THE RELEASE. 85 



to pay us a visit of ceremony. The soldiers, who had 

 accidentally passed through the village, and had made 

 all the disturbance, had left. After some deliberation 

 we determined to continue ; and, charging the alcalde 

 again about the letter to General Cascara, turned our 

 backs upon him and his alguazils. In a few minutes 

 they all withdrew. We took a cup of chocolate, loaded 

 our mules, and, when we left, the place was as desolate 

 as when we entered. Not a person had been there to 

 welcome us, and there was not one to bid us farewell, 



8 



