“Are you going far, señor?” inquired Gahra.
“To the llanos.”
“By Los Teycos?”
“Yes. We shall easily steal through Los Teycos, and I know of a place in the forest beyond, where we can hide during the day.”
“Pardon me for venturing to contradict you, señor; but I fear you will not find it very easy to steal through Los Teycos. For three days it has been held by a company of infantry and all the outlets are strictly guarded. No civilian unfurnished with a safe conduct from the captain-general is allowed to pass.”
“Caramba! We are between two fires, it seems. Well, we must make a dash for it. The sentries cannot stop us, and we can gallop through before they turn out the guard.”
“The horses will be very tired by that time, señor, and the troopers can get fresh mounts at Los Teycos. But I know a way—”
“The Indian trail! Do you know the Indian trail?”
“Yes, sir. I know the Indian trail, and I can take you to a place in the forest where there is grass and water and game, and we shall be safe from pursuit as long as we like to stay.”
“How far off?”