"Come," said don Diego, "señor don Adolfo, or whatever be your name, be kind enough to go first."
The adventurer obeyed without a word. Twenty-five or thirty soldiers attired in a rather fantastic uniform, mostly in rags, and resembling bandits, much more than honest soldiers, were waiting in the street.
These men were all well mounted and armed. In the midst of them were the Count de la Saulay, and his two servants under strict guard; a smile of joy lit up don Melchior's face at the sight of the gentleman; the latter did not deign to appear to notice his presence. A horse was prepared for don Adolfo; at a sign from don Diego he mounted, and placed himself of his own accord by the side of the count, with whom he shook hands. Don Melchior also mounted.
"Now, my friend," said don Diego, "a pleasant journey to you. I am going back to the government house."
"Good bye then," said Melchior, and the escort set out.
It was about two in the afternoon, the greatest heat of the day had passed, the shops were beginning to open again, and the tradesmen standing in the door watched the soldiers pass with a yawn. Don Melchior rode a few yards ahead of his troop; his demeanour was cold and sedate, he made vain efforts to restrain the joy which he experienced on at length having his implacable enemies in his hands. After they had ridden some distance from the town, the lieutenant who commanded the escort, approached don Melchior.
"Our men are fatigued," he said to him, "it is time to think about camping for the night."
"I am willing to do so," the other replied, "provided that the spot is a secure one."
"I know a few paces from here," the lieutenant continued, "a deserted rancho, where we shall be very comfortable."
"Let us go there then."