask why you are habited as I novv^ 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 religous order. Of course, we don't allow any of the THE FREE LANCES. 29 rustics to approacti it. Luckily they are not curious enouo;]i 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 Oaxa ca 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 30 THE FREE LANCES. 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 ear- nestly in the face, " I have a question to put to yourself" " What 1" asked the Irishman, seeing that he hesitated puting 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 con- sideration. To what would he be committing himself if he consented ? And what if he should refuse ? Besides under the circum- stances was he free to refuse ? That of itself was a question, a delicate one. He and his comrade Oris Eock owed their escape to this THE FREE LAXCES. 31 strange man, whatever lie might be : and to separate from him now, even under full per- mission, 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 re- lieve him. " If my proposal be not to your Hking, Senor Irlandes, say so ; and mthout 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 Accordada goal 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 32 THE FREE LANCES. I ___^__ said nay ? In the heart of a hostile country, an escaped prisoner ; his life, as he felt sure, forfeited should he be retaken. Joinino; Eivas 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 Kuperto," he added, " if you deem me worthy of belonging to your brotherhood, be it so. I accept your invi- tation." "And your comrade, Don Christoforo. 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. Eock ! " He called to the Texan, who, not under- standing their dialogue, had sauntered apart, chewing away at the Imperador. " Wal, Cap. ; what's up now V he asked on rejoining them. THE FREE LANCES. 33 " They're no robbers. Oris/' said Kearney, speaking freely in tlieir o^ti tongue. " Gled to hear it, I did'nt think they war — noways. Nor monks neyther, I guess 1 " " 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." "Yis, 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 3—3 34 THE FREE LANCES. in my pocket, an goe'd in wi'em all the same ; s'long you're agreed. Nor I wud'nt a minded turning monk for a spell. But men who intend foughtin for freedom ? Haleluyah ! Oris Eock air all thar I Ye may tell him so." "He consents," said Kearney, reporting to the Mexican ; " and willingly as myself Indeed, Don Euperto, 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 gracioas, Senor ! The grace and honour are all given to us. Two such valientes, as I know you to be, mil 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 THE FREE LANCES. 35 given Gregorio orders to get it ready. So you see, Camarados, I've been counting upon you." " Gehosofat ! " exclaimed the Texan, when told of the dress he was expected to put on. " What wi New-Orleen's store close, an prison duds, an' the like, this chile hev hed a goodish wheen o' changes since he stripped off his ole huntin' shirt. An' now a goin in for a monk ! Wal ; tho' I mayen't be the most santified, I reck'n I'll be the tallest in thar mon'stery." ^Mi{^ Chapter LIII. A SERIES OF SUEPRISES. HE 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 papers. The uncer- tainty of his getting safe up the cliff hindered him from giving them even the most cursory examination, nor did he think of doino; this till at sufficient distance from the card-playing 122 THE FREE LANCES. party to feel sure lie was beyond danger of pursuit. Then the temptation to have a look at the things, \Yhich had so strangely and un- expectedly 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 there were, both gold, and one with a jewelled case. " Car red / " 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 hunch- back to have it 1 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. A SERIES OF SrEPEISES. 123 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 cocker o, 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 earrings — 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 Bios! 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 124 THE FREE LANCES. 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 acquaint- ance 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 lioiit 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 A SERIES OF SUEPPJSES. 125 all up again, and thrusting them back into his j)ocket, hurried on home. And when home he went not to his own quarters in the coachyard, but straight into the ^jaffo — 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, homhre f " " ^^o, Pepita. But the ladies have lost something. Look here ! " He had plunged both hands into his pockets, and drawn them out again full of things that scintillated in the moonlight — w^atches and jewellery of different kinds, as 126 THE FREE LANCES. she saw. With a woman's curiosity, gliding swiftly forward to examine them, she recog- nised every article at a glance, amazement overspreading her countenance, as it lately had his. " y4 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 some- where. They strolled out about an hour ao[o, 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 as- sent ; and side by side they hastened towards the rear of the house, behind which were the A SEEIES OF SUEPRISES. 127 ornamental grounds extending backwards. But they had not far to go before hearing sounds that set their minds at rest, removino; all anxiety — the voices of the ladies them- selves. 