bound?
Good. Can you tie him to this horse so that he cannot escape?"

"Yes, senor, if the chief wishes it. But, pardon me, senor, I have no
orders."

"Orders!" cried I angrily; "what would you? I have but just left the
chief; and is not this" (producing the silver key) "sufficient
authority? Am I to tell the chief that he must come himself for the
prisoner?"

"No, no, senor; but I am only a simple soldier. I must not open the
door unless my officer bids me."

"He is below," I said; "we cannot pass without his permission. And I
must hurry, or it will be too late. Quick, drag the fellow out and
bind him firmly on the horse; then come with me."

The sentry had no inkling of the truth, and, never dreaming that his
officer could be deceived, opened the door. Then the prisoner, whether
from fear or from cunning I could not tell, acted in such a manner that
no one would think I was helping him to escape.

He refused to stir an inch from his bench, and kicked vigorously when
the sentry tried to seize him. Then he yelled so loudly that the
officer came running up in alarm.

"The bird has no wish to leave his cosy nest," laughed he.--"Give me
the rope, Pedro, and get a gag; the chief won't want to hear that
music.--Now, senor, if you'll bear a hand we'll hoist him up.--Be
still, you villain, or you'll get a knock on the head.--Had not one of
my fellows better go with you to guard this wild beast, senor?"

Now, from the officer's point of view this was a very sensible
proposal, and one which I dared not oppose for fear of exciting
suspicion.

So I answered carelessly, "A good thought, and I am obliged to you;
though," with a laugh, "the prisoner won't be able to do much mischief
when you have finished with him."

"No, indeed; he'll be pretty clever if he can get these knots undone,"
replied the officer complacently.--"Now, the gag, Pedro. Quick, or
he'll spoil his voice in the night air.--There, my pretty bird! you
shall sing later on."

All this occupied time, and I was in dread lest dawn should break
before we left the ravine. Then we had to wait till Pedro had saddled
his horse; and I watched the sky anxiously. At last we were ready, and
bidding Pedro ride in front, I took leave of the unsuspecting officer.

"A safe journey," he cried. "I should like to know what Sorillo means
to do with the fellow."

"You'll hear all about it when the troops return," said I, laughing and
hurrying after Pedro.