He had barely completed this operation when he saw his mistake. He was in a trap. His force was no longer mobile. The enemy, protected by the barricades which he himself had raised, could prevent him from leaving the houses, while he, though the buildings to some extent commanded the barricades, was quite unable to bring to bear upon the enemy a fire destructive enough to drive them away. General Carabaño's intentions were soon clear. He ordered up Captain Espejo, and left him to hold the Jefe in check, while preparing himself to detach the rest of his men and press on by a flank march towards the centre of the city, which was practically undefended. This division of his force, which would have been hazardous in face of superior numbers, was perfectly safe in the unfortunate situation in which the Jefe was placed.
During these exciting moments Will had remained with the Jefe. That poor harassed man was in great distress of mind at having allowed himself thus to be cut off.
"How long will the steamer be?" he asked Will anxiously, standing at a window.
"It can't be far off, Excellency," replied Will. "Shall I go and hurry up the reinforcements?"
"It is a generous offer, señor, but impossible to carry out. You would certainly be shot."
"I am not so sure, Excellency. Captain Espejo's men are all beyond the barricades: the General is now some distance away; if you pour in a hot fire on the barricades when I slip out I think I might escape."
"You are a stranger, señor. You have no reason to imperil your life in our unhappy cause."
"But the very existence of my Company depends on your crushing General Carabaño, Excellency. I am willing to take the risk."
"I can say no more, señor. Give me a signal when you reach the door and I will do my best for you."
Will instantly ran down the stairs. He stood at the door for a moment to make sure that the street to the right was clear; then, shouting to the Jefe, he sprinted away. Instantly there was a rattle of musketry from the windows above. Will ran a few yards up the street, one or two bullets whizzing perilously close, then darted into an alley on his right and made at full speed towards the river.