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 Dohlones I 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 : 128 THE FREE LAXCES. " I ask your pardon for intruding, but don't tliese 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 ? " despair- ingly asked the Donna Luisa. ''How can we give them warning ? " To which the cochero, not the Countess^ made answer, saying : " I can do that, SenoritaJ' His confident tone reassured them ; more *A SERIES OF SURPRISES. 129 still his making known the design lie 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 Ajusgo. 3—9 Chaptee Liy. MONKS NO MOEE. IHE surmise which had influenced Zorillo to leaving the convent cell earlier than he intended was a correct one. The goings on in the Eefectory 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 afiecting either the garb or the behaviour of the monk. Soldiers all ; or MONKS NO MORE. 131 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 132 THE FREE LANCES. 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 Kefectory table was being loaded with the best that was left to them in meats 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 Eivas, who headed the table, rose to his feet, in MONKS NO MORE. 133 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-azid 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 134 THE FREE LANCES. his summons. ' You all approve of that, I take it 1 " " 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 tow^n 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 immedi- ate departure, the circle around the table did not instantly break up. MONKS NO MORE. 135 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 per- sons, among the latter their lately joined allies — the Iiiandes and Tejano, about whose proved valour on other fields, of which they had heard, the Free Lances were enthusi- astically eloquent. Kearney, speaking in their own tongue, made appropriate response ; while Eock, 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 its to be agin ole Santy, the durned 136 THE FREE LANCES. skunk. By the jumpin' Geehosofat ! if Oris Eock iver gits longside liim 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 tum- blerful 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 en- thusiasm, 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 al- ways wound up the festivals of the " Free MOXKS NO MORE. 137 Lances," whatever the occasion. Their leader, as often before, now again pronounced it — " Patria y Lihertad ! " And never before did it have more enthu- siastic 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 — " Traicioii ! " " Treason ! " echoed fifty voices as one, all again starting to their feet, and turning faces toward the alarmist. The mayor-domo it was, who, as the other mozos, was half equipped for a journey. " What mean you, Gregorio ? " demanded his master. 138 THE FREE LANCES. " There's one can tell you better than I, Don Euperto." " Who ? Where is he 1 " " Outside, Senor. A messenger who has just come u^^ — he's from San Augustin." " But how has he passed our sentry." *' Ah ! capitano ; I'd rather he told you himself." Mysterious sj)eech on the part of the mayor-domo, which heightened the appre- hension of those hearing it. " Call him hither ! " commanded Eivas. 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 Eivas, Kearney, and the Texan, soon as setting eyes on him. The cochero it was, Jose, though they MONKS NO MORE. 139 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 w^th the mayor-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. Eivas 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 140 THE FREE LANCES. 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's 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 Josd, 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 simul- taneously sent up ; all showing eager to rush MONKS XO MORE. 141 from the room. They but waited for a word more. Eivas, however, suspecting that the mes- senger 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 cocheros 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 142 THE FEEE LANCES. enougli danger impending over all. As for themselves, both Mexican and Irishman, less recked of it, as they thought of how they were being w^arned, 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 mayor-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 win- dow 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 MONKS NO MORE. 143 Kefectoiy, it was witli cliastenecl, saddened hearts. For they had come from digging a grave, and lowering into it a cor^Dse. Again gathered around the table they drank the stirrup-cup, as was their wont, but never so joylessly, or with such stinted acclaim. Chapter LV. " ONLY EMPTY BOTTLES/' BOUT 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. ''ONLY EMPTY BOTTLES." 145 At their head rode Colonel Santander, with Major Eamirez 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 mo- nastery, of which he had only lately heard, but enough to make him most eager to reach it before morning. His hopes w^re high ; at last was he likely to nake a coujj — 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 3—10 146 THE FREE LANCES. 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 hailing them to assure him- self 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 w^as out on the road to receive them, standing in an atti- tude of attention. The parley was brief, and quick the action which accompanied it. " Into your saddle, caho ! " commanded the " ONLY EMPTY BOTTLES." 147 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 Augus- tin. 