BRIGANDAGE IN SPAIN. 



121 



panic, and amidst the clicking: of locks, Pedro took the 

 opportunity of slightly raising his bandage. The robbers 

 were halted on a narrow ledge of the mountain- side — a 

 sheer rock-wall behind and a precipitous slope below mak- 

 ing any lateral movement impossible. A direct retreat was 

 of course available, but this did not commend itself to the 

 chief, who, under the shadow of the cliff, had the approach- 

 ing horsemen at a disadvantage. The clatter of hoofs 



CIVIL GUARDS. 



sounded nearer and nearer, and as the first beast appeared 

 on the ledge it was evident there had been a false alarm. 

 The heavily-laden transport of a gang of smugglers 

 advanced along the narrow track, and as they slowly filed 

 past the robber-troop, the only words that passed were 

 Buenas noches ! and the reply Vayan ustedes con Dins ! 

 Good night, and God go with you ! 



On the second night Vizco had left his captive, saying he 



