They did not attempt to resist such fearful odds, but, plunging into the stream, endeavoured to escape amongst the vineyards that clothe the rough hills bordering its left bank. Few, however, escaped. One prisoner only (according to my orders) was made. He happened to be the very corporal who commanded the piquet which had stopt me on going into Ronda two nights before.
I congratulated him on his lucky escape. “Your saint takes good care of you,” said I, “to throw you into the hands of so generous an enemy. You threatened to handcuff me—now I am about to liberate you. You must, however, be the bearer of some more important disclosures, which I have to communicate to your governor. They are contained in this letter and parcel;—as you value your life, deliver them safely.” I then sent him about his business.
The letter was as follows:—
“Mon General,
“When recently honoured with an interview, I pledged my word that, within eight-and-forty hours, your excellency should have the ears of Beltran Galindiz, if not the head of Blas El Ratonero.
“In performance of this promise, I herewith send the former; for I find that I have still further occasion for the services of the latter.
“Pray assure Monsieur Lavater (your sagacious secretary) of the high consideration in which I hold his extraordinary penetration; and, for yourself, accept the assurance of my earnest desire, that one so talented “may live a thousand years,” to command the forces opposed to
“Blas Maldonado.”
I will not weary you, Caballeros, with any further account of my military adventures, except to tell you that some eighteen months after this affair, whilst pursuing the enemy on his retreat from before Cadiz, a French officer was captured by my troop, and brought up for judgment.