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 knew they what it meant, and whither the galloping cohort was bound. And themselves unseen, 148 THE FREE LANCES. they saw who was at the head ; though they needed not seeing him to know. But peer- ing 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 Yalverde, as she dropped on her knees in prayer, " Send that they've got safe off ere this ! " " Make your mind easy, ainiga f " 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 "ONLY EMPTY BOTTLES." 149 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 ascendins; 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 perj)lexity, 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 150 THE FKEE LANCES. had lost his treasures. The monte players, unsuspicious of his object, made no objection. But instead of there finding what he 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, how- ever, 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 cahada must be forsaken. The horses, too, left behind ; everything but their weapons ; the path beyond being barely practicable for men afoot. "ONLY EMPTY BOTTLES." 151 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 moon- light 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 appropri- 152 THE FREE LANCES. ated 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 mig:ht hear the crackino^ of car- bines — 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 Eamirez, a man of more mettle, at the ]Doint of his sword commanded the hunchback to keep on, and the cowardly colonel dare not revoke the order without eternally disgracing him- self. " ONLY EMPTY BOTTLES." 153 They had no danger to encounter, though they knew not that. Neither vidette nor sentinel was stationed there now ; and, mth- out 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 that hive. There was a summons to surrender, which received no response. Eepeated louder, and a carbine fired, the result was the same. Silence inside, there could be no one T\T.thin. 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 buildinof itself. 154 THE FREE LANCES. 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 expedi- tion. 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 ''• ONLY EMPTY BOTTLES." 155 —kept in reserve for reasons of his o^^ti — a shaft from which he expected more profit than all yet sjDcnt. And as the Hussar colonel was swearino^ and rao-ing around, he saw his opportunity to discharge it. With half a dozen whispered words he tranquillised the latter ; after which there was a brief confer- ence between the two, its efiect upon Santan- der showing itself in his countenance, that became all agieam, lit up with a satisfied but maligant 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 Eamirez gave indication of what so gratified the colonel of 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 150 THE FEEE LANCES. 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, mus'nt without permit from Head- Quarters ; the wiiich 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". M M ^S ^M ^ Chaptek LVI. A DAY OF SUSPENSE. AWN was just beginning to show over tlie eastern Cordilleras, its aurora giving a rose tint to tlie snowy cone of Popocatepec, as the Hussars passed back through San Augustin. The bells of the paroq^ida had commenced tolling matins and many people abroad in the streets, hurry- ing toward the church, saw them — interrogat- ing one another, as to where they had been, and on what errand bound. 158 THE FREE LANCES. 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 w^ent ; not a man added to their number, if none missing; but certainly no prisoners brought back ! " They've got safe off," triumphantly ex- claimed the Countess, w^hen the rearmost files had forged past, " as I told you they would ; I knew there w^as no fear after they had been warned." That they had been w^arned both were by this aware ; their messenger having meanw^hile returned and reported to that effect. He had met the Hussars on their way up ; but crouch- A DAY OF SUSPENSE. 159 ing among some bushes, he had been unob- served 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 hilletita 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 ex- pression 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 Louisa 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 passion- ately. AVhatever 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 160 THE FEEE LANCES. 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 Con- desa was less effusive, and more to the point of what, under present circumstances, con- cerned the writer — as, indeed, all of them. Don Kuperto 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 afi*ections ever A DAT OP SUSPENSE. IGl cliaiio;mo^. He knew that she was hie — heart, soul, everything. For had she not given him every earnest of it — befriended him throno^h weal and throng-h woe ? Nor o o 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 I No surprise to her all that ; she under- stood the reason. Nor was there any enigma in the signs and words of double significa- cation ; 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, 3—11 1G2 THE FREE LAXCES. what would come after. But also of some- thing before this where he, the writer, and his Free Lances would be on the following night, so that if need arose she could com- municate 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 w^ere 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 1 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 enougli to incriminate them. Surely would there be another inves- A DA.Y OF SUSPENSE. 