“Agreed! And don’t suppose that I’m going to earn the reward without some risk. Carrambo! I’m staking my life against it! Silencio, señores!” he continued in a commanding tone, “Hay Moros en la costa! I must listen a bit before it will be safe to proceed.”
We had released the brigand from his ropes, and conducted him inside the hut.
As soon as he had entered it, he stole cautiously to the back door; and, placing himself behind one of the jambs, remained for some seconds listening.
I had given orders that no one should make a noise. There was none heard except the hoarse cataract and the shrill caracara.
“Esta bue no!” he at length ejaculated. “The Moors are gone—the coast is clear.”
“It is?” I mechanically asked.
“Sin duda, señor. My camarados have taken their departure. If you wish to cross to the other side there will be no danger now.”
“We wish it! Quick! Show us the way!”
“Nos vamos!”
The bandit, stepping out upon the ledge—that served as a sort of sill to the back door of the cabin—knelt down upon it.