"No, you won't; it's my venture. Stand aside, and give me room for a take-off. Remember me to the others if I go down."
"Wait," said I; "there's no need for you to go. We can put it to the test without risking life," and I hastily unslung the packet of provisions which hung over my shoulder.
"Bravo, Juan! that is a good dodge. Mind your aim, though!"
"All right," and raising the bundle, I swung it carefully to and fro, trying to gauge the distance. Then giving it an upward sweep, I let it go, and we watched breathlessly as it fell plump on the spot.
"Firm as a rock," cried Alzura. "Viva! now for the jump, my boy; it's easy enough."
"As long as we come down in the proper place. Stand back," and pulling myself together, I took the leap, landing close beside the bundle. This I picked up, and, telling Alzura to throw me the pole, proceeded to investigate.
"Is it all right?" he cried softly.
"Yes," said I, and stood back while he jumped across.
"Caramba!" said he, "that's a nasty bit well over!" and I noticed that his limbs trembled.
"All's well that ends well," I replied. "Come on, my boy; we've done the worst part, and the track's as plain as a pikestaff now. If we can reach the hill we came down months ago, 'twill be an easy matter to hide."