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Updated: June 25, 2025
Didn't you notice the rodados as we came down?" "Those heaps of rubbish?" "Yes. All that refuse has been taken out of the mountain. Here's a heap, and the mouth of the tunnel won't be far away. Now, keep your eyes open." I did my best; but Alzura found the cavern, and in a short time we were both inside.
By this talk you will understand we had been provided with a couple of horses; and taking leave of our original captors, we rode off with our new ones. Of course, both Alzura and I were unarmed, and the leader, in a quiet way, so arranged that we were never very far from a man with a musket.
I know it's a touch-and-go affair; that is why I won't press you to join me." "Two will stand a better chance than one," said I thoughtfully, "and you mustn't try it alone. Shall we ask Barriero to come with us?" "May as well pass the compliment," answered Alzura, laughing. "But he won't, I'm positive." And he was right; for Barriero, on being asked, said hotly,
"We can't do any good," whispered Alzura, as the colonel halted us, "and I doubt if we aren't cut off ourselves." "Better charge at once," muttered Plaza; "the more we look at it the less we shall like it." "My lads," cried the colonel, riding down the ranks, "there is a stiff bit of work before us. Let us remember we are the Hussars of Junin."
The welcome sound came at break of day, and we moved out quickly, abandoning the battlefield to our active and vigorous foes. As soon as we reached the open country the rain began to fall, and continued in torrents all that day and the following night. "I don't exactly see how much better off we are than Barriero," remarked Alzura, as we lay down to sleep in a muddy puddle.
I fired my musket, and a boat which is always kept ready started in pursuit. He reached the morass first, and found a track. My men followed cautiously. They could not see him, but presently they knew there was no need to go further." "How?" asked Alzura curiously. "The shriek of the boy as he went to his death told them what had happened.
"As to starving," laughed Alzura, "I would as soon starve here as elsewhere. I'm getting used to it." "And I don't know," remarked Cordova, "that forcing a fight will be so very brilliant for us. We have had one sample to-day." "Oh, go to sleep! You might be a raven as far as croaking's concerned. One would think we were in a hole and couldn't get out.
It isn't too late now to draw back. Do take my advice, and don't risk it. I shan't sleep a wink all night if you go." "Never mind, my boy," replied Alzura, laughing; "you'll have plenty of time afterwards for a nap. Now, Juan, off with your clothes." The other prisoners were sound asleep in their huts; so were the soldiers, with the exception of the two sentries.
Then, assisted by some Indians, he crossed the morass and marched to Cuzco, where, to his joy and astonishment, he heard that Alzura and I had safely escaped across the dreaded swamp. Alzura resigned his commission shortly after the regiment returned to Lima. He succeeded to a fine estate near the capital, and is one of our most frequent visitors.
"Oh," said Alzura, scenting a bit of fun, "order, please, for Cordova's story. Now, my boy, out with it!" "'Twas nothing," replied Cordova airily. "We missed our way, and had to return, that's all. A mere accident, only these fellows make such a fuss about it." "Plaza, you tell the yarn," said I. "Cordova's much too modest, and that's quite a new thing for him, too!"
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