“Yes,” replied Suarez, “five hundred dollars, and a good round sum it is. But should one get an arm shot off, or a leg disabled, in capturing the demonio, will the Captain allow anything extra for that, do you think?”
“Ah! I can’t say. I should fancy so.”
“Well, then, hear me, friend Suarez. I have no doubt it will be a good thing; and for you who are married and have a family to support, this five hundred dollars would be a windfall. I am single, and don’t require it. I am therefore willing to surrender my chance to you, and you can look for the Colonel by yourself.”
Saying this, the soldier stretched himself along the grass, and disposed himself for a sleep.
“For the last two nights,” continued he, “I haven’t had a wink, and I can’t keep my eyes open any longer. When you have captured the Colonel, come back and rouse me; but, whether you take him or no, mind you, good Suarez, come this way and wake me before daylight—else I may sleep too long.”
“Coward!” exclaimed Suarez, “I shall keep on without you, and get the reward for myself.”
The answer to these remarks was a loud snore, for Suarez’ comrade had fallen asleep on the instant.
Of the ten enemies of Don Rafael three had thus withdrawn themselves from the pursuit.
Two others, at no great distance off, held the following conversation.
“Santissima!” exclaimed one, looking up to the sky. “Did you ever see a moon so ridiculously clear? This Royalist Colonel, if hidden about here, cannot fail to see us.”