My plan arranged, I sent for Jacobo, my lieutenant, and telling him that I was about to proceed secretly to El Burgo, with a view of ascertaining that every thing was going on corriente,[219] gave him a sealed packet containing instructions how to act, in the event of my absence being prolonged beyond eight and forty hours; until which time had expired, however, it was not to be opened. They were very brief, à saber[220]—Hang Pépé, and save yourself by a rapid flight to Zahara.
I then summoned Pépé to my presence, and informing him that the receipt of a very important communication, rendering it expedient that I should without loss of time consult my confederates Alonzo and Beltran, I was about to proceed forthwith to Gaucin; but, as it was essentially necessary that my absence should not be known to any one but himself, I directed him to meet me at a certain spot on the outskirts of the town in half an hour, bringing with him a fleet and sure-footed mule.
Stealing forth at the appointed time, I found Pépé at his post with every thing ready. He muttered something as I threw my leg across the saddle, about having lost my confidence; hoped I was not periling myself unnecessarily, and would be prudent, as without me the quadrilla would be like an olla sin tocino.[221]
“As to personal danger, Pépé,” I made answer, “dismiss your fears for me. As I told you before, I am only going to see my friends Beltran and Alonzo; but unless I see them this very night, our project to surprise Ronda must be abandoned.”
“Can you not,” he rejoined, “communicate this to them by letter? your presence here may be very necessary; I will be the bearer.”
“Impossible,” said I; “it may be necessary to alter the whole of our arrangements. Good night, my faithful Pépé; be assured you have my full confidence. Should my non-appearance to-morrow excite surprise, say I am unwell, and have given orders not to be disturbed; but if my absence exceed forty-eight hours, go to Jacobo, and tell him all you know of my movements. He is aware of the value I set upon you; and your head—in the situation in which he will then be placed—will be required by him. Once more adios y Pesetas! with this stout mule I trust I shall be able to reach Gaucin before midnight;” and putting spurs to the animal’s sides, I urged him rapidly down the steep acclivity of the Sierra Endrinal, taking the trocha to Cortes.
The dark shadows of the lofty impending mountain soon concealed my movements from observation, and quitting the beaten track, I struck into a path on the left hand, which is used only by the goatherds, and leads through a dense forest to Montejaque. Putting my animal to the utmost speed the bad road would admit, I reached that village in two hours.
Every inmate of the little Eagle’s nest was at my command. I found no difficulty, therefore, whilst a barber was robbing me of my mustaches and eyebrows, in getting my mule exchanged for a stout burro, my military costume for a tattered zamarra;[222] and thus metamorphosed, issued forth from the village. Descending by a rugged footpath to the river Guadiaro, and fording the stream a little above where a remarkable cavern, called the Cueva del Gato, overhangs its right bank, I made a wide circuit round Ronda, until I had gained the high road from that place to Gaucin; and then turning to the left (directing my ass’s head towards the French garrison), proceeded quietly along the road, until, on arriving at the commencement of the long suburb, which extends beyond the walls on the south side of the town, I fell in with an enemy’s piquet.
My business being demanded, I desired to be forthwith conducted to the commandant of the fortress, stating that I had information of the utmost consequence to communicate. “You have the look of one who has important disclosures to make,” observed the corporal of the party, pointing to a large rent in my cloak, whilst examining me from head to foot with a lantern; at which bon mot his men, as in duty bound, laughed very heartily. “You wish no doubt to make a clean breast before you are shot for a Judas!”
“Wit without discretion, my friend,” said I, “is like a sword in the hands of a fool. Great ends are sometimes gained by small means; so lead me to your officer without further parley, otherwise your shoulders will have to bear a heavy responsibility.”