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Updated: June 9, 2025
My companions were Gahra, and a dozen Indians and mestizoes, to each of whom I was enabled, by Don Esteban's kindness, to give a handsome gratuity beforehand. To Juanita I gave as a wedding-present my ruby-ring, to Carmen my horse Pizarro. Our parting was one of the most painful incidents of my long and checkered life. I loved them both and I think they loved me.
But it was no time either for reproaches or regrets, and the words were scarcely out of her mouth when I lifted her into the saddle; as I did so, I caught sight of two horsemen and several foot-people, coming down the pathway. "Go!" I said to Gahra, "I shall stay here." "But, señor " "Go, I say; as you love me, go at once. This lady is in your charge. Take good care of her.
Our pursuers, who numbered a full score, could now be distinctly seen, but in a few minutes we lost sight of them. After a sharp ride of half an hour, the negro called a halt. "This is the place. Here we turn off," he said. "Here! I see nothing but the almost dry bed of a torrent." "So much the better. We shall make no footmarks," said Carmen. "Go on, Gahra.
Meanwhile the soldiers, having the fear of being shot before them, had dismounted and laid down their weapons. "Go!" said Carmen, pointing northward, and they went. "Your name?" "Here they call me José. In my own country I was called Gahra " "Let it be Gahra, then. It is less common than José. Every other peon in the country is called José. You are a native of Africa?" "Si, señor."
We had tested the speed of their horses and knew that we could leave them whenever we liked. After we had gone thus about a couple of miles Carmen slackened speed so as to let me come up with him and Gahra. "We have five minutes to spare," he said. "Shall we stop them?" I nodded assent, whereupon we checked our horses, and wheeling around, looked our pursuers in the face.
But even with this help it was extremely difficult to force our way through the tangled undergrowth, which we had several times to attack, sword in hand, and none of us were sorry when Gahra announced that we had reached the end. "Por todos los santos! But this is fairyland!" exclaimed Carmen, who was just before me. "I never saw anything so beautiful." He might well say so.
Had the Spaniards been less intent on getting away it would have fared ill with us. As it was, we were all wounded. Gahra got a thrust through the arm, Carmen a gash in the thigh; and as I gave one fellow the point in his throat his spear pierced my hat and cut my head. If some of the patriots had not come to the rescue our lives would have paid the forfeit of our rashness.
But when we reached the rendezvous she was not there. I whistled and called softly; nobody answered. "She will be here presently, we must wait," I said to Gahra. It was terribly annoying. Every minute was precious. The Pachatupecs are early risers, and if Señora de la Vega did not join us before daylight we might be seen and the opportunity lost.
Let us go behind these bushes, where we may converse in safety. It was to warn you of your danger that Gahra and I have been watching for you. Gahra will be here presently, and he will tell you that what I say is true." "This passes comprehension. What does it all mean? Out with it, good Guido; you have always been faithful, and I don't think you are a fool." "Thanks for your good opinion, señor.
Gahra gathered leaves and twigs and kindled a fire, for the air at that height was fresh, and we were lightly clad. We cooked our tasajo on the embers, and after smoking the calumet of peace, rolled ourselves in our cobijas, laid our heads on our saddles, and slept the sleep of the just. Only a moment ago the land had been folded in the mantle of darkness.
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