“Thus, then. Lead the horses out the back way, through the garden—can you swim them across the stream?”
“Nothing easier, my lady.”
“Good! Through the garden take them then. Stay!”
At this she cast her eyes toward the entrance of the long alley leading to the garden, which was directly opposite to, and visible from, the zaguan. Unless the portero were asleep, he could not fail to see four horses passing out in that way—dark as was the night. Here, then, a new difficulty presented itself.
Suddenly starting, she seemed to have thought of a way to overcome it.
“Andres, it will do. You go to the zaguan. See whether he be asleep. Go up boldly. If asleep, well; if not enter into conversation with him. Get him to open the little door and let you out. Wile him upon the street, and by some means keep him there. I shall lead out the horses.”
This was plausible, and the groom prepared himself for a strategic encounter with the portero.
“When sufficient time has elapsed, steal after me to the garden. See that you manage well, Andres. I shall double your reward. You go with me—you have nothing to fear.”
“Señorita, I am ready to lay down my life for you.”
Gold is powerful. Gold had won the stout Andres to a fealty stronger than friendship. For gold he was ready to strangle the portero on the spot.