"Get me to the street. Be quick! The Indians will come."
Fear of Yoscolo gave spirit to the aborigines. They rushed down the stairs, one of them holding the lantern which they had taken time to refill and light. "Hands up!" they commanded in Spanish, presenting their weapons. "Hands up! or we'll shoot."
Brown seized one of the men by waist and neck and hurled him at the other. "O, talk United States!" he shouted.
The Indians fell headlong. Brown lifted the Captain to his shoulder and flew down the stairs. Several pistol shots missed aim, but no pursuit was attempted. Brown's performance probably looked like more "big medicine" to the Indians.
Soon the rescuer and his burden were outside.
"I've carried many a pig, Cap', but never down so many stairs to wunst. Where be ye hurt?"
"I'm better now. I think I can walk if you help me."
Brown assisted him along the way.
"Where were ye, Cap'? As near as I can jedge they're searchin' the whole country for ye."
"The men you saw were holding me captive."