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Updated: June 25, 2025
"I think," remarked Alzura, one day toward the end of June, "I'll get the sergeant to put me in irons." "Why?" I asked in surprise. "Because sitting here and looking at the land is driving me crazy." "Then don't look at it." "I can't help it, and that's the truth. Wouldn't it be grand if we could only cross that morass safely!" "But we can't!" "No," said he; "but suppose we could?
The sergeant's bound to discover our escape at breakfast-time, and a search-party will be sent ashore immediately." "It will be light in an hour or two," observed Alzura cheerfully "at least light enough for us to find the track again. Let us sit down; it won't be so tiring, and we can't make ourselves any wetter or dirtier.
"Silence!" roared a Royalist sergeant; "no talking!" And Alzura groaned. How was he to live if he had to keep his tongue still? A long strip of tough hide was now brought, and was knotted at intervals to the fastenings between each pair of prisoners. It formed a sort of gigantic single rein, and I suggested in a whisper to Alzura that we were to be harnessed to the viceroy's chariot.
But by this time we were convulsed with laughter, and the sentry, in no very gentle tones, advised us to be quiet. "It's a great scheme, Alzura," I said presently, "a wonderful scheme, but it can't be carried out. Suppose the trick was discovered after my escape, all you fellows would be punished sharply, and I shouldn't like that."
"Juan," said Alzura, "these fellows belong to a different tribe. Perhaps we shall have a chance of making ourselves understood." "They are looking at us very pointedly," I answered; and raising my voice, I said, "Can any of you talk Spanish?" "Yes," cried several together, coming near to us; "what do you want?" "To make ourselves known," I replied.
"He's a smart soldier." "He is that," agreed Plaza, "and a splendid swordsman. I had a good bout with him, but could not pass his guard, though he was defending himself against three of us." "Did any one see the major after he fell?" I interrupted. "No," said Alzura; "but I feel sure he is dead, as the bullet passed through his forehead. He was a grim old fighter, and I'm sorry he's gone."
"Caramba!" cried a soldier sitting near, "that won't do, señor. The rocks are sharp in this part of the country. Wait; I have some green hides in my knapsack. I'll make you some sandals if the colonel halts for an hour." "I shall be very grateful for your kindness," said Alzura; "the pain in my feet has kept me from admiring the scenery, and there are some grand views about here."
This was quite true, but not all his kindness could make up to us for loss of liberty. Barriero and the other three prisoners seemed quite resigned to their fate, but Alzura was always hankering after the delights of Lima and home, while I, too, longed very much to see my parents and friends. So we often sat for hours watching the margin of the lake, envying the men who went ashore.
After breakfast we lounged about on the heights watching the Royalists, who had encamped just without gunshot, wondering what our leaders would decide to do. "They're coming down!" cried Alzura excitedly, rushing into our tent. It wanted two hours to sunset; we had done nothing all day, and tired of watching the enemy on the opposite heights, most of us had gone to sleep.
'If you appoint this man over them they will break their swords, and I shall be the first to do so. That stopped the game, and Camba was pushed in somewhere else." "It's a wonder he hasn't changed again," I said. "He is only biding his time, like a good many others." "I know nearly a dozen myself," said Alzura, "and one of them is a neighbour of yours, Crawford."
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