“Neither have I. So let us go on like peaceable travellers, and the chances are that these men, taking for granted that the others have let us pass, will not meddle with us. If they do, we must make the best fight we can.”
“A happy thought! Let us act on it. If they ask any questions I will answer. Your English accent might excite suspicion.”
The party before us consisted of nine horsemen, several of whom appeared to be officers.
“Buene noche, señores,” said Carmen, so soon as we were within speaking distance.
“Buene noche, señores. You have met the troops, of course. How far are they ahead?” asked one of the officers.
“The main body are quite a league ahead by this time. The pack-mules and arrieros passed us about fifteen minutes ago.”
“Gracias! Who are you, and whither may you be wending, señores?”
“I am Sancho Mencar, at your service, señor coronel, a Government messenger, carrying despatches to General Salazar, at La Victoria. My companion is Señor Tesco, a merchant, who is journeying to the same place on business.”
“Good! you can go on. You will meet two troopers who are bringing on a prisoner. Do me the favor to tell them to make haste.”
“Certainly, señor coronel. Adios, señores.”