A HUNT FOR ROBBERS. 



185 



the alcalde entered with a sword under his arm, follow- 

 ed by my host and several other persons, and told me 

 that a party of robbers was out after me ; that he had 

 men on their traces, and wished to borrow my arms 

 and servants. The latter I was willing enough to lend, 

 for I knew they would find their way back ; but the for- 

 mer, I thought, were more secure under my own eye. 

 Being on the main road, I considered it so safe that I 

 had that day taken off the caps of my pistols and gun ; 

 but, drawing on my boots, recapping and distributing 

 my surplus arms, we sallied forth. The muleteer would 

 not go, but the deaf and dumb lad, with a face of fire, 

 drew his machete and followed. 



It was pitchy dark, and on first going out from the 

 light I could not see at all, but stumbled along after my 

 companions, who moved swiftly and without noise 

 through the plaza, and along the whole length of the 

 town. In the suburbs we approached a hut which 

 Stood alone, with the side toward us, closed, but the 

 light of a fire issued from both ends ; and here it was 

 supposed the robbers were, unconscious of pursuit or 

 suspicion. After a brief consultation, it was agreed 

 that the party should separate, and one half enter at 

 each end ; and the alcalde's charge was to shoot the 

 villains rather than let them escape. Stealing toward 

 the hut, we rushed in at the same time from the oppo- 

 site sides, and captured an old woman, who sat on the 

 ground replenishing the fire. She was not surprised at 

 our visit, and, with a bitter laugh, said the birds had 

 flown. At that moment we heard the report of a mus- 

 ket, which was recognised as the signal of the men 

 who had been stationed to watch them. All . rushed 

 out ; another report hurried us on faster, and very soon 

 we reached the foot of a mountain. As we ascended, 



Vol I.— a a 



