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Updated: June 25, 2025
"He was one of us," said Alzura, "went over to the Royalists, and came back again." "And was appointed second in command of the Legion!" There was a cry of amazement from every one in the room; but Plaza continued, "It's a fact; only Miller put his foot down. 'My officers are gentlemen, said he.
"We shall have guides across the morass, though; that's one thing to be thankful for." "And be put in irons! Perhaps you think that's a subject for cheerfulness?" "We shouldn't be able to risk our lives again, at all events." "Oh, go to sleep," exclaimed Alzura, "if you've nothing more sensible than that to say!" and he rolled a little nearer the fire.
Here we crouched on a patch of firm ground, undid our bundles, and proceeded to dress quickly. A smothered exclamation from Alzura made me glance at him. In his hurry he had whisked his shirt a yard or two away, and it had settled in the liquid mud. "There's an end to that garment!" said he. "Well, after all, it's no great loss; 'twas mostly made of holes. What have you found, Juan?"
Alzura laughed too, and gave the fellow a playful tap on the head, for he loved a joke whoever chanced to be the victim. That same evening he told us of a fresh plan for Alzura was as full of plans as an egg is of meat and before he came to the end, we were laughing so uproariously that the sentry ordered us to make less noise.
As soon as ever it became light enough, Alzura jumped up, saying, "Where is the pole?" and grasping it, he began trying to touch bottom. He poked long and vigorously in all directions, but without success, till it seemed as if our only plan was to return and give ourselves up. "Yet there must be a way out," said I impatiently.
The words were hardly spoken, when, my foot catching in some coarse grass, I fell sprawling, face downwards. "Not quite," observed Alzura, pulling me up, while I tried to get the mud from my mouth and eyes. "It's a lucky thing you didn't try that trick before. Faith, Juan, you do look a picture! I'd willingly give a hundred dollars to be able to pop you down in Lima!"
"All right; we agree!" I exclaimed joyfully, for it was a delightful thought that we were to escape the strange beings who spent their time in running about the rocks. "We shall start early," he continued, "so you had better get some rest." Which we did, as soon as our excited state permitted. "Bravo!" exclaimed Alzura, after breakfast the next morning; "this is an improvement.
Alzura was in high spirits. He loved fun of all kinds, and this ball was just to his taste. Plaza and Cordova shared our carriage, and both of them rallied me on my glum looks. "Crawford's a bloodthirsty fellow," cried Alzura banteringly "never happy unless he's fighting!" "That's a libel!" said I warmly; "I'm sick of the whole thing. When this war's over, I hope never to hear a shot fired again."
There were six of us in our group, and twelve soldiers under the command of a non-commissioned officer. The guard occupied comfortable quarters, while three mud huts were reserved for us. The islet was quite bare of trees, and was so small that Alzura pretended he could not stretch his legs comfortably for fear of slipping into the water.
"The regiment will return in a few weeks at the most," he continued. "Be ready to start in the morning, and don't forget to remember me kindly to your parents. Some day I hope to call upon them." "I am sure you will receive a very warm welcome when you come, general," I replied, taking the hand held out to me. "Well, dear boy," said Alzura, on my return to our quarters, "what is the news?"
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