163 tigation, 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 mth, 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 wdthout 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, 164 THE FREE LANCES. 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, how^ever 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 w^ere on their feet, looking A DAY OF SUSPENSE. 165 offended — even angry — at the same time alarmed. And yet little surprised ; for it was only confirmation of tlie fear that had been all day oppressing them — its very fulfilment. But that they believed it this, they would have shown their resentment by retirino^ and leavino; 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 anyone more regret the disagreeable errand I've come upon than I. It grieves me sorely, I assure you." " "What is it. Colonel Santander ? " de- manded 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. 16G THE FKEE LANCES. " 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 j)oliceman than a soldier." The retort struck home, still further humiliating him in the eyes of the woman he loved, Luisa Yalverde. But he now knew she loved not him ; and had made up his mind to humble her, in a way hither- to 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 A DAY OF SUSPENSE. 167 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 re- straining her. But as mistress there, she saw it was her turn to speak, which she did, saying : — " If we are your prisoners, Colonel San- tander, 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 mth your wishes, and that you remain here till Don Ignacio returns. I'm enjoined to see to your safe keeping. A very absurd re- quirement, 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 efiect 168 THE FREE LANCES. 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 1 Chaptrr LVII. UNDEE AEEEST. jCAECE necessary to say that Luisa Yalverde 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 170 THE FREE LANCES. 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 fol- lowed by social disgrace, and confiscation of property. " 0, 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 1 " '' Possibly they will. I wish there was nothing worse awaiting us." " Worse ! Do you mean they'd inflict punishment on us — that is, corporal punish- ment ? Surely they daren't ? " " Daren't ! Santa Anna dare anything — UNDER ARREST. 171 at least, neitlier sliame 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 aU likelihood it will," rejoined the Condesa, with as much unconcern as though her estates, value for more than a million, were not worth a thought. " Oh ! my poor father ! This new misfor- tune, and all owing to me. 'Twill kill him ! " " No, no, Lusita ! 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 thinkino; of." Again the other asked " What ? " her countenance showing increased anxiety. 172 THE FEEE LANCES. " 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 comj)rehended all now, and signified her apprehension by ex- claiming, with a shudder. " Virgen San- tissima ! " " 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 ! God !— 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. UNDER AEREST. 173 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 unsj^oken, knowing it was not needed to make her meaning under- stood. " Not dare ! " echoed the Countess, recovering nerve and again rising to her feet. "As I've said he'll dare anything — will Don Antonio Lopes 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 174 THE FREE LANCES. done to us inside the Palacio ? Ah, Lusita querida ; if its walls could speak they might tell tales sad enough to make angels weep. We would'nt be the first who have been sub- jected to insult — ay, infamy — by Ul excellen- tissimo. Vaga 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 keejD, 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 1 " echoed Luisa Valverde, if in less excited manner, inspired by a like heroic resolve. While his fair prisoners were thus ex- changing thought and speech, Santander, in the sola grande outside, was doing his best UNDER ARREST. 175 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 Yalverde was gone — com- pletely 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 CoUatinus 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 176 THE FREE LANCES. drawing-room where lie had installed himself ; nor, under the circumstances, would it have been desirable. He was not alone, however ; Major Eamirez and the other officers of his escort being there with him ; and, as in like cases, they w^ere enjoying themselves. How- ever 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 court-yard, and further off by the coach-house, similar scenes were trans- piring. Never had that quiet casa de campo known so much noise. For the soldiers had got among them — it w^as the house of a reheL and therefore devoted to ruin. Chapter LYIII. THE COCHEEO DOGGED. UST after the ladies had been pro- claimed under arrest, but before the the sentinels were posted around the house, a man might have been seen out- side their line, making all haste away from it. He had need, his capture being also contem- plated. Jose it was, who, from a place of concealment, had not only seen what passed, but heard the conversation between Santander 3—12 178 THE FREE LANCES. 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 w^ho 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 w^all 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 THE COCHERO DOGGED. 