United States or Solomon Islands ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
He gathered up the thongs just cast off; and seating himself upon the banqueta, once more wound them around his ankles but this time in such a fashion, that a single jerk upon a cunningly-contrived knot would set all free. The knife was hidden under his hunting-shirt, where the purse had been already deposited.
That is what I am called upon to witness. Fiends! I shall not gratify them by looking at it. No! I shall remain where I am." He threw himself once more prostrate along the banqueta, determined to remain in that position. He muttered at intervals: "Poor Don Juan! a true friend to death ay, even to death, for it is for me he dies for me, and oh! love love "
As the captive muttered these thoughts he sat down upon the banqueta, and hurriedly untied the thongs that up to this time had remained upon his ankles. This done, he rose to his feet again; and, with the long knife firmly clutched, strode up and down the cell, glancing fiercely towards the door at each turning.
"And this thread, it is cotton; is it not?" "Si, Senor." "It is very prettily arranged indeed. Did you place it so yourself?" "Si, Senor." "Really it requires skill! I should like much to learn how the threads are passed." And as he said this he left his seat upon the banqueta, and, approaching the loom, knelt down beside it. "Indeed, very singular and ingenious.
The portero still lingered by the great gate, waiting his master's return; but he sat inside upon the banqueta of the zaguan, and seemed to be asleep. He was watched by those who wished him to sleep on. The large door of the caballeriza was open. Within the framework of the posts and lintels the form of a man could be distinguished. It was the groom Andres. There was no light in the stable.
He paid but little regard to their likes or dislikes, especially where these interfered with his pleasures; and, after lighting his cigar, he sat down on a "banqueta," with as much nonchalance as if he were in his own quarters. He smoked some time without breaking silence.
He chose for his partner a very pretty "aldeana," Inez Gonzales by name, who was delighted to dance with him. Catalina saw this, and became jealous in turn. This play continued for a length of time, but Carlos at length grew tired of his partner, and sat down upon the banqueta alone. His eyes followed the movements of Catalina.
It is his first act when the bolt shoots from the lock, and he feels himself alone. Obedient to this impulse, the eye of Carlos was raised to the walls, his cell was not a dungeon a small window, or embrasure, admitted light. It was high up, but Carlos saw that, by standing upon the banqueta, he could have looked out by it. He had no curiosity to do so, and he lay still.
The garrison sleeps secure even the night-guard in the zaguan with their bodies extended along the stone banqueta, are sleeping soundly. The Presidio dreads no sudden attack there has been no rumour of Indian incursion the neighbouring tribes are all en paz; and the Tagno conspirators have been destroyed. Greater vigilance would be superfluous.
"Now, my brave!" began Roblado. "We promised you a spectacle to-day. We are men of our word. We come to admonish you that it is prepared, and about to come off. Mount upon that banqueta, and look out into the Plaza; you will have an excellent view of it; and as it is near you will need no glass! Up then! and don't lose time. You will see what you will see. Ha! ha! ha!"
Word Of The Day