179 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 oTOUDd 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 swear- ing 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. 180 THE FREE LANCES. 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 re- quired 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. There- fore, hurried as was his retreat, he was not THE COCHERO DOGGED. 181 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 comj)rehension 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 Hmbs could carry him. Perhaps better for him had he looked be- hind ; 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, 182 THE FREE LANCES. 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 Zorilla. 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 burn- ing 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. THE COCHERO DOGGED. 183 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. X tract of forest was not far ofi", and he w^ould be into it before they could come up. Besides, the hunchback had also con- jectured that the failure of their overnight 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 w^as now on his way to another interview with them. If so, and if he, Zorilla, could but spot the place, and bring back report of it to 184 THE FREE LANCES. Santander, it would give him a new claim for services, and some compensation for tlie 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 THE COCHERO DOGGED. 185 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, 186 THE FKEE LANCES. 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 accoutrements 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 num- ber. 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 excite- ment. 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 re- turn for Tlalpam. Chapter LIX. EEADY TO START. S in all Mexican country houses of the class mansion, that of Don Ignacio Valverde was a quad- rangular structure enclosing an inner court- yard — the patio. The latter a wide open area, flagged, in its centre a playing fountain, with orange trees and other ornamental ever- greens growing in great boxes around it. Along three sides ran a verandah gallery, 188 THE FREE LANCES. raised a step or two above the pavement, with a baluster and railing between. Upon this opened the doors of the different cham- bers, as they would into the hall- way 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 cle camara of Don Luisa herself. No sentry had been stationed at its door ; this being unnecessary, in view of one posted at the entrance to the patio. But through a casement window, which opened into the garden at the back, they could see such pre- caution had been taken. A soldier out there, with carbine thrown lightly over his left arm, was doino- his beat backwards and for- wards. As they had no thought of attempting escape, they might have laughed at this, had EEADY TO STAET. 189 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, every^'here, and couldn't hear or see any- thing 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 how- 190 THE FREE LANCES. ever fervent on Pepita's part, it was as fer- vently 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 con- ditional 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. EEADY TO START. 191 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 jDolitical 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 j)roceeding 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- w^ork they could see a carriage with horses attached, distinguishable as their own. It Tvas the same which had just brought Don 192 THE FKEE LANCES. Ignacio from the city. But the heads of the frlsones 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 reo^ardino^ 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, stejDped ujD 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 w^as 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. READY TO START. 193 " You'll allow US a little time — to put on our cloaks ? " The request came from tlie Condesa, who for a certain reason was wishful to retard tlieir departure as long as might be possible. '' Car red — {/" 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 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 vdth an angry retort and a slap across the cheek. It stung him to losing temper, and without further ceremony he said spitefully — 3—13 194 THE FREE LANCES. " Come, come, Til have no more dilly- dallying ; 710S vcunos ! " 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 ex- pecting 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, w^ith 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 carriao^e, 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 READY TO START. 195 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, T\T.th a bow and air of maudhn 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 ^t.11 find her father at home." Neither vouchsafed rejoinder — not a word — scarce giving him the grace of a look. 196 THE FREE LANCES. Which a little nettling him, his smooth tone changed to asperity, as addressing himself to the soldier, he gave the abrupt order : " Caho ! take them on to the carriage." On they were taken ; as they approached it, perceiving a face inside, pale as the moon- beams 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, spring- ing up, throwing her arms around him, and showering kisses, where tears already trickled. " You a prisoner too !" " Aye, 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 READY TO START. 197 behind them. Meanwhile, Pepita, who in- sisted on accompanying her mistress, had been handed np 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 dis- mounted 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 scramblino; in throuo^h the saguan and made stop beneath their very noses. A human being withal ; wdio, soon as entering, called out, in a clear voice — "Where is the Colonel ?" Chaptee LX. SUEEENDEE!" F tlie 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 gasjD out the interrogation, " Adone 'stael Coronel ? " "surrender!" 199 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 Coronel," responded the dwarf, sliding close in to the strirup " Enemy ! What enemy 1 " "Them we missed catching — Don Rupert o, 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 ! " " Patriar y Libertad ! " The cry came from without, in the tone 200 THE FREE LANCES. of a charging shibboleth, other voices adding, " Mueran los tyrannos ! " Instantaneously suc- ceeded 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 pro- claimed 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 "surrender!" 201 into the courtyard, still vociferating : " Mueran los tyrannos !" while he at their head soon as sho^ino[ himself, called out in a commandino; voice, '' Eendite ?" By this a change had taken place in the tableau of figures beside the carriao:e. 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, recoo;nisino; 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 ins|)ires, he would have shown fight. Major Eamirez would, and did ; for at the first alarm he had 202 THE FREE LANCES. 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 insultino: 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 "surrender!" 203 kill you in cold blood. Heaven forbid my doing murder. Defend yourself." " He defend bisself !" scornfully exclaimed a voice — that of Oris 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 Yalverde 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, FU make him a present o' 't — thar, dang ye." The last words were accom23anied by a flash and a crack, causing Santander's horse to shy 204 THE FKEE LANCES. and rear u|). 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 reekin," observed Eock, 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 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 SUREENDEPc ! " 205 liave escaped observation. He did not, how- ever. 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 the 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^ Oris 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; o;o hold of his collar, the Texan grasped him around the ankles, and mth a brandish raising him aloft, brought 206 THE FREE LANCES. his head down upon the pavement. There was a crash as the breaking of a cocoa-nut shell by a hammer ; and when Eock 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 w^as 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 Kuperto was doing the same, his vis-a-vis being the Condesa. But these moments of bhss were brief — had '' SURRENDER ! " 207 need be. The raid of tlie Free Lances down to San Augustin was a tiling 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 Yalverde untenanted ; even the domestics had gone out of it ; the carriage, too, which has played such an imjDortant 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 208 THE FREE LANCES. Mexico ; while in place of Colonel Santander's Hussars, the Free Lances of Captain Euperto Eivas now formed a more friendly escort. Chapter LXT. CONCLUSION. BOUT a montli after in San Angustin, [^^^Pi a small two-masted vessel — a goleta — might have been observed stand- ing on tacks off the coast of Oaxaca, as if working against the land wind to make to the mouth of Eio 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 3—14 210 THE FREE LANCES. night, and the night was a very dark one. There were eyes sharj^ly on the look-out for her, however, anxiously scanning the horizon to leew^ard, 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 Yalverde, and her ever faithful Pepita. Among the men were six, with whom the reader has acquaintance. Don Ignacio, Kearney, Eock, Eivas, Jose, aud he who had been major-domo in the old monastery, baptismally named Gregorio. Most of tlie COXCLUSIOX. 211 others, imdescribed, 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 I 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, 212 THE FREE LANCES. 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 look-out. When Euperto Eivas, 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 CONCLUSION. 213 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. 214 THE FREE LANCES. Nor were the " Free Lances " imrepre- sented 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 Euperto Eivas, with Florence Kearney as his lieutenant, and Oris Eock a sort of attache to the band, but a valuable adjunct to its fighting force. ^ jfc ^ -^ ^ ^ -^ ^ Swords returned to their scabbards, bugles no long;er soundino; war siQ:nals, it remains but to speak of an episode of more j)eaceful 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 CONCLUSION-. 215 organ music vibrating on tlie air, stood three couples, waiting to be wedded. And wedded they w^ere ; Don Euperto Eivas 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 ? Oris looked on de- lightedly, 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 entertain- 216 THE FREE LANCES. ing 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. m UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 3 0112